What is Karate Etiquette and How Can You Benefit From It?
The Dojo should be treated like a special place where students should hold themselves to a higher standard of behavior. Whenever or wherever you train Karate, you should follow certain etiquette and manners called Reigi in Japanese. Each Dojo has its rules, as what to do and what not to do in the Dojo.
In this article, I will cover the following:
- What is Karate etiquette?
- What is the difference between Okinawan and Japanese etiquette?
- Why is etiquette so important?
- What is the proper etiquette prior to training?
- What is the proper etiquette in the Dojo?
- What is the parents and visitors etiquette?
- Conclusion
The Dojo is a place where you learn to develop both the techniques and the spirit of Karate. The goal of Karate is to discipline the human character through the application of the principles of etiquette. Here is a guide on proper general etiquette observed in a typical Karate Dojo.
What is Karate etiquette?
Training in Karate is a serious matter, requiring serious commitment and effort, but also seriousness of attitude and behavior.
Governing one’s behavior is a central concept in all of the Japanese culture, and especially in the martial arts. Students should participate enthusiastically in class, doing the very best they can do.
Etiquette in the Karate class is where it all begins, and it represents the rules indicating the proper and polite way to behave both inside and outside the Dojo.Traditionally, those rules were not written, and new Karate students were expected to learn proper conduct by observing other students.
Etiquette varies from Karate Dojo to Dojo, but the points below should give you an understanding of etiquette within a traditional Karate Dojo.
What is the difference between Okinawan and Japanese etiquette?
Okinawa wasn’t a part of Japan until the mid-1800s during the Edo Period. Before then it was its own nation known as the Ryukyu Kingdom.
Strongly influenced by its relation with China, Ryukyu had their own culture, religion, and language, so it’s not surprising that Okinawans are less attuned to the customs and etiquette of mainland Japan.
Whether it's in the context of martial arts or in daily life, mainland Japanese tends to be more strict, formal, disciplined and follow etiquette much more rigorously.
On the other hand, Okinawans are way more relax and loose than mainland Japanese. They have a very optimistic, cheerful and easy-going approach towards life and Karate training. They observe Dojo etiquette but it way less formal about it than in mainland Japan.
Why is Karate etiquette so important?
On the surface, Karate etiquette might appear to have to do with good manners and politeness. It is, but it's also more profound than that.
Of course, etiquette gives us protocol and orderly ways to behave in a Karate class, it teaches us respect and courtesy, but ultimately, etiquette is about training your mind.
Provide a Structured Environment
At the elementary level, etiquette gives us a set of rules for the proper functioning of a class. There has to be a certain level of rules or structure for students to follow in order to ensure a safe and fertile class environment.
Show Respect
Etiquette helps us treat others with respect, consideration, and dignity. It is a way by which we can practice sincere gratitude and manifest our honest desire to learn.
Develop Mindfulness
More than being an action or a set of actions, etiquette is a state a mind that cultivates mindfulness. Mindfulness is a way to do things mindfully - in and out of the Dojo - with all your being. It teaches us to put our heart and soul in every moment, in every action, and fully experience each succession of moments.
Promotes Self-Discipline
By applying etiquette in various ways like obeying rules and developing good manners, the student will learn to control themselves and show integrity. Self-discipline is a skill that is useful in both life and martial arts.
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