Shotokan Karate Dojo Etiquette Guide

A complete beginner‑friendly guide to traditional Shotokan etiquette, based on Japan Karate Association (JKA) standards and the lineage of Sensei Enoeda and Master Funakoshi.

Introduction

Welcome to the traditional world of Shotokan Karate. Etiquette (reishiki) is a fundamental part of karate training — it ensures respect, order, and a positive learning environment. This guide explains the etiquette we follow at our JKA‑style dojo in Flackwell Heath, based on the traditions passed down from Master Funakoshi and Sensei Enoeda.

Respect and the Dojo Environment

Respect is the foundation of dojo etiquette. We show respect through bowing, polite greetings, attentive posture, humility, and sincerity. The dojo is treated as a place of learning and self‑improvement — keep it clean, behave calmly, and maintain focus at all times.

Personal presentation is also part of etiquette: clean gi, trimmed nails, tied hair, no jewellery, and good hygiene. Arrive early enough to change and prepare before class begins.

Bowing (Rei) and Greetings

Bow when entering or leaving the dojo. Bow at the start and end of class, bow to partners before and after training, and bow when approaching or leaving an instructor. Respond to instructions with a clear “Oss” to show acknowledgment and spirit.

Addressing Instructors and Seniors

Instructors are addressed as “Sensei.” Senior students are “Sempai,” juniors are “Kohai.” Use polite language, listen attentively, and never interrupt. Bow before asking questions and before stepping away.

Behaviour During Training

Arrive on time. If late, kneel at the edge of the floor and wait for permission to join. During class, maintain focus, avoid casual talking, and follow commands promptly. Stand or kneel attentively during explanations.

Control your techniques during partner work. If you accidentally strike someone, bow and apologise immediately. Never show anger — self‑control is essential.

Dojo Procedures

Bow when entering. Line up by rank. Ask permission before leaving the floor. At the end of class, bow formally, thank your partners, and leave calmly.

The Dojo Kun is often recited:

• Seek perfection of character
• Be faithful
• Endeavour
• Respect others
• Refrain from violent behaviour

Japanese Terms and Traditions

Students gradually learn Japanese terms such as Rei (bow), Oss, Onegaishimasu, Sensei, Sempai, Kohai, Gi, Obi, Shomen, Seiza, Mokuso, Kiai, Yoi, Hajime, and Yame. These terms preserve tradition and ensure clarity.

Uniform and Appearance

Wear a clean white gi with belt. Train barefoot. Fix your gi facing away from the front, then bow before rejoining. Maintain good hygiene and avoid strong fragrances.

Concluding Etiquette

At the end of class, thank the instructor and bow. Etiquette is not about strict rules — it is about respect, safety, discipline, and honouring the traditions of Shotokan Karate.

Oss!

Areas We Serve

We provide traditional Shotokan Karate classes for children and adults across High Wycombe and the surrounding areas.

• Flackwell Heath
• Loudwater
• Wooburn Green
• Wooburn Common
• Bourne End
• Penn
• Tylers Green
• High Wycombe
• Hazlemere
• Holmer Green
• Downley
• Great Kingshill
• Beaconsfield
• Taplow
• Naphill
• Walters Ash
• Totteridge
• Prestwood
• Great Missenden
• Cookham
• Marlow
• Maidenhead
• Burnham
• Seer Green
• Hughenden Valley
• Gerrards Cross
• Farnham Common
• Chalfont St Peter
• Chalfont St Giles
• Slough