Goju-Ryu Dojo

Dojo Etiquette Guide

Welcome to Double Dragon Karate Institute - a Dojo Where Respect, Discipline, and Civility Come First

At Double Dragon Karate Institute, we proudly go beyond the basics of martial arts instruction. What sets us apart from other schools is our commitment to a holistic student experience, where traditional Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate meets modern civility and life skills education.

We don’t just teach punches and kicks.

We teach how to carry oneself with dignity, speak with respect, act with humility, and lead by example, in the dojo, at home, at school, and in life.

Our Etiquette & Civility Program is rooted in:

  • 📜 Authentic Goju-Ryu traditions: honoring the lineage, rituals, and formal etiquette of a true Okinawan dojo.

  • 🤝 Modern social training: covering everything from polite language and posture to dining etiquette and conflict resolution.

  • 🌟 Character development: students are recognized not only for martial skill, but also for kindness, leadership, and community behavior.

By weaving timeless martial values with everyday manners, we build strong martial artists—and even stronger human beings.

   

Etiquette & Civility Guide

     Goju-Ryu Traditions • Social Skills • Lifelong Respect

🥋Section 1: Dojo Etiquette (Goju-Ryu Foundations)

Entering & Leaving the Dojo

  • Bow respectfully at the entrance and exit of the dojo to show gratitude.

  • Remove shoes and line them neatly by the door.

  • Greet the dojo with “Osu!” to acknowledge your training space.

Greeting Instructors & Peers

  • Always bow to instructors and fellow students before and after practice.

  • Address instructors as “Sensei” or “Senpai” when appropriate.

  • Use the term “Osu” as a sign of respect, acknowledgment, and readiness.

 Behavior During Class

  • Pay attention, give full effort, and avoid unnecessary talking.

  • Line up by rank quietly and respectfully.

  • If late, bow at the entrance, wait to be acknowledged, and ask permission to join.

  • If leaving early, inform the instructor in advance and bow when exiting.

 Respect for the Space, Instructors & Lineage

  • Keep the dojo clean—help sweep mats or straighten gear.

  • Never lean on walls or lie down on the floor during class.

  • Show gratitude for the lineage of Goju-Ryu and our founders by training with honor.

 Uniform (Gi) Etiquette

  • Always wear a clean, pressed uniform with your belt tied properly.

  • Never step on or throw your belt, it represents your progress and spirit.

  • Keep fingernails and toenails trimmed for safety and hygiene.

🤝Section 2: Social Skills & Civility Education

 Politeness in Language

  • Say “please,” “thank you,” and “excuse me” in all settings.

  • Speak clearly and respectfully, avoid yelling or interrupting.

 Posture & Presentation

  • Stand tall with your shoulders back to show confidence.

  • Practice firm (but not hard) handshakes with eye contact.

  • Greet others with a smile and a positive tone.

 Personal Space & Kindness

  • Respect others’ space—don’t push, crowd, or interrupt.

  • Offer help when you see someone struggling.

  • Praise others for good effort and never brag.

 Practice Patience & Humility

  • Wait your turn to speak, train, or perform.

  • Accept correction and feedback with grace.

  • Celebrate teammates’ success, not just your own.

🍽️ Section 3: Dining & Table Etiquette

 At the Table

  • Sit up straight and place your napkin in your lap.

  • Use your utensils properly—don’t play with them.

  • Chew with your mouth closed and take small bites.

  • Don’t speak with food in your mouth.

 Gratitude and Consideration

  • Wait until everyone is served before eating.

  • Say “thank you” to the person who prepared or served the meal.

  • Clear your own plate and help clean up.

🏠Section 4: Respect Outside the Dojo

 At Home, School, and Beyond

  • Show your family the same respect you show your Sensei.

  • Use kind words with classmates and listen to teachers.

  • Avoid gossip, rude behavior, or anything that dishonors your dojo.

 Public Events & Tournaments

  • Represent Double Dragon with pride, bow to opponents and judges.

  • Cheer for others, win humbly, and lose graciously.

  • Respect all dojos, instructors, and event staff.

 Being a Role Model

  • Younger students and siblings look up to you, lead by example.

  • Take initiative to help, teach, and inspire others.

  • Carry your values with you in every environment.

⭐ Section 5: Rewards for Respect

 At Double Dragon, respect isn’t just expected—it’s celebrated.

 🎖️ Students may earn:

  • Etiquette Star of the Month

  • Dojo Citizenship Patch

  • Leadership Apprentice Belt Tip

  • Parent Recognition Certificate

 Rewards are based on consistent acts of kindness, responsibility, effort, and honor inside and outside the dojo.

🧡 Dojo Pledge of Respect

 Repeat aloud as a commitment to our community values:

 “I pledge to show respect to myself, my teachers, my family, and my community.

I will train with honor, speak with kindness, and lead with humility.

I am proud to represent Double Dragon Karate Institute, and I will carry our values with me wherever I go. Osu!”