Dojo Etiquette / Rules (Dojo Kun)

When entering the dojo always remove your shoes and carry them inside. When entering always bow. Once you have entered the dojo find a place to place your clothes and start to warm-up. If the class has already started then wait at the back of the class until the instructor tells you to join the class. Do not join the class unless you have been told to by the instructor.

Lining Up

Always line up in order of rank (belt). When facing the front of the class the highest ranked student should be standing in the right-hand corner. Ranks then stand right-to-left (when facing the front) moving to the back of the dojo. The diagram below shows the highest rank as 1st kyu, moving down to 10th kyu at the back of the class. Students of the same rank can stand in any order. If you do not have a gi, always stand at the back of the class.

Dojo Kun

These are the dojo rules. They are guiding principles you should up hold while training at any dojo. Often found at the entrance to a dojo or other pride of place, these principles are a good reminder to us as to why we practise the martial arts.

“The fool speaks, the wise man listens” African Proverb