Rules of Conduct

There are some courtesy rules and rules of conduct in a Karate Dojo. People from the western hemisphere sometimes have problems to understand some of these rules at the beginning of their Karate study. But it is important to pay attention to these rules. In a Martial Arts class techniques will be practiced which could do major harm to the partner, if they aren't performed with the necessary focus.

Be on time for class schedule

Bow on entering and leaving the Dojo, as well as before any partner excercise.

Wear a white and clean uniform, without patches and lettering.

Don't wear an undershirt (except women).

Bind your belt before entering the Dojo. Use the correct knot.

Don't wear shoes, watches or jewelry during class.

Pay attention to hygiene. Especially shorten your toe and fingernails. Keep the Dojo clean.

Don't open or close windows without permission of your teacher.

No unnecessary talking and no loud laughing during class. Keep quiet during sitting down.

Sit down on the ground, don't lean on the wall.

Don't leave the Dojo during class without permission of the teacher.

Don't practice free sparring without permission.

Don't eat, drink or smoke inside the Dojo.

Pay attention to the orders of your teacher.

Respect your teacher and any partner. Be courteous and helpful.

Bowing is a way to show respect and also has some symbolic meaning,  you should bow on entering and leaving the Dojo. With the entering  Bow in Dojo you state that the daily routine ends here, and now you concentrate solely on Karate. Similarly, with the bow on leaving, you state that the Karate training is now finished.

At start and end of the class.
At the beginning and end of the class, the students are bowing to the teacher and the teacher to the students. Through the bow the students state their respect for the authority and person of the teacher. Also the teacher states his respect for his students.

Before and after a partner exercise.
The partners bow together. This shows that they respect each other regardless of age, race or personal differences. This states also that they would pay attention to their techniques, so that the partner will not be endangered.