Dojo Etiquette

The Kyokushin Way begins and ends with courtesy. 

"Sosai Mas. Oyama"

1. Students will bow and say "Osu" upon entering the school itself and the Dojo training hall. Upon entering the Dojo, students shall bow and say "Osu" towards the front of the room or "Shinzen" area, also an additional bow towards the students already in the room is appropriate.

2. Students should do their best to be on time for class, those who are late for class will bow to the front of the Dojo, say "Osu" then kneel in 'Seiza', (formal, knees down, seated position), with eyes closed, head lowered in 'Mokuso' and wait to be invited to join the class. Once being instructed to join the class, bow and say "Osu" or "Shitsurei shimasu" ("excuse me for disturbing") while still in 'Seiza'. Then join at the back of the class, being careful not to walk in front of others training, especially your seniors.

3. Students shall maintain themselves and their equipment: "Do-Gi's", (uniforms), shin pads, gloves etc. in a clean, well kept and odor free manner and encourage others to do so as well. Only clean white Do-Gi's are to be worn. Official Kyokushin logo chest patches are permitted on the left chest pocket area of the uniform. Rips or tears on the Do-Gi must be mended promptly. Consistently disheveled uniforms and equipment reflect a lackadaisical attitude towards fellow members and the Dojo.

4. Do not remove any part of your Do-Gi during training without being told to do so. Also, if you must adjust your Gi at any time during training, do so quickly and quietly while facing the rear of the room.

5. Appropriate respect will be shown to all senior ranks and elder members. All students shall stand up and say "Osu" when their senior or any Black belt enters the room.

6. Prior to addressing or greeting a senior student or instructor, students shall say "Osu" and bow accordingly and do the same upon departing. This protocol should be maintained outside of the Dojo as well, as we must always appreciate our Senpai. If a member's rank is unclear, always address as if the member is senior to yourself.

7. When the occasion marks a time to shake hands with one another, use two hands to show trust and humility and say "Osu". This applies when outside the Dojo as well and especially to senior ranks.

8. Students shall answer their Instructor's or seniors questions or instructions with a loud "Osu" and proceed with an immediate reaction to his/ her command. A slow or indifferent response is discourteous. 

9. During class, students shall maintain focus on the techniques at hand and not allow their minds or eyes to wander. The utmost respect and sincere appreciation shall be given to the Instructor and fellow students at all times. Do not enter upon Kyokushin training without the seriousness it deserves.

10. At times during class, students will be permitted to ''Sit and Relax'', meaning relax from 'Seiza' formal position and sit in 'Anza'  relaxed position. During these times, refrain from fidgeting, chatting or otherwise disturbing an ongoing class or lecture.

11. Students shall not leave class unless permission is granted. If an emergency arises and you must leave immediately, do so in a respectful manner and explain your exit to the instructor as soon as possible.

12. To prevent possible injury, students shall not wear jewelry, watches or other sharp adornments during class. Prescription eyeglasses are permitted, however, during Kumite, (Freefighting), their removal, or the use of contact lenses, is strongly recommended, as are the use of Shin Pads, Gloves, Breast and Groin Cups.

13. Traditionally, the training hall is a revered place, therefore students shall not wear hats or caps or use foul language on the school premises. Also, shoes are not permitted on the Dojo training floor. No food, gum or beverages likewise will be permitted. No eating in the Dojo. No smoking is permitted anywhere on the premises.

14. All students shall assist in the daily clean-up after class. In general, students should care for their training hall as a cherished and special place.

15. Students should respect the camaraderie shared at the Dojo and not undermine the true way of Kyokushin with unsupportive, discouraging or malicious behavior nor should they bring negative feelings into Freefighting, where an atmosphere for injury could be inadvertently created.

16. All members shall refrain from idle gossip and disparaging remarks about other students, schools or styles of Martial Arts.

17. Students wishing to participate in Kyokushin tournaments and events should consult with the Sensei prior to application.

18. Students wishing to visit other Kyokushin schools shall request permission from their Sensei (Branch Chief) first. Students wishing to train at an affiliate Kyokushin school must have a valid IKO membership card and obtain a letter of recommendation from the Sensei (Branch Chief) to bring along with them. Once at the affiliate school, students will show the utmost respect, courtesy and humility to the affiliate members and instructors.

19. All students shall conduct themselves, inside and outside of the Dojo, in such a way as to not reflect poorly on the IKO Kyokushinkaikan. Most assuredly, students shall not 13 use the techniques studied in class to intentionally injure any person, except where their life or the lives of their loved ones are imminently in danger.

20. Students shall strive to be gentle and poised in daily life, maintain reserve, good judgment and ethical behavior in all that they pursue. Never forget the Kyokushin spirit “Keep one’s head low (modest), eyes high (ambitious), reserved in speech (mind one’s language) and kind in heart (treat others with respect and courtesy). Treat others with kindness; filial piety is the starting point, (serve your family well).”

​The ultimate aim of the art of Kyokushin Karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participants.