A lot of what we do in the dojo is done for a reason. Dojo etiquette was designed to help the individual student of karate in their training and understanding of kyokushin. Dojo etiquette consists of common sense, normal polite behaviour and old traditions.

Dojo etiquette can vary from country to country but is always made up of the same basic concepts. There must be no compromise in the practice of dojo etiquette, like for example ignoring some procedures due to laziness. Dojo etiquette can even support us in our daily lives.

There are many unwritten rules which we learn by observing other students of karate and in this way we develop through our own initiative and common sense.

To ignore dojo etiquette, dojo kun and Sosai’s eleven mottos is tantamount to ignoring the very essence of kyokushin itself.

1. When you go into or leave the dojo, you must turn to the main wall, bow and say OSU. Then you turn to the other students in the dojo, bow and say OSU again.

2. All greetings use the word OSU which is the international kyokushin greeting. OSU shall be said loudly and clearly. OSU can be used to show the instructor that you have understood what he or she has said and must always be used instead of other words to show that you have understood.

3. When you come late for a training session, bow in the normal way, sit down in the seiza position with your back turned towards the students. Close your eyes in mokuso. When the trainer gives you the OK, continue sitting in Seiza and bow again whilst saying OSU then quickly join in the training.

4. Before you go into the dojo your uniform must be clean and tidy and the belt must be tied.

5. No student is allowed to leave the dojo without first having asked permission from the trainer.

6. It is not permitted to eat, chew gum, smoke, drink, sing or whistle in the dojo.

7. Ensure that your toenails and finger nails are always clear and cut short in order to avoid injuries. Make sure that your feet, nails and hands are washed and clean before training. During the session you often work closely with others and no one wants to train with someone who is dirty or who smells unpleasant. For this reason you must keep your uniform washed and clean.

8. If you have a mobile phone you must always turn it off before you go into the dojo.

9. You must not wear jewellery during training. This is partly to ensure safety and partly because everyone must be dressed the same.

10. Shoes are not allowed in a training session.

11. In the dojo you must always behave politely and listen attentively to the instructor’s directions. Do not waste your own or others’ time by not taking the training seriously. Always show respect for karate.

12. When you need to adjust your uniform or tie your belt you must always sit in seiza.

13. It is not permitted to talk during training. If you want to ask something you must always put up your hand and wait until the instructor says you may ask your question.

14. Line up is always in belt order. The highest graded stands at the far right.

15. Always address your instructor as Sempai, Sensei or Shihan. Do not use their first name.