Dojo Rules
Follow the instructions of your sensei, instructors, and senior students diligently. Failure to do so will result in you being asked to leave the class.
Traditional martial arts begin and end with respect. Bow when entering or leaving the dojo to indicate respect for your school.
Respect yourself and others. Keep yourself and your uniform clean at all times.
Careless and thoughtless acts have no place in a dojo. Refrain from horseplay.
Practice in a studious manner. If you need to rest, do so without disrupting class. No leaning against walls.
No gum chewing or candy during class. This becomes a choking hazard.
All relationships in the dojo; student to student or student to teacher, must be reinforced by respect and courtesy.
YOU are responsible for making good use of your time in the dojo. Also, YOU are responsible for your own actions. Keep your conduct under control both inside and outside the dojo*.
Alcohol and Tobacco are prohibited. No smoking during class or drinking before or during class regardless of age.
Knoxville Uechiryu Karate School is a place where everyone is welcome regardless of Age, Sex, religious beliefs, Race, sexual orientation, political leaning or other differences. Bullying or discourtesy toward anyone in or associated with our school can result in expulsion from our school
You should be aware that any use of karate, in a fight or as a threat, unless forced upon you by someone else, may result in expulsion from class
Personal etiquette in the Dojo
Report any injuries promptly.
Always be polite, courteous, and honest.
Always train diligently, consistently, and to the best of your ability.
Never walk in front of your seniors or others who are training.
Be helpful and show understanding to newer students.
Remove all jewelry before beginning class.
Always keep fingernails and toenails trimmed and clean.
Do not be idle.
Keep yourself busy. Stretch or practice.
The Bow:
The bow is a traditional Asian way of showing respect. Respect is an important part of traditional styles of karate and we use bowing in our training just as the Asian people have done for centuries.
When to Bow:
Bow when you enter or exit the dojo to show respect for the school
Bow to the sensei or instructor at the beginning and end of classesBow to your partner at the start and finish of two person exercises
Bow when addressing instructors, senior students, or your sensei
The etiquette of the bow is;
When bowing to another student when beginning an exercise or sparring, you should maintain eye contact. This indicates that there is no difference in position and that there is no major difference in rank.
When bowing to a senior student, a teacher or sensei, or an assistant instructor, you should not maintain eye contact, and should look at the floor during the bow. This shows respect for your sensei, instructor, or senior student.
At the end of class, your sensei will say to you: “Go Kura Sama”, which means “Thank you for working hard.” You will reply to your sensei: “Domo Arigato Gozai Mashite”, which means “Thank you very much for teaching me.”