Kyokushin Dojo Etiquette: The Spirit Behind Our Training
Kyokushin karate is built on discipline, respect, and the spirit of osu no seishin—the will to persevere. At our San Diego dojo, etiquette isn’t just tradition; it’s how we cultivate strong character and a focused training environment. Below is a guide to the key expectations for all students, from brand-new kohai to senior senpai.
Entering & Leaving the Dojo
Face the front (shomen), bow, and say “Osu!” loudly.
Turn to others and repeat with another bow.
Remove shoes at the door and place belongings neatly.
When getting on and off the tatami (mat), do the same: bow and say “Osu!” towards the training area.
If you're late:
Enter quietly, kneel in seiza at the back, eyes closed and sit in silent meditation (mokuso). When acknowledged by the instructor, bow and say “shitsurei shimasu” (“excuse my interruption”) and join swiftly at the back of the line, regardless of your rank. After the current set of exercises, if Sensei asks you to line up, you can return to your appropriate place in line.
Start and End of Class
Stand in ranked line in attention in fudo dachi (feet shoulder-width distance, back straight, closed fists at about belt height) at the time of class start or end.
Kneel in seiza when instructor gives the command
Bow to the front of the dojo from kneeling position when the instructor gives the command: shomen ni rei (bow to the front)
Close your eyes and meditate when instructor gives the mokuso (meditate) command;
At the beginning of class, use this time to let go of any thoughts about your day-to-day life and bring karate to the forefront of your mind
At the end of class, reflect on what you have learned
The highest color belt will give the command sensei/senpai ni rei (bow to the instructor) and to each other otagai ni rei (bow to everyone else).
Hierarchy: Senpai & Kohai
Sensei = instructor
Senpai = senior student
Kohai = junior student
Show respect in posture, tone, and conduct when speaking to senior students.
Acknowledge guidance or corrections with “Osu!”
Kyokushin’s hierarchy isn’t about ego—it’s about learning from those who’ve walked the path before you.
Cleanliness & Presentation (Seiketsu)
A spotless white gi (uniform) and obi (belt).
Wash your gi after every practice; never wash your belt.
No jewelry, makeup, watches, fitness trackers or accessories.
Finger nails and toe nails should be short and clean.
Keep the dojo tidy—help sweep and put away training gear without being asked.
Whether you store your shoes, water bottle, bags and other equipment in the back or front of dojo, place your items tidily out of respect for the dojo.
Conduct During Class
Line up by rank: highest grades front-right, kohai to the left in descending rank order.
Look to your senpai on the right and line up your toes so that the line is uniformly horizontal.
Move fast and sharply on commands: “line up”, “seiza” (kneel), “yoi” (get ready), “hagime” (start), “yame” (stop).
Do not talk, laugh, or use phones - please socialize after class.
Maintain strong posture—fists at about belt height.
Never walk in front of students or the instructor’s line; always go behind.
No eating, gum, smoking, or lounging during
Use the instructor’s breaks to stretch, hydrate, or clean the dojo.
Use the bathroom before class; for emergencies, ask the sensei before leaving the mat.
Similarly if you need a band aid or water break, ask for permission before leaving the mat.
Obey commands immediately and without hesitation.
Training is serious. Every moment in the dojo builds spirit and character.
Partner Work & Kumite
Before partnering:
Bow and say: “Osu, onegaishimasu.” (Please train with me.)
After finishing:
Bow and say: “Osu, arigatō gozaimashita.” (Thank you very much.)
Kumite (Sparring) rules:
Never spar without an instructor supervising.
Never perform illegal moves: hand strikes to the head/neck, any strikes to the joints, groin strikes, strikes to the back, grappeling etc. Students doing any illegal moves repeatedly and/or intentionally will lose kumite (sparring) privileges at Sensei's discretion.
Mouth guards and groin caps are recommended but not required. Gloves and shin guards are required for students below green belt unless given permission by Sensei.
If you have a serious injury, raise your hand and ask to be excused by Sensei.
Acknowledge good strikes with “Osu”, but never stop defending yourself during a round unless Sensei says “yame” (stop).
Never show frustration or exhaustion—maintain composure even when tired or hurting (e.g. don’t pant with your hands on your knees between rounds).
Respect your partner’s rank and intensity level - we are in to dojo to help each other learn.
Etiquette is more than rules—it's the foundation of Kyokushin. By honoring these traditions, we preserve the art, strengthen our community, and train with true spirit.
