The home of IOGKF International in Australia

The home of IOGKF International in AustraliaThe home of IOGKF International in Australia

Dojo Kun & Etiquette

The most important aspect of Karate is respect.

Many aspects of training traditional karate require self discipline and respect for self and others to be able to a succeed. Included on this page is the Dojo Kun (the Karate Warrior Code) and the videos detail the correct etiquette for many daily processes of being part of a traditional Karate Dojo.

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A Code to live by...

Dojo Kun is the Karate warrior code. It is the very ideals for which we try to live our day to day lives. This is recited in AOGKF Dojo’s all across the country as part of our end of class meditation. Before each rule we say ‘Hitotsu’ (pronouced as ‘Shi-tots’) meaning rule number one. Therefore each rule is as important as all the others…

Created by Master Higaonna

The IOGKF Dojo Kun was created by Master Morio Higaonna (IOGKF founder) during his time living in America. Although there are both Japanese & English versions, the rules are the same.

Uniform and Dojo Etiquette

The Dojo or training hall is a sacred place and must be treated as such. Below are videos about some of the basic aspects of this. Your Belt (Obi) and your Uniform (Gi) is part of your training and should be treated as such. There is a certain way to tie your belt and fold your Gi and these are detailed below. With the Jacket, Left side (side with the label) goes over the right side.

Dojo Respect - A lecture by Master Higaonna

When you arrive at the Dojo you should bow, then when you enter you must forget and leave all of your day to day problems at the door and focus on only yourself. Respect your teachers and senior students that help you along with all the other members of your Dojo.

Entering & Leaving the Dojo

When you arrive you should bow to the front of of the Dojo and say 'Onegaishimasu' meaning please let me enter. You leave you bow again and say 'Domo Arigato' meaning thank you. You can also say 'Sayonara' when finally leaving the Dojo for the day. Shoes must never make contact with the training surface as shown in the video. Place shoes neatly in the appropriate area.

How to Bow correctly

Feet should be placed in Musubi Dachi position and the hands should be placed neatly at the side with the centre finger running down the seam of the uniform pants. Bow forward from the waist, not the shoulders, and keep your eyes up as not to miss anything.

Seiza - How to kneel & bow correctly

Always kneel down on the left side and come up on the right side as shown in the video. Left big toe crosses over the right one and the hands are placed high up on the lap towards the hip.

How to tie your Belt

Sensei David "DJ" Lambert takes us through the correct procedure for tying your belt (Obi).

How to fold your Gi jacket

Sensei David "DJ" Lambert takes us through the correct procedures for removing your jacket during training and how to fold your Gi post training or for exercises such as Sanchin training where the Jacket may need to be removed.

The IOGKF logo, IOGKF, International Okinawan Goju-ryu Karate-do Federation, and

国際沖縄剛柔流空手道連盟 created by and legally owned by IOGKF.

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