Dojo Etiquette - What Is It All Aboutt?

Dojo etiquette - the set of rules that most martial arts students follow while in the dojo - goes far beyond bows and kneeing at the correct time. Remember that dojo means 'place of the way' or where you learn the way. It goes beyond meditation and focusing your mind on training. It stems from the original fact that karate developed not for sport or to keep fit, but as a program to simultaneously train mind, body and spirit. It's fine to enjoy it as a way to keep fit or because you enjoy the point scoring system of sparring (which contains little in the way of karate moves), but that was not the original point. Most Western classes are run much like any other keep-fit class on the surface. You pay your money and you get a session. Martial arts classes however are not like a body pump class - there's a lot more going on besides the technique and calorie burning. It takes a while to realise this and this is often the bit many people struggle with. For example most classes are not that commercially orientated. Our sensei mostly doesn't charge as long as his costs are covered - this, oddly is very common. Training in karate (and other martial arts) requires dedication, hard work, commitment and loyalty from you to your club and sensei (within reason). While you are unlikely to be thrown out if you come when you can and don't practice in between classes, you won't really be doing karate. Look at the seniors in your club - they're probably very committed to both training and the club. The philosophy behind their training dates back to Bushido or way of the Samurai. The level of formality (kneeing etc) in a club does not necessarily correlate to the depth of its philosophy and it's important not to confuse the two. Also a sensei should not abuse his position to manipulate their students. These things said, the study of karate is a marathon not a sprint and the understanding of the ethos behind it is important and often confused.