TRADITIONAL KARATE ETIQUETTE
Denver, Lakewood, Golden, Arvada & Littleton

If you have never studied a traditional Japanese martial art before, you may find the etiquette somewhat bewildering.

“Why all this bowing?

How will I remember all these rules?”

Etiquette sets the dojo apart from the world — when you walk into the dojo, you are there to train; all the distractions of daily life are left outside. Etiquette that’s a little different from the courtesies of work and home helps reinforce the uniqueness of the dojo.

Bowing is common courtesy in Japan. Denwakan is, after all, a Japanese dojo in which Japanese martial arts are taught. In other martial arts — boxing or wrestling, for example — opponents shake hands or touch gloves before sparring. We bow. Bowing or shaking hands, the reason is the same: to show respect — respect for your teacher, respect for your peers, and respect for your opponents.

Other aspects of dojo etiquette may be familiar from your school days. Students are expected to be orderly and quiet during class, to have good posture and stand in a respectful fashion, and to respond to instruction with enthusiasm. So you see, dojo etiquette is not so mysterious and serves to reinforce the benefits of karate training for both adults and children.