Club etiquette
As martial artists, etiquette and respect are important in how everyone within the club conducts themselves.
Proper etiquette starts before training, you should be well groomed and clean for training, and wear a clean gi (or gi trousers and an ECKA t-shirt). Grooming means, in particular, keeping your fingernails and toenails trimmed, so they don’t injure other people or break during training. If you have long hair, it should be tied up.
Once you arrive, prepare yourself for training, take off any jewellery – watch, rings, earrings, necklaces, etc. Be sure to silence or switch off your mobile phone too. Put on your gi, belt and any protective gear needed for the day (groin or chest guards, etc.).
Students should not really wear their gi or belts outside the dojo (e.g., on a trip to the shops). It’s OK to wear gi pants and a t-shirt, but keep your belt off until you are in the dojo.
Upon entering the dojo
Whenever you enter, or leave, the dojo (training hall), you should step to one side and bow, saying “Oss” as you do so. “Oss” is a Japanese term that combines "Onegai Shimasu" (a respectful request) and "Oshi Shinobu" (to endure under pressure), symbolising respect, perseverance, and acknowledgment among practitioners.
At the start and end of every class
Before starting any training, and to mark the end of training everyone within the class will line up, in grade order, stand still and quiet until the instructor (the Sensei) or a representative high grade will ask everyone to bow and say “Oss”.
What to do if you are late
If you arrive late and the class has already started, 1,000 press-ups ;)