Dojo etiquette is nearly universal in traditional martial arts and have been in existence since the beginning of organized martial arts. It is nothing new, and is not something we just decided to make up. The main purposes for the etiquette are safety, respect, and efficiency of learning. A dojo is defined by the etiquette the members practice. If the etiquette is highly disciplined, so will be the members. If etiquette is lose or non-existent, it will reflect in the performance and attitudes of the members.
For these reasons, no one is exempt from dojo etiquette. Students, instructors, and even visitors are expected to be respectful of the dojo guidelines. The more experience you have and higher rank you are, the higher level of etiquette you should display.
Most etiquette is a display of good judgement and good manners. Other parts of etiquette are to preserve the traditions held in our arts.
In ancient times, a dojo was a place of training for combat and warfare. Because of this, the dojo was a very serious place for adult warriors.
In today's society, the dojo is still a serious environment due to the risks involved if behavior and attitudes are reckless. However, a modern dojo is not just limited to adults. Now, children also come to learn for self-defense, bully prevention, sport, and character development.
Because of the increase of children participating in martial arts over the last few decades, all modern dojos also implement etiquette for visitors or parents to go alongside etiquette for the students. The etiquette is designed to complement and support the etiquette being taught to the children. It is also designed to help keep the learning environment safe and efficient. In addition, it is a matter of courtesy and respect that any clear minded, responsible adult should easily understand. It is very important for the children to see the parents setting a good example by displaying good manners and being respectful while in the dojo. Parents are the primary role models. If the parents disregard etiquette, the children will typically follow that cue.
Some guidelines that are requested of the parents are due to the fact kids are dependent on the parents for such things as arriving on time, having a clean and complete uniform, trimmed nails, hair pulled back, jewelry removed, etc.
Other things parents are asked to be aware of are to keep the time in class a safe, productive, and efficient learning environment. These guidelines would include refraining from loud conversations, or talking on the cell phone, not yelling (coaching) to your child from sideline, keeping siblings quiet and under control, etc.
If you ever have any questions concerning dojo etiquette, be sure to ask one of our instructors. I also suggest doing an internet search for dojo etiquette. You will see that the guidelines may vary slightly from one dojo to another, but for the most part, they are universal.
For these reasons, no one is exempt from dojo etiquette. Students, instructors, and even visitors are expected to be respectful of the dojo guidelines. The more experience you have and higher rank you are, the higher level of etiquette you should display.
Most etiquette is a display of good judgement and good manners. Other parts of etiquette are to preserve the traditions held in our arts.
Etiquette for visitors/parents
In ancient times, a dojo was a place of training for combat and warfare. Because of this, the dojo was a very serious place for adult warriors.
In today's society, the dojo is still a serious environment due to the risks involved if behavior and attitudes are reckless. However, a modern dojo is not just limited to adults. Now, children also come to learn for self-defense, bully prevention, sport, and character development.
Because of the increase of children participating in martial arts over the last few decades, all modern dojos also implement etiquette for visitors or parents to go alongside etiquette for the students. The etiquette is designed to complement and support the etiquette being taught to the children. It is also designed to help keep the learning environment safe and efficient. In addition, it is a matter of courtesy and respect that any clear minded, responsible adult should easily understand. It is very important for the children to see the parents setting a good example by displaying good manners and being respectful while in the dojo. Parents are the primary role models. If the parents disregard etiquette, the children will typically follow that cue.
Some guidelines that are requested of the parents are due to the fact kids are dependent on the parents for such things as arriving on time, having a clean and complete uniform, trimmed nails, hair pulled back, jewelry removed, etc.
Other things parents are asked to be aware of are to keep the time in class a safe, productive, and efficient learning environment. These guidelines would include refraining from loud conversations, or talking on the cell phone, not yelling (coaching) to your child from sideline, keeping siblings quiet and under control, etc.
If you ever have any questions concerning dojo etiquette, be sure to ask one of our instructors. I also suggest doing an internet search for dojo etiquette. You will see that the guidelines may vary slightly from one dojo to another, but for the most part, they are universal.
