By: Jason Kraus
I have visited many different dojos across the United States, South Korea, and Japan, for seminars and special training sessions.
I have learned a few good lessons about how to behave in those spaces. Maybe someday, when you are traveling to new dojos and exchanging lessons with new friends, these lessons can be of use to you.
How you present yourself matters.
First impressions can last a lifetime and are difficult to change. Decorum matters, especially in traditional martial systems. Sometimes you represent more than just yourself. Do your best, for yourself and for everyone who follows in your footsteps.
Make sure your dogi is clean and smooth.
While ironing your gi may not be necessary, a crumpled dogi suggests that you don’t care about your karate and more importantly, don’t respect the sensei or your fellow karateka. Again, presentation matters.
Bow toward the shomen (front) of the dojo when you enter the training space and when you leave the training space. This demonstrates respect for the space and everything therein. Do this even when alone.
Always show kindness, respect, and care for your fellow karateka. Harming your fellow karateka through inattention or lack of care should never be tolerated.
A moment of inattention can cause great and permanent harm.
Warmup and stretch during the quiet time before class starts. Never assume that there will be a warmup period during class. A proper warmup helps you remain healthy and ready to push your limits.
If at all possible, practice being comfortable in seiza, with a firm, upright posture. Know how to bow while in seiza (from the hips, not the waist) and how to rise from seiza (spine upright, do not lean forward).
Small details like this matter especially in traditional environments. A great deal about a budoka can be learned by watching them bow.
Before kumite, bowing toward your partner with an upraised chin is traditionally disrespectful and is bad karate. Bow from the hips and keep your spine straight. If your posture is good, this means your chin will dip to remain in line with the spine.
Your eyes can remain on the opponent, but keep the chin inline with the spine.
Avoid retreating to the back of the class or hiding amongst other students during class. Doing so demonstrates a lack of confidence and worse, a lack of interest. This is especially true for black belts.
Black belts are the heart and soul of any dojo and where the culture of the dojo is demonstrated. Practice courage. Demonstrate spirit.
When visiting another dojo, watch what the sempais do and follow the behaviors they demonstrate. The sempais of any dojo are often the ones that take protocol and decorum most seriously.
They feel like it is their dojo (it is) and every student there represents their dojo, martial style, and method of training. Follow their lead.
When sitting, use seiza or cross-legged only. Extending your legs forward toward the shomen and showing the bottoms of your feet to your sensei can be disrespectful in traditional dojos and should be avoided.
If your belt keeps slipping or the knot repeatedly becomes untied, loosen the knot then dab a bit of water where the edges of the fabric form the knot. Pull the knot tight again. It should stick tight.
Questions on technique during a seminar or special training should always be directed to the sensei or the sensei’s helpers. Go to the source. Many black belts want to share their knowledge, which is great but better is to ask the sensei directly.
Some dojos take this extremely seriously. Black belts should be mindful of this before they offer guidance. A question to the sensei is an opportunity for everyone to learn.
Go to the bathroom before class. If you must use the bathroom during class time, always wash your hands before returning to class. Failure to do so is both disgusting and disrespectful. Best is to not go to the bathroom during class time if you can help it.
Practice is rarely longer than one hour.
Do not take breaks to check your phone.
Do not take breaks for water.
Unless you are training in direct summer sunlight, your body does not need additional hydration, and you are likely just looking for an excuse to take a break. Karate training is in part about learning to overcome psychological and physical limitations and that voice in your head that seeks shortcuts or whines for the easy way out.
While training, thirst and hunger are temporary and not life threatening, so ignore their demands. It is good to learn to control your temporary impulses and to deny that voice in your head. Doing so makes you psychologically stronger and more resilient, which will pay great dividends in your life outside of the dojo.
Lastly, do not expect any special privilege because of your belt rank or because you are a visitor. Remain humble always.
Related: Mokuso - Your Karate Starts Here
Jason Kraus is a lifelong martial artist. Jason spent decades in various martial arts including traveling to and living in both Japan and Korea. He has most recently returned to his first love, Shotokan Karate.
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