Etiquette

• Every class starts and ends with a formal ceremony. Which (often) includes a short meditation. You should try to arrive on-time and participate in this ceremony.
• In case you are unavoidably late; Take up a kneeling position at the entrance of the dojo until Sensei signals permission for you to join the class – do not run in.  After being waived in (bow) warm up on your own quickly and join the group. (Black Belt Fit members simply inform your trainer that you wish to jump in)
• It is customary to address your instructors and seniors using the correct terms.
  Sensei: for Leader/Teacher/Master and Sempai (for Senior/Assistant instructors).  YOU are a sempai to who is below you in rank. 
• Proper responses;  In response to questions or commands given by your instructors:  
  > When your name is called: “yes-sir”  or “yes-mam”   
  > When you here “attention”: “yes-sir” or “yes-mam”
• “OSS”:  Oss is a slang karate-ka language used in traditional dojos by all practitioners, used in situations like: > When a command is given, particularly to the whole group (individually too – or “yes-sir” in individual cases). (example: everyone 10 more push ups! “OSS” 
  > When you first greet other karate-kas (sempai/kohai both) and particularly your sensei (instead of saying hello)   > When you enter or leave the dojo   > when (generally) a bow is called for (towards Shomen, sensei or other players)  > when a change in the exercise or intensity is called for (“now, go super-slow” – “OSS”).
• In a martial art dojo a bow replace a verbal “Thank You” . For example after you ask a question of sensei/sempai and receive your answer, before walking away, go the extra mile and bow (oss). 
  With every bow you show that you are here to become a better, more respectful and humble person, and  not only to learn how to fight.
• Talking should be minimized during practice. If it is necessary to ask a question of your instructors first raise your hand and await their acknowledgment. 
• You should use the schools approved uniforms during training.  Wearing shoes is NOT permitted in Karate classes. In Black Belt Fitness/Kickboxing classes however, you may wear shoes if you wish.  
• Do not lounge around the dojo, especially when sensei/sempai is explaining or demonstrating something.
• Avoid yawning, burping, chewing gum and especially do not use coarse language or other acts likely that will offend the etiquette of the dojo. 
• The lower ranking participants (in each class) will be responsible for setting up/putting away the Shomen and, to put away the equipment used during training at the end of each session.  (You should go out of your way and offer to take over, when sensei or sempai engages in any tasks as such)
• The Powerhouse Code:  “Focus your mind, Focus your heart, Focus your body”. 
• “Train Harder”  That’s our motto.   (What is YOUR motto?

Common Terms:

• Sensei: Master/Instructor
• Sempai: Senior  (Assistant instructors are to be called ” Sempai”–  consistently)
• Dojo: the Place where the Way is studied (training place for martial arts)
• Shomen: the Front of the dojo where the picture of master Funakoshi is displayed

Particularly members attending the “Karate” classes are expected to apply every point of etiquette consistently. Expectations are lower from members attending Fitness Kickboxing/Black Belt Fit classes, but still, it would be nice to see that everyone cares to learn and apply every point of etiquette and respect all training rules consistently.  The Powerhouse is a dojo after all (not a gym).