These rules are designed to help with the smooth running of the dojo. Many of these procedures are common sense, many are plain good manners, and most are modeled on the traditions of Japan, the home of modern karate. In Kyokushin dojos around the world, there is a strict adherence to tradition, yet there is also compromise where appropriate. Attitudes vary from nation to nation, so rule variations also exist. There is no justification for laziness or disregard for rules because of it. The dojo is a sacred place...treat it as such. It is not merely a gym or any old training centre. Take care of it and take pride in your dojo, treating it as you would any place of reverence. Karate is easily mistaken for nothing more than a rough and demanding sport, serving little purpose except to teach its participants to injure others in very distasteful ways.
No one is above the common courtesies expressed in the dojo rules. Often a senior student becomes too familiar with the dojo and his peers, and finds humor in his disregard for the dojo rules. Always remember that all karate-ka, whether black belt or beginner, train in the same dojo on the same floor. All practice the same techniques and aspire toward the same ideals. Therefore all are governed by these same rules of etiquette.
1. When entering or leaving the dojo, always face the front, bow and say Osu. Then face the general direction of the other students in the class, bow and say Osu again.
2. When late to class, kneel facing the back of the class in seiza. Wait with your eyes closed in mokuso. When acknowledged, remain in seiza and bow, saying "shitsurei shimasu" (excuse me for being late). Stand, turn to the front of the dojo and bow once again with a strong Osu, and quickly join the back of the class. Students who are late for class should try harder to be on time.
3. Do not remove any part of your dogi during training without being told to do so.
4. Do not eat, chew gum, smoke or drink in the dojo.
5. When asked to proceed to a position, or when lining up at the beginning of training or for some reason during training, always move as quickly as possible. Do not stroll.
6. Never practice kumite unless an instructor is present. When practicing kumite with a black belt, do your very best, but show respect for the rank. If you think you can go harder then do so, but remember that they have your lower rank in mind while they are sparring and so they will not be fighting their hardest.
7. Do not ask a higher grade for kumite. You should not refuse however if you are asked by a senior grade.
8. Do not break rank for any reason without permission from the instructor. Never walk between rows or between the instructor and those training. If you must leave your position, walk behind the row you are in to either side of the class and proceed from there.
9. Address your instructor as Sempai, Sensei or Shihan as the case may be. Do not address an instructor by their first name in class.
10. Do not swear, laugh, giggle, talk, lounge or act inattentively during training. Treat your training seriously...it is not a laughing matter. A karate-ka is always alert and well behaved. Possession of a senior grade (especially a black belt) is not your ticket to relaxation and familiarity in the dojo. Do not waste your time and everyone else's if you are not prepared to treat your training and your fellow karate-ka with respect and the seriousness deserved. This includes leaving before the end of training. Unless directed by the instructor, a student should remain in the class until completion of the final bow-out. Abuse of this rule will not be tolerated.
11. Kneel on your right knee to adjust or re-tie your belt. Turn to the right, away from the front of the class, or from your partner if you are working with someone, to adjust your dogi. Learn to respect your belt as a symbol of your efforts in training.
12. Your dogi must be washed clean and should be neat at all times. Your belt should be aired dry, but never washed as it symbolically contains the spirit of your hard training.
13. Listen carefully to the instructor's directions. Remember that the instructor will not ask you to do what he or she may think you cannot do. Acknowledge all instructions with a strong Osu.
14. The instructor, whoever it may be, should be treated with the respect that you yourself would expect as common courtesy. If you cannot find it in you to show respect to a person who is taking their time to teach you, then you do not belong in a karate dojo. Never question his/her direction. Never speak in class unless asked by the instructor. Such obedience develops a bond of trust between the instructor and student, which improves mutual receptivity, simplifying and speeding the learning process.
15. For the sake of safety and neatness, do not wear jewelry during training or when you are wearing your dogi.
16. Keep your toenails and fingernails clean and cut short at all times. Always be sure your feet, nails and hands are washed clean for training. In training you often work closely with others. Nobody likes to train with someone who is dirty.
17. Be sure to go to the toilet prior to training. An accidental blow to a full bladder can be extremely dangerous. Try also to remember that it is not good for the body to train on a full stomach, so avoid eating for at least one hour before class starts.
