Dojo Rules and Dojo Kun - Kyokushin Karate Sydney North Shore

These are common rules and etiquette generally observed in karate dojos.

The reason we have these rules is that karate places great importance on respect - respect for your training partners, the dojo, the equipment, and everything involved in your training.

It is also important to maintain good posture and discipline at all times during training. This is because your physical posture can influence your mental attitude. Standing upright, facing forward, and remaining still helps you develop the focus and mindset needed to take your training seriously.

General Dojo Etiquette

When entering or leaving the dojo or competition area, always bow. It is also common to say Osu when you bow.
When leaving your position in a line, walk behind other students rather than passing in front of them.
Whenever the instructor gives you an instruction, always respond with Osu.
If you arrive late for training, first kneel in seiza facing away from the front of the dojo and remain there until the instructor gives you permission to join the class.
When standing and watching training, do not lean against a wall, chair, or anything else. Stand properly in Fudo-dachi.
When the instructor is speaking, remain in Fudo-dachi unless you are instructed otherwise.
If you need to adjust your karate gi or belt during training, turn away from the front of the dojo and from your training partner.
If you are asked to sit during training, first sit in seiza. Do not change to a more relaxed sitting position until the instructor gives you permission.
Do not throw or carelessly drop training equipment such as gloves, pads, or mitts. Treat all training equipment with respect.
Your karate gi should be folded neatly and placed properly in your bag after training.
When the instructor gives a command such as “line up,” “seiza,” or asks you to move to another position, move quickly. Do not walk slowly or casually.

Why wait when arriving late?
This shows respect for the people who are already training and avoids interrupting the class. Traditionally in Japan, dojos are often small and there may be very little space between students. You cannot simply walk into the line, so you wait for the instructor to tell you when and where to join.

礼 Rei - Bowing After Training

After training, we perform Rei (bowing).

Rei does not only mean "thank you"; it also has a strong meaning of respect. Therefore, it is important to show respect to everyone involved in the training that day.

Usually, the instructor leads the following three bows. The exact order or wording may vary depending on the dojo or the instructor.

Led by the Instructor

Shomen ni Rei Bow to the front of the dojo and everything the dojo represents.

Sosai ni Rei Bow to the founder.

Hanshi ni Rei Bow to the head of the organisation.

Led by the Student at the Front Right

Sensei ni Rei Bow to the teachers.

Senpai ni Rei Bow to the black belts and senior students.

Otagai ni Rei Bow to each other.

Domo arigatou gozaimashita

A very polite and formal expression meaning "thank you very much."

The Spirit of Osu (押忍)

"Osu" is more than a greeting or response. In Kyokushin Karate, it represents respect, patience, perseverance, and the willingness to push through difficulty.

We say "Osu" to acknowledge our instructors and training partners, but more importantly, we demonstrate the spirit of Osu through our attitude and actions.

道場訓 - Dojo OathDojo Kun

We will train our hearts and bodies for a firm, unshaking spirit.

一、吾々は、心身を錬磨し、確固不抜の心技を極めること

Hitotsu, ware ware wa, shinshin o renmashi, kak-ko fubatsu no shingi o kiwameru koto.

We will pursue the true meaning of the Martial Way, so that in time our senses may be alert.

一、吾々は、武の神髄を究め、機に発し感に敏なること

Hitotsu, ware ware wa, bu no shinzui o kiwame, ki ni hasshi, kan ni bin naru koto.

With true vigour, we will seek to cultivate a spirit of self denial.

一、吾々は、質実剛健を以て、克己の精神を涵養すること

Hitotsu, ware ware wa, shitsujitsu goken o mot-te, jiko no seishin o kanyo suru koto.

We will observe the rules of courtesy, respect our superiors, and refrain from violence.

一、吾々は、礼節を重んじ、長上を敬し粗暴の振舞いを慎むこと

Hitotsu, ware ware wa, reisetsu o omonji, sobo no furumai o tsutsushimu koto.

We will follow our religious principles, and never forget the true virtue of humility.

一、吾々は、神仏を尊び、謙譲の美徳を忘れざること

Hitotsu, ware ware wa, shinbutsu o totobi, kenjo no bitoku o wasurezaru koto.

We will look upwards to wisdom and strength, not seeking other desires.

一、吾々は、智性と体力とを向上させ、事に臨んで過たざること

Hitotsu, ware ware wa, chisei to tairyoku to o kojo sase, koto ni nozonde ayamatazaru koto.

All our lives, through the discipline of karate, we will seek to fulfil the true meaning of the Kyokushin Way.

一、吾々は、生涯の修行を空手の道に通じ、極真の道を全うすること

Hitotsu, ware ware wa, shogai no shugyo o karate no michi ni tsuji, Kyokushin no michi o mat-to suru koto.