CODE OF CONDUCT
traditional DOJO etiquette
• Addressing Instructors ~ Students must address all coaches as Sensei, not by their first name. This demonstrates respect for the art, the dojo, and the instructor who has earned their position through years of training and dedication.
• Meaning of Sensei ~ Sensei means Teacher. It is the correct and widely accepted way to speak to your instructor, regardless of their grade.
• Instructor / Coaches ~ At Ultimate Karate all our Sensei hold a Black belt in Karate and they have dedicated significant time, skill and knowledge to the development of their own skills which they pass on to you our students.
Expected Standards
• Uniform Standards ~ Students must wear clean, tidy uniforms and appropriate club‑authorised T‑shirts for general training. No logos, designs or slogans are permitted. During general sessions, club T‑shirts, training trousers and the correct grade belt are accepted.
• Belts & Grading ~ Graded students must wear their appropriate belts. Full gi (jacket and trousers) is required for all grading sessions and karate events. Warm‑weather protocol may allow club‑authorised T‑shirts to be worn during the session.
• Jewellery & Watches ~ No jewellery or watches may be worn during training to prevent injury to yourself or your partner. Coaches may wear watches at their own risk during tuition, but these must be removed when demonstrating techniques.
• Piercing Safety ~ Students are advised to remove piercings prior to and during training, especially those worn in the ears and nose. If removal is not possible, piercings are worn entirely at the student’s own risk. Any injury or damage caused will be at the student’s expense and is not covered by club insurance.
• Hygiene & Nail Length ~ Students must keep fingernails and toenails trimmed to a safe, reasonable length to avoid unnecessary scratches during interaction with others.
• Hair Standards ~ Long hair must be tied back during training.
This prevents accidental injury, maintains visibility, and ensures safe interaction with fellow students.
• Wristbands & Festival Bands ~ Wristbands, festival bands or similar accessories are not permitted during class, without exception.
These items pose a safety risk and must be removed prior to training.
• Punctuality ~ Students, members and coaches are expected to arrive on time for every training session. Lateness is considered disrespectful and will be addressed accordingly.
We understand that life happens and circumstances beyond your control may occasionally cause delays however, this is the exception, not the rule.
Respect & Behaviour
• Dojo Conduct ~ Students must show proper respect to their Sensei, fellow students and the dojo environment at all times. Courtesy, discipline and self‑control are essential parts of your training.
• Talking During Training ~ Remember you are here to learn.
Talking while training is considered disrespectful unless it relates directly to your technique or karate in general. Relevant questions are encouraged and most welcome.
• Traditional Bow ~ All students are expected to respectfully bow when entering and leaving the dojo. This is an expectation, not a polite request. The bow must be performed facing into the hall, both at entry and exit, as a sign of respect for the training space.
• Opening Etiquette ~ At the beginning of each class, the instructor in charge will perform a standing bow. Students must return this courtesy with a respectful bow to their Sensei.
During this moment, only the coach speaks ~ students must remain silent.
• Closing Etiquette ~ At the conclusion of each training session, the instructor will lead a formal seated bow. Japanese commands are given, translated into English to express “thank you for training, everyone.”
Students respond with a low sweeping bow and the word “Oss”.
A second command follows, meaning “thanking the coach for the gift of their knowledge” again met with a respectful bow and the response “Oss”. A traditional stand completes the sequence, the lead coach must always stand first.
• Disruptive Behaviour ~ If a coach needs to address a safety issue or behaviour considered inappropriate, the student will be immediately reprimanded. If such behaviour continues, the student may be removed from training to ensure the safety and enjoyment of others continues without further incident.
• Lead Coach Authority ~ The lead coach of each session must be shown full respect and courtesy. They hold the same responsibility and authority as the Chief Instructor during his absence.
Lead coaches may stop, modify or expand training exercises to maintain safety and well‑being. They may remove a student from training without detailed explanation if a clear risk is identified.
Any formal decision on appropriate action will only be considered the Chief Instructor.
• Leaving the Dojo ~ Students must not leave class for no reason without first asking their coach / Instructor for permission.
• Respect for Fellow Students ~ Train with care, awareness and consideration for your partners. Karate is built on mutual respect and shared progress.
Safe training
• Safety Equipment ~ Approved safety equipment must be worn during sparring to protect both yourself and your training partners. All club‑authorised equipment meets required standards; if you purchase equipment elsewhere, please check with your coach before use.
• Loan Equipment ~ If your safety equipment is unsuitable for training or you have forgotten to bring it, loan kit may be offered for use during that session. Students are expected to purchase their own safety equipment in due course.
• Jewellery Safety ~ Rings are worn entirely at the owner’s risk and present a potential injury hazard to both the wearer and other students. Rings containing stones should be kept safely at home. Plain wedding bands or simple rings may be worn, although taping them is strongly advised to reduce the risk of injury during training.
• Illness & Medical Conditions ~ If you feel unwell prior to training, we recommend staying home to fully recover and returning the following week when fit and able to participate. If you become unwell during training, please notify your coach immediately ~ All coaches are first aid trained.
Please ensure medication is taken before training and not brought to class with the exception of inhalers or heart medication which should be readily available and previously declared to the lead coach.
We train barefoot; however, if you have an injury or infection that could pose a risk to others, you may wear socks and trainers during the session. This must be agreed with the chief instructor prior to the class and is for everyone’s safety.