Etiquette Guides

Karate Etiquette

Karate has a reputation for formality that can feel intimidating to first-time practitioners. It’s important to note that the purpose of karate etiquette is to create an environment that facilitates safe and effective training, and that no one is expected to know the conventions going in! Use this guide as background information, but also feel free to ask questions of instructors or senior students and don’t be afraid of making mistakes. 


    • Arrive on time to class with enough time to change and use the restroom beforehand. If you arrive late, bow at the edge of the mat and say osu loudly, then kneel in seiza and close your eyes for your own mokuso until the instructor calls you to join class.

    • Do not talk in class unless asking a question, or for necessary communication with your partner about the exercise at hand. Avoid personal conversations on water breaks.

    • Ask questions. During class, only ask questions that directly pertain to what’s being worked on. Save other questions for after or before class (but do ask them!)

    • Ask permission of the instructor before leaving the mat, and only do so for emergencies. Let your instructor know if you aren’t feeling well during class. Wait to drink water until the instructor announces a break to do so. 

    • When the instructor places you for an exercise, say osu and jog to your place. Don’t pass between people - go around them, following the edge of the mat if necessary.

    • Hold your stance while receiving instruction (either the stance you are currently working in, or if not in working stance, yoi dachi). Don’t practice while the instructor is demonstrating unless specifically asked to do so.

    • Gi (uniforms) are required for class. Loaner gi are available to borrow for your first few classes, after which students are expected to purchase their own uniform. As with RAC membership, financial assistance is available for those who need it.

    • Keep your gi clean. Wearing a T-shirt or tank top underneath is optional. Avoid washing your belt (it can occasionally be washed by hand if needed.)

    • Tie your belt correctly. If you forget your belt, borrow a white belt for class. If you visit another dojo, you should also bring a white belt to wear. Neither of these situations is a demotion! A white belt stands in for any rank in these cases.

    • Turn away from the shrine, other practitioners, etc. to adjust your uniform or retie your belt.

    • Train in bare feet. Avoid wearing socks if at all possible. 

    • Keep good hygiene. Make sure your body is clean and free of strong odors, and nails are kept short.

    • Remove any jewelry or watches before class.

    • Bring your shin and hand guards to every class, and write your name or another indicator in each piece of gear (as well as your uniform!) Put your hand and shin guards on while standing up rather than sitting down.

    • Do not wear shoes on the mat/within the training space. 

    • Keep equipment and water bottles well out of the way, off to the side in a designated place. 

    Work together to clean the mat after each class. Traditionally, lower ranked students clean the mat. This is not a demeaning task, but rather a way of contributing to the dojo.

    • Say “osu”. “Osu” doesn’t directly translate in English. It’s an expression that conveys attention and respect, and can and should be used frequently during training. Say “osu” clearly and with intention when receiving an instruction or correction, when entering/exiting the dojo, or when greeting other students or instructors.

    • Bow when entering/exiting the dojo, moving on or off the mat, when greeting other students or instructors, before and after working with a partner, and during the reiho.

    • The reiho is how we begin and end our karate practice. “Rei” means, “respect.” The reiho is a demonstration of respect for the training, ourselves, and each other. 

      • Line up in a straight line in order of rank, with the most senior student to the right. Color belts of the same rank may line up in any order. Black belts line up in order of seniority.

      •  “Mokuso,” means “meditation.” We meditate to begin and end our practice as part of the reiho. The highest ranking color belt generally leads the mokuso.

    • Use titles when addressing anyone who has achieved the rank of shodan or above. Common titles include “senpai,” “sensei,” and “shihan.” 

    • Use two hands rather than one when exchanging any item (such as a pad or weapon) and when shaking hands.

    • Senior students should help junior students learn and practice good etiquette by demonstrating it themselves, and/or by kindly and respectfully informing them of practices as necessary. 

Capoeria Etiquette

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