Dojo Rules

Parents & Carers

• Punctuality: Arrive 5-10 minutes before class; let us know in advance of extended absences where possible.

• Uniform & belt: Ensure your child wears a clean, correctly-fitted gi and removes jewellery (earrings, necklaces, bangles, watches, etc) before class.

• Shoes: Remove shoes before entering the dojo (socks are fine for spectators) and place them neatly by the door.

• Communication: Direct questions or concerns to instructors before or after class, or via the dojo's official contact channels - not during class.

• Spectating: Watch quietly from the designated area, please take any calls or conversations outside, away from the dojo floor and do not use any device on speaker; avoid coaching, correcting, or calling out to your child during class.

• Photography & social media: Follow the dojo's photography policy:

  • Please do not take any photos or videos of other students without their/parent/carers consent.

  • Our preference is that parents, carers or supporters take no photos or videos during class. A rare exception may be if your child is performing a demonstration in front of the class.

  • We understand, particularly during a promotion or tournament, that you may wish to photograph your child; please ensure you frame/crop the photo such that other students (particularly children) are not visible in the photograph.

  • All parents, carers and supporters are invited to take photos of a student receiving their belt at promotion or pin at a tournament, and to take group photos when directed.

  • Any student(s) not wishing to be in a group photo, should excuse themselves.

• Respect: Treat instructors, students, and other parents and carers with courtesy; keep the waiting areas tidy.

• Health & safety: Let instructors know of any injuries, medical conditions, or allergies affecting your child's participation.

• Support at home: Reinforce dojo values - love, respect, obedience - outside of class.

Students

Follow the principles of Seido Karate - love, respect, obedience - keep strong Seido Spirit, and practice Seido Etiquette at all times.

General

• Attend regularly and arrive on time, in full, clean uniform.

• If you are late to class, enter and sit in seiza quietly until you are invited to join. Do not enter during the formal bow-in - wait for it to conclude, then enter.

• Keep fingernails and toenails trimmed; remove or cover all jewellery before training.

• Let the instructor know before class if you are managing any injuries/conditions. Adapt exercises that may aggravate the condition, and always inform your partners.

• Treat all students, instructors, parents and carers with respect. This extends outside of the dojo both in person and online.

• Respect any and all boundaries set by another student, parent or carer.

Seido Etiquette

• Bow, "OSU," when entering or exiting the dojo. Use the moment to clear your mind and prepare for training.

• Bow to senior black belts (Sandan and above) whenever you or they enter or exit the dojo (e.g. "OSU, OSU Sensei, OSU Senpai"). Assist others around you to do the same.

• Bow, "OSU," when passing the Shinzen.

• Line up promptly when called, in correct order of rank, and give way to your seniors (move aside to let them through).

• Don't stand in front of a senior - look to them and stay behind the line they're standing on; the senior should always be on the right (facing the Shinzen) or closest to the Shinzen (facing the wall).

• Respond with a strong "OSU" when the instructor addresses the group.

• Always use the correct title when addressed by, or greeting, a black belt (e.g. "OSU Sensei").

• Do not talk during instruction - listen fully before asking questions.

• Show respect and control at all times - no horseplay, rough contact, or unsafe behaviour.

• Support and encourage fellow students, especially kohai and new students. The best way to support your kohai is by modelling the correct behaviour yourself. Seek to be a good role model first and foremost.

• Everybody’s Seido Karate journey is unique. Do not compare your or another student’s journey or progress with another’s.

• Formal communication, particularly regarding promotion, training requirements and the enforcement of Seido Etiquette must only come from the head instructor(s) or another senior black belt with the endorsement of the head instructor(s).

• Have fun and enjoy your training, but don't become casual or complacent.

• Do not use any language, gestures, or behaviour which may be considered offensive or disrespectful.

• Treat the dojo and equipment with respect: use two hands when passing items to another person, and place equipment down carefully - don't drop, throw, drag, or slide anything across the dojo floor.

Key:

Senpai (先輩): Senior. Any student senior to you, is your “senpai”. In Seido, we use the title Senpai for 1st-3rd Dan black belts.

Kohai (後輩): Junior. Any student junior to you, is your “kohai”.