A few rules to remember for new karate students.
When I started karate, I was overwhelmed by all there was to learn. Although my instructors were patient and everyone I met in Yoshukai were gracious when it came to the ignorance and awkwardness of a new student, I struggled very hard to remember all of the rules and expectations required of karate-ka. I thought that since I'm not TOO far out of the norm, others might have trouble remembering them as well. I am listing some suggested rules to remember that will help a new student feel a little less awkward when testing, visiting new dojos, or participating in tournaments.
The Obvious: Keep Yourself (and your Gi) Clean!
I can remember this one because it is number 5 of the "5 Precepts for Learners" that we all have to memorize and recite. Still, just thought I'd mention it because we often train in gyms that are not swept and mopped as often as they should be...so, just sayin'.............
Tying your OBI
There is a right way to tie your karate belt. Despite the efforts of my instructors, I couldn't figure which end was the left and what I should do with it. When I finally got embarrassed enough about my sensei having to re-tie my obi every class, I found a YouTube video that showed me step by step with the added benefit of being able to replay it until I finally got it. Video or link coming soon.
BOWING
You will be doing a lot of bowing in karate. It is a show of respect. Respect and Manners are NUMBER ONE of the "5 Precepts for Learners" and that gives you an idea about it's importance. You will bow at the door to the dojo as you enter and as you leave. You are showing respect to the dojo (school), the students and most of all, your instructors.
IF YOU ARE LATE:
and come in after the class has already bowed in, tradition requires you to kneel and quickly bow (as you would when bowing in). Stand up and quickly take your place as the last person in line. The last person would be last line, last one on the right.
THE not-so-secret KARATE HANDSHAKE
Yep, we have one. When greeting fellow students, instructors or blackbelts you should shake hands (as usual) but also cover the other person's hand with your left hand. You should bow slightly as you do so. This is "the two-handed, hand shake". :)
EVEN KIDS SHOULD BE CALLED MR. or MISS
if they are blackbelts. ALL blackbelts should be addressed by the title of MR, MRS, MS or MISS and NEVER by their first names. You may call your instructor sensei.
FACE FRONT!
When a blackbelt enters a dojo, your instructor will say "face front", you should then turn towards the entering blackbelt and bow from the waist. Saying "OSU" is usually necessary.
BOW CORRECTLY
A standing bow is used very often in karate. I've been told that the way you bow can say a lot about you. Generally, the way I've been taught to bow is to bend from the waist until your body is at a 45 degree angle. Keep your neck and head straight; you may look at the person with your eyes but avoid bending or your neck or bobbing/ducking your head. Your arms should be straight down at your side and palms flat against your legs. Hold this position for 3 seconds. Note: you may see other karate practitioners bow differently while competing in tournaments but the technique above is the one generally expected.
