Custom, Courtesy &
Protocol
Understanding Custom, Courtesy and
Protocol is very important part of our
style
Definitions
Custom:
Custom as defined by Webster is a usual
practice or habitual way of behaving or
a social convention carried on by
tradition .
Courtesy:
Courtesy as defined by Webster as an act
or usage intended to honor or
compliment.
Protocol:
Protocol as defined by Webster is a code
of ceremonial forms and courtesies, of
precedence, etc. accepted as proper and
correct in official dealings.
Discussion
Within our style we are very
concerned with how we continue to
utilize the Customs that were
handed down from Master to Master. The
bows we do at the beginning and end of
class, the way we hold our glasses when
we toast (Kampai) our seniors, how we
show respect towards our seniors as well
as our juniors and the other customs
that we continue to entertain within our
system. Within our Customs we
have certain Courtesies and
Protocols that we follow. In the
following sections we will go over some
standard Customs, Protocols and
Courtesies. I have listed a few
different areas such as The Main Dojo in
Okinawa, Common Practices, and Greeting
Outside the Dojo. These may not fit
every dojo situation and are not all
inclusive but are a good starting point
for the student to learn from.
The Main Dojo Okinawa, Japan
- Before Entering the second step
going into the Main Dojo ensure you
remove your shoes.
- If your Gi is not on do a
standing bow turn right go into the
bathroom and change into your gi.
- Come to the upper level of the
dojo and sit and do a seated bow
towards the front of the Dojo.
- Stand and do a standing bow
towards the front of the Dojo.
- Look for Master Kise
immediately, get approximately 3 to
4 feet away and do a standing bow
with the appropriate greeting,
Hanshi konbanwa (good evening)
Hanshi Ohio (Good Morning) or Hanshi
konichiwa (good afternoon).
- If Master is not there then you
should find Kaicho Isao or the
senior black belt and ensure you
follow the same as number
- If Master Kise should reach out
to shake your hand ensure that you
reach with 2 hands, and bow as you
shake his hand. This should be done
any time you shake a seniors hand.
as noted in the picture above.
- Before you leave ensure that you
bow to the Master in full gi before
you go. Hanshi Domo arigato
Gozimasu, Sayonara.
- Do your proper seated bow before
you go to the changing room to
remove your gi.
Here are some key points to
remember
Never walk up to the Hanshi or Kaicho
and tap him on the shoulder! Move to
where the Master or Isao Kaicho can see
you bow and say Gomenisai and then ask
your question once they recognizes you.
(Never invade their space)
If you are not sure what to do always
ask.
If you are not sure if you should bow
then bow. You can never bow to much.
Always show the greatest amount of
respect at all times. BE HUMBLE
If you are out with the Master
continue to show the respect at all
times. Don't get lazy with your custom
or courtesy just because you are out
with him.
Never drink even a sip of your drink
until the Master drinks his or in the
case of eating do not eat until the
Master eats unless he directs you to do
so.
Normally when drinking you always
start with a Kampai (toast) first. To
Kampai:
- Ensure you hold your glass with
2 hands with your left hand on the
bottom of your glass.
- Ensure your glass is lower than
the Masters when you touch glasses.
- Bow at the same time you
Kampai.
A Kampai is a tradition that must
carried out properly.
I did not cover ones like how to bow
in right at the begining of class and
just after the class finishes because
your Sensei, I'm sure, will cover those
areas. There are many other customs that
should be obeyed but if you always show
the ultimate in respect you will do fine
when your with the Master or Isao
Sensei.
Common Practices
Each Dojo may be a little different
in their rules but basically they are
all very close. Here are some rules of
etiquette that I thought would be
important to mention. I am sure that
your Dojo may have a lot of these rules
and maybe more but the concept is still
the same.
- All members shall not use
profanity in the Dojo.
- All members shall remove their
shoes before walking on the Dojo
floor.
- All members shall bow when
coming onto the deck and leaving the
deck.
- All members shall bow to Sensei
when entering and leaving the Dojo
with the appropriate greeting or
sayonara.
- Personal cleanliness and hygiene
is to be observed at all times.
- Keep fingernails and toenails
short.
- Keep you Gi clean and neat at
all times.
- Do not criticize other members
- Do not wear rings, jewelry or
other metal ornaments onto the
Karate deck. (wedding bands are an
exception)
- Do not practice while
intoxicated.
- Do not take soda cans or candy
onto the Karate Deck.
- No one will be allowed to chew
gum during class.
- Excessive laughter or loud
talking on the Karate deck or in the
Dojo will not be permitted.
- Always look after your junior
and lend a helping hand to those
below you in rank and knowledge.
- Be on time for class.
- The Karate head instructor is to
be referred to as Sensei, or Shihan.
- Refrain from misusing your
knowledge.
- A report of any and all fights
you engage in must be made to your
Sensei within 24 hours or at the
next class.
- Do not show anyone who is not a
club member any Karate techniques,
and do not demonstrate Karate in
public except in authorized
demonstrations.
- No one is to teach someone else
a kata unless he has the approval of
Sensei.
- No rank is permanent. Sensei may
take it away if he feels you are not
living up to the standards of hat
rank or if you are not a member in
good standing with the dojo.
- Do not leave personal
belongings, clothing, or uniforms in
the Dojo overnight.
- No smoking anywhere in the Dojo,
ever. (Sensei would like students
not to smoke, it hinders your
training)
- Signs and periodic postings are
to be observed.
- If a lower belt is teaching
class, they represent Sensei. Give
them the proper respect.
- Try to promote the true meaning
of Karate by developing:
- Health - physical
development
- Character - mental
development
- Skill - proficiency in
contest
- Respect - courtesy in
contest
- Humility - never losing
sight of your short comings
- Always follow the chain
of command when making requests or
asking questions. You will save
yourself embarrassment and
push-ups
Greeting Outside the Dojo
A common mistake outside the dojo is
a lot of students tend to think that
once they are in their street clothes
they don't need to bow or show the
respect that they show in the dojo. No
mater if you are in the dojo or outside
the dojo; the Master is still the
Master, the sensei is still the sensei
and the sempai is still the sempai and
the respect and custom should still be
there. The bowing and proper greeting
should still be done.
Respect is a 2 way street. Always
remember to earn respect one must
give respect !
Closing
There are many more customs and
courtesies that should be adhered to.
The ones above are just some to help you
in your training. I hope this helps you
to understand the discipline that we are
working towards.
Respectfully,
Shihan Craig Hodgkins
