"Karate begins and ends with respect."

Dojo Etiquette is at the heart of Karate to ensure that we have order, respect and courtesy in training.

Greeting:

• A student with a belt higher than you should be addressed as "Kohai" (Ko-Hi).
  
• A blackbelt with 1 or 2 yellow stripes is addressed as Senpai. 
  
• A blackbelt with 3 or 4 yellow stripes is addressed as Sensei.
  
• A blackbelt with 5-6 stripes is addressed as Shihan.

Entering:

• When entering or leaving the Dojo you must bow and say "Osu."
  
• If a black belt is in the room, you should say Osu! twice.
  
• You should greet the senior belt in the room first and then greet all other students with an Osu! and a bow. This is to show friendship and respect.

Arriving Late:

• You should always arrive punctually as this is a gesture of respect.
  
• If arriving late, you should bow when entering the Dojo and kneel at the back of the Dojo and wait for the instructor to invite you to join the class. The goal is to minimise disruption to the class.
  
• You should not arrive late and then automatically take a position in the class or begin explaining your lateness. 

Dress:

• A Gi should always be worn in training with the correct belt.
  
• Jewellery, rings, necklaces and watches should be removed.
  
• Piercings should be removed, for those that can't be removed, they should be covered with a plaster to prevent them from being torn out or injured.

During Training:

• When something is being explained, you should stand in Fudo Dachi to show your attentiveness.
  
• Do not talk with others when something is being explained.
  
• When asking a question, first bring your attention to the instructor by saying "Osu" first, avoid shouting out a question.

Training in the Kihon:

• The kihon takes place in a line with the senior belts on the right. 
  
• The line should be straight.
  
• The senior belt on the right establishes the tempo of the exercise.
  
• Your Gi should be correctly arranged and you should always have your belt secured.
  
• If you need to adjust your belt, wait until an exercise has finished and turn towards the back to adjust your belt. Never adjust your Gi while directly facing the instructor or other students. 
  
• Do not begin or end an exercise until instructed to.
  
• In the Kihon, when completing a technique, everyone must should Osu! after each technique. After the tenth movement has been completed all must should Ciai!.
  
• When asking a question, you should raise your hand and say "Osu!"

Kumite:

• All students should wear gloves and shinpads for kumite unless instructed not to.
  
• In a Kumite exercise, everyone must line up in two rows with their partner in front. Shields when used should always be on the same side.
  
• Do not begin to fight or exercise until the instructor says Haijme. 
  
• Sparring or a training drill must finish when the instructor says Noari.
  
• If your opponent asks you to go easier, you must respect their wish.

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Terminology:

Osu! 
Used to confirm understanding.
Used to greet and used to compliment or show respect to an opponent.
The word Osu literally means "patience."

Haijme!
Used to announce the beginning of an exercise.

Noari!
Used to announce the end of an exercise.

Ciai!
Usually with a loud Eiiii sound. This is used to encourage a strong spirit during training exercises.
In the Kihon it is used after turning.

Fudo Dach!
This is the ready position. It also shows attentiveness. 

Seisa!
This is the command given for students to kneel at the start and end of training.

Mukso!
This is the command to meditate / concentrate. Eyes are usually partially closed.