Etiquette and traditions

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=100 BGCOLOR="#CCCCFF" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="04000640egdysm.jpg"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000066" FACE="Arial" ><B>Go-Kan-Ryu </B></FONT><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000099" FACE="Arial" ><B> </B></FONT><B>    |     </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="GoKanRyu "><U><B>home</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id2.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="History"><U>History</U></A>   |   <B>Etiquette and traditions</B>   |   <A HREF="id4.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Grading Criteria"><U>Grading Criteria</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id15.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Contact GKR Australia"><U>Contact GKR - Australia</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id16.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Links"><U>Links</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id17.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Guestbook"><U>Guestbook</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id18.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Dojos"><U>Dojos</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id19.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Pics"><U>Pics</U></A></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=200 BGCOLOR="#0000BF" TEXT="#F7F7FF"> <div> <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="GoKanRyu "><U><B>Home</B></U></A></div> </td> <td valign="top" height=380 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <I>Etiquette and traditions</I></div> <div>           </div> <div> <B>G-K-R KARATE AUSTRALIA</B></div> <div> <B><U>Etiquette and Traditions</U></B><B>              (GO-KAN-RYU)</B></div> <bR> <div> Karate training would not be complete without the practice of etiquette. I was brought up in the karate world to value etiquette, as it helps set rules and "policy" on how to act in a karate dojo. It helps to establish a right order and way of doing things and I believe, particularly in children, develops discipline and respect.</div> <div> The dojo (training hall)is, for the purpose of karate training, considered <FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >“</FONT>sacred ground". I say that not in an over heavy sense. You are to bow as you come through the door as a symbolic gesture of humility and with an attitude of willingness to train hard and follow the instructor without argument and, in fact, to respect the instructor and, therefore enhance his position in the dojo. You bow at the door when you leave the dojo.</div> <div> Should you need to leave during the class, you move to the side of the group (walking behind other students) get the instructors attention and bow, then leave. When returning whilst the class is in session, or if you've arrived late, stand to the side, get the instructors attention, bow, then return from the rear to the class.</div> <div> During the free time break you should whilst still in the dojo, not sit on chairs. If you need to sit, sit on the floor</div> <div> A lower graded student should not ask a higher graded student to spar (kumite).</div> <div> There should be no contact during sparring and the lower graded student should be especiallv careful not to make contact on the higher grade. Contact due to carelessness is a serious offence.</div> <div> A student must not "push” for a higher grading. Whilst he/she may ask if they are ready for a higher grading, he/she must accept the instructors decision.</div> <div> If you do sustain an injury in the dojo you should, as much as possible. control showing pain and definitely not look for sympathy. Should the injury occur during kumite, if it wasn't too serious an injury, you should continue sparring.</div> <div> You bow before sparring, approximately 3 meters apart. You should maintain a good attitude toward your partner. On one hand he/she is your opponent and you are to spar as seriously, or as lightly, as directed by your instructor. At the same time he/she is a colleague and you should be careful not to make contact due to neglect or carelessness.</div> <div> Food should not be eaten in the dojo. There should be no loud talking or unnecessary noise.</div> <div> As much as possible you should be early enough at the dojo to register in and spend some time stretching and loosening. If possible 15 minutes, or earlier, before class starts.</div> <div> Students who have karate umforms (gi) should wear them. No T-shirts under jackets (except females).</div> <div> No jewellery to be worn e.g. watches, chains or rings. Wedding rings to be taken of if possible.</div> <div> Finger and toe nails to be kept well manicured and clean in the dojo.</div> <div> Probably the most important aspect, more than etiquette, is the respect and loyalty to be shown to the instructor and the willingness to co-operate and follow the flow of the instructors wishes. You may be asked to assist e.g. in teaching a class or part of a class occassionally. Consider this an honour and a way for you to develop more confidence, expand your skills, personality and character.</div> <bR> <div> The Chief Instructor is to be addressed as: Shihan (Master Instructor)</div> <div> Local or other Instructors are to be addressed as: Sensei (teacher)</div> <div> Assistant Instructor is to be addressed as: Sempai (assistant teacher)</div> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>