Reishiki - Dojo Etiquette and Formality

The dojo is the place where we learn both the spirit and technique of Budo.  Etiquette is an integral part of Budo and without it we would be practicing nothing more than violence.  The more training a person receives, the more calm, dignified and humble the karateka should become.  The beginner must practice etiquette in order to make him/herself a better person.

We must not enter the dojo with malice or antagonism, because this can lead to dangerous accidents or death.  When we are in the dojo, we must feel purposeful and alert.

The bow is the focal point for this feeling.  The student should stop and bow when entering or leaving the dojo.  Kyu ranks should bow once to Shomen and again if dan ranks are present.  Dan ranks should bow once to the Shomen and again if the Sensei is present.

The command to line up for bowing to begin or end a class in our dojo is "Seiretsu" or "Kiritsu."  When lining up for the bow, senior students line up on the right facing Shomen (and/or Kamiza) with students lining up to left in order of rank.  This is for efficiency and to show respect for seniors.  The command to kneel for a seated bow in our dojo is "Seiza."  There may be a short meditation period before bows.  This will be indicated by the command "Mokuso."  There are three bows both at the start and at the end of training.  When bowing the first bow, "Shomen ni Rei, or Shinzen ni Rei" the student should have a deep respect for the masters throughout time who have created and continued Budo to the point where the student can now make it an important part of his or her life.  When bowing the second bow, "Sensei ni Rei," the student should be showing deep respect for his or her instructor and the instructor will be feeling respect for his or her teachers.  The third bow, "Otagai ni Rei," is a promise to train hard and with purpose while respecting fellow students.  At the end of training, the first two bows mean the same, but the third bow will be to express thanks for the training and that for now he has had enough training.  It should be noted that these bows are not to be considered religious in nature, but are an important part of the "Reishiki" which is focused etiquette and is essential to Budo.

In reply to corrections to the group or to the student personally, one should say "Hai" aloud.  This indicates that the student understands and will take note.  This is important as the intensity of the training may make a student miss an important point.  The loud response of "Hai" lets the instructor know that the student has heard and understood the instruction.  Some dojo use the word "Osu" as a greeting or affirmation, but this is sometimes considered rude and we do not use this in our dojo.

During class, the student should move quickly on the commands and in lining up so that no time is wasted.  Students should try to maintain lines when moving with techniques, as this enables the instructor to see better and make corrections.  Also, students should try to maintain the same timing and rhythm of the class.  This will aid the student in learning correct emphasis and speed of techniques.  Senior students are placed at the front of the class to provide examples for the other students.

This article was adapted from U.S. Wado Karatedo Federation handbook, authored by D. Jepperson, et al.