Karate & Dojo Etiquette:

As a Shotokan Karate practitioner with Central Minnesota Karate, please read and adhere to the procedures and etiquette listed below.

• After changing into your Gi, please keep clothes and shoes contained and stored in the area in front of the Dojo studio.
• Always bow when entering or exiting the Dojo, showing respect to the training area.
• The instructor should always be addressed as Sensei. Other black belts and assistant instructors should be addressed as Sempai.
• The Gi (uniform) must be a solid white and tailored above the wrist and above the ankle. No insignias allowed with the exception of a club patch. Do not use safety pins to hem or tailor the gi, they are not safe.
• Good personal hygiene is expected. Keep feet especially clean and trim toenails and fingernails short for safety.
• Do not wear jewelry (earrings, necklaces, rings, watches, bracelets, etc.)
• Do not practice karate in the lobby area. Absolutely no horseplay or running in the lobby.
• If a student comes late and class is in progress, they are to kneel at the Dojo door until the Sensei invites them to enter.
• When class is in session, do not lean against walls or sit down. No running or horseplay and be careful not to touch mirrors.
• When instruction is given by the Sensei, always respond by sternly announcing Os! This demonstrates courtesy and alertness.

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Karate Terminology:

Please become familiar with the following terms and their meanings:

Sensei - Teacher	Kumite - Sparring
Sempai - Senior student	Kamaite - Get into, get ready
Karate-Ka - Karate practitioner	Kata - Fixed sequence of techniques
Rei - Bowing	Kia - Spirit shout
Dojo - Room used to learn the way of karate	Focus - Concentrated strength
Os - A response of acknowledgment	Otagai-ni-rei - Bow to each other
Yoi - Being prepared	Shomen-ni-rei - Bow to front
Yame - Stop	Karate-do - The way of karate (Philosophy)
Shiai - Contest	Dachi - Stance
Dan - Black belt level	Uke - Block
Kyu - Level of rank	Zuki - Punch
Gedan - Lower level	Geri - Kick
Chudan - Middle level	Uchi - Strike
Jodan - Upper level

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Dojo Kuhn (Creed)

Seek Perfection of Character
Be Faithful
Endeavor
Respect Others
Refrain from Violent Behavior