SEIDO KARATE

at McBurney YMCA

   125 W. 14th Street, New York, NY  10011               212-741-9210                           www.ymcanyc.org

DOJO ETIQUETTE

Seido Karate is a traditional martial art and, as such, we endeavour to follow certain rules of protocol and etiquette which separate us from other types of workout classes.  Students will learn these rules over time  with the help of the insturctors and senior students.

Class Etiquette

Always endeavor to be on time for class, however, we all know there are times when being late is unavoidable.  Being late is better than not being there at all so we encourage you to come no matter how late you are.  If you are late for class, please follow these steps:

• Ask permission to join class by standing at the back of the dojo and extending your hand towards the floor until the instructor notices and acknowledges your request.
  

• Kneel down in seiza at the back of the dojo with your eyes closed until given the instruction to open your eyes.
  

• Bow, say a loud "Osu" and immediately begin doing push-ups.  Continue until instructed to stop. (please note this is not punishment, rather, it is a way of telling the rest of the class "I'm sorry I'm late, but I'm here now and ready to train hard with you.")
  

The word OSU

Bowing

Osu  is a Japanese term (short for "Oshi-Shinobu") which has several meanings and usages in karate. It means "hello" and "goodbye", and, as such, is a greeting.  It also means "I understand" and "I’ll try my best" and is a term signifying respect.

Bowing in karate is a gesture of respect, not of subservience and has no religious significance.  We bow in recognition of a senior’s knowledge, ability and dedication.

If you have to leave class early, please speak with the instructor before class - never just walk out of class.  When leaving, please kneel down in seiza at the back of the dojo with your eyes closed.  Once you are instructed to open your  eyes, please stand up and bow before leaving the dojo.

When moving through the class, please walk behind the line of students - do not walk in front of or cross through the line.

Never call your instructor or black belts by their first name - always use their rank as a sign of respect and in acknowledgement of their experience.  Remember, someday that will be you!

Please remove all jewelry prior to class.  This is to prevent injury to you as well as to anyone you may be partnered with during class (please place any valuables in your locker or in your bag - we are not responsible for lost valuables).

If you are instructed to sit down during class, always sit in seiza first.  When instructed to sit and relax, bow first, then sit with your legs crossed.  If you have bad  knees, you may sit with your legs crossed in lieu of kneeling.

• Please keep you gi clean and pressed.
  

Your Uniform (gi):

• Never wash your belt (obi).
  

• Patches should be sewn onto your gi as soon as possible after receiving them.
  

• If you are promoted to an "Advanced" belt and receive a stripe signifying the promotion, the stripe should be sewn onto your belt before your next class.
  

** If you have any questions please feel free to speak to Kyoshi Pam, Kyoshi Dwayne or any senior belt **

Promotions

• You should never ask to go for promotion - your instructor will know when you are ready.
  

• You must turn in your promotion application on time (you will be advised of the due date).  Adults turn in their applications directly to Honbu, while parents turn in their child's application to Kyoshi Pam or Kyoshi Dwayne.  If your application is not turned in on time, you will have to wait for the next promotion.
  

• You will be provided with instruction on what to do if, for any reason, you are unable to attend promotion after turning in your application.
  

• Promotion fees are non-refundable (the fee will be held and applied to the next promotion date).
  

• Being on time is part of your promotion, however, if for any reason you are late, please follow the same protocol as if you were late for class.
  

• Promotion testing is held at Honbu (Seido Headquarters).  You will be advised of the date, time and location by Kyoshi Pam or Kyoshi Dwayne.
  

• Promotions are based on your syllabus, up to and including your current rank.  The adult test includes both a physical and written test (there is no written test for children) and may include material from the Seido textbooks.  Please read your syllabus carefully as it will tell you if and when you need to purchase a book.
  

The Dojo (school):

• Please bow and say a loud "Osu" upon entering and leaving the dojo.
  

• No food or drinks allowed during class. (if you feel lightheaded or dehydrated please let the instructor know immediately)
  

• All students should assist with setting up the studio before class.
  

• All students should help with the dojo clean-up at the end of every class.
  

• Remember, class is serious, but is should also be fun.  Mistakes are fine - we all make them!