The Dojo
Definition
The literal translation of Dojo is the "place of the way" or the "way-place". It is the training hall designated for martial arts training.
While in the Dojo
- Purify your Mind
- Learn persistence and overcome difficulties through diligent training.
- Empty the mind of egocentric thoughts during practice by harmonising breath and action.
- Treat the Dojo as a special place where the human spirit can be tempered and polished.
Behaviour
- Absolute Respect in the Dojo
- Respect for Goju Ryu
- Respect for Sensei
- Respect for other Students
- Respect for Self and Training
- Respect for the Dojo as a special place of Personal Development
The Dojo Kun - The Maxims of Training
- We are proud to study the way of Goju.
- We are courteous in manners.
- We strive to develop courage and fighting spirit.
- We cultivate fellowship and understanding.
- We respect the ideals of loyalty and honour, traditional from ancient times.
Dojo Training Etiquette
- Bow as you enter and leave the Dojo, and as you step on and off the mat. These are places where you will expend a lot of energy and sweat. Training in the Dojo allows your escape from the distractions of the outside world. Over time these bows will have a conditioning effect, helping you to prepare for the training to follow. If the mat is in use, first wait for acknowledgment from a senior person on the mat. This avoids confusion and distraction, both of which are potentially dangerous. Further, it means the Instructor will take account of your presence in the training ahead.
- Bowing into and out of class, over time, immerses you further into the mental state for training whilst acknowledging the art, fellow students, and instructors, being shared with you during the session.
- At the beginning and end of class, line up in order of rank, shoulder to shoulder, with the highest ranks to the Instructor's left. Beginners wearing gi's (uniforms) should precede those in street clothes.
- Acknowledge your training partners as ones who lend you their body, to facilitate your training in the art. Leave your ego at the door. Nobody trains to appease someone else's need to inflict pain.
- Give your full attention at all times to what is happening. In a body contact activity, there will be some impact and sometimes trauma. Incidents, however, where contact is excessive, should not be wiped away by a simple "Sorry". One should carry the responsibility and immediately train responsively, demonstrating to everyone, that you are working towards reducing incidents.
- An Open-handed double tap to your opponent, onto the mat, or yourself is a sign of submission, requesting for disengagement - ensure you grant this when asked.
- Keep toenails and fingernails trimmed to avoid tearing and scratching. Remove any jewellery before going onto the mat, as it may be caught on clothing etc. and cause damage. Rings are a danger to both yourself and others. Have no buttons etc., which can be painful when, impacted.
- All students should behave in an orderly and respectful manner during training. Insolent, arrogant behaviour is unbecoming of a Karateka, and will not be tolerated in the dojo.
- The Coaching Director / Chief Instructor whilst teaching should be addressed as "Sensei". Visiting instructors of 3rd Dan rank or equivalent teachers from other styles will also be addressed as "Sensei". All black belts, 2nd Dan and below are otherwise addressed as "Sempai".
- The authority of the Instructors to manage training sessions under their responsibility should be recognised and respected at all times during training sessions.
- Allow the Instructor to speak. Question only when necessary. Talk only when necessary.
- Anyone under the influence of alcohol or any other drugs should not be allowed to train.
- No smoking or chewing of gum is allowed in the Dojo.