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Rules ,Etiquette, Language and Dojo-Kun of Shotokan Karate

Dojo Rules

1. No jewellery, watches etc. to be worn during training sessions
2. No chewing gum (or other) whilst training.
3. No training under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
4. Sessions start promptly at the stated time.
5. Minimum of 12 sessions to be attended before grading (in special circumstances talk to the instructor).
6. Grading is not automatic to anyone. Progress must first be assessed by the instructor.
7. Dojo fees and grading fees must be paid by the stated deadline (again in special circumstances talk to the instructor).
8. Proper dojo etiquette to be observed at all times

Dojo Etiquette

1. All karateka should bow on entering and leaving the dojo.
2. All karateka should bow to senior grades,especially brown belts, especially black belts whether club instructor, session instructor or visiting dan grade.
3. Immediately on entering the dojo line up in approximate positions rather than congregating in one corner of the dojo, this shows the instructor you are ready to start.
4. When told to do so line up quickly and quietly in grade order, from front to back and right to left (facing front)
5. Lines should be straight with no gaps, i.e. you should always be in line with and directly behind someone. Lines should not be staggered unless told to do so.
6. Late arrivals should make themselves known to the instructor by kneeling at the side of the dojo until given further instructions.
7. Seiza should be executed correctly at the start and end of a session
8. Stances should be maintained (for as long as reasonable) during any part of the session unless the command "Yame" is given.
9. There should be no talking during the session and especially whilst the instructor is explaining something to other grades.
10. Respect should be shown to all karateka from dan grades to beginners.

Dojo kun (code)
HITOTSU: JINKAKU KANSEI ni TSUTOMURO KOTO.
HITOTSU: MAKUTO no MICHI o MAMORU KOTO.
HITOTSU: DORYOKU no SEISHIN o YASHINAU o KOTO.
HITOTSU: REIGI o OMONZURU KOTO.
HITOTSU: KEKKI no YU o IMASHIMURU KOTO.

One: Strive To perfect character
One: Defend the paths of truth
One: Foster the spirit of effort
One: Honour the principles of etiquette
One: Do not act with rash courage

Language of Shotokan Karate

• One....Ichi
• Two....Ni
• Three....San
• Four....Shi
• Five....Go
• Six....Roku
• Seven....Shichi
• Eight....Hachi
• Nine....Kyu
• Ten....Jyu
• Karate greeting....Oss
• Training Hall....Dojo
• Teacher....Sensei
• Bow....Rei
• Ready....Yoi
• Stop....Yame
• Turn around....Mawatte
• Shout....Ki-ai
• Uniform....Gi
• Kneel....Seiza
• Form....Kata
• Front stance....Zenkutsudachi
• Straddle leg stance....Kibadachi
• Back Stance....Kokutsudachi
• Straight punch....Kara Tzuki
• Lunge punch....Oi Tzuki
• Reverse Punch....Gyaku Tzuki
• Front Kick....Mae Geri
• Side Snap Kick....Yoko Geri Keage
• Side Thrust Kick....Yoko Geri Kekomi
• Roundhouse Kick....Mawashi Geri
• Lower Block with arm....Gedan Barai
• Upper Rising Block....Age Uke
• Outside Forearm Block....Soto Uke
• Inside Forearm Block....Uchi Uke
• Knife Hand Block....Shuto Uke
• Face area....Jodan
• Chest area....Chudan
• Lower area....Gedan
• Left.....Hidari
• Right....Migi
• Basic Kata....Taikyoku Shodan
• First Heian Kata....Heian Shodan
• Second Heian Kata....Heian Nidan
• Third Heian Kata....Heian Sandan
• Fourth Heian Kata....Heian Yondan
• Fifth Heian Kata....Heian Godan
• Five Step Attack....Gohon Kumite