WELCOME TO THE SHOTOKAN KARATE ACADEMY INTERNATIONAL (SKAI)

# Welcome to Shotokan Karate Namibia: A New Year of Growth and Discipline

## Embracing the Journey Ahead

Dear Parents, Karateka, and New Members,

Welcome to another exciting year at Shotokan Karate Namibia (SKAI). We are truly blessed to have you all back. It is a privilege to start this new year with our loved ones. May you reap a great harvest from the labor of your hands, and may the Lord be glorified in all that you do! Be joyful, work hard, and train diligently!

Dojo Rules and Etiquette

Etiquette teaches us respect and courtesy. Ultimately, it is about training your mind. A dojo is a special place where students should hold themselves to a higher standard of behavior. Below are the Dojo Rules that all SKAI Dojos must follow. These rules are designed to help members act consistently and build a higher standard of conduct in all SKAI dojos.

Use of Karate

Karate techniques should only be used for self-defense. Remember, "Karate ni sente nashi" – there is no first attack in karate. SKAI members are not allowed to engage in physical altercations outside the dojo unless it is a self-defense situation. Misusing knowledge, showing a lack of self-control, or disrespecting parents, friends, fellow students, instructors, SKAI, or the general public is strictly prohibited. Restraint is a great virtue in karate.

Arriving, Waiting for Your Class, and Leaving

Make a sincere effort to arrive on time, ideally 15 minutes before class. Bow at the door when entering or leaving the dojo. Direct your bow to the senior person present and acknowledge their presence with the greeting "oss" (pronounced os), even if they do not see you. Please remove your shoes before entering the dojo.

If you arrive late or early for the next class, bow to the sensei and discreetly wait until permission is granted to join the class. Do not disrupt ongoing classes. Once permission is granted, perform a bow, then walk behind other students to find an appropriate spot. Do not leave the class floor without permission. If you need to leave, raise your hand and inform the instructor. If you must leave early, inform the instructor beforehand. Absences due to illness must be reported to the instructor before class begins. If the instructor arrives late or needs to leave early, the senior student should bring the class to attention and show proper courtesy to the arriving or leaving instructor.

Warm-Up

Do not talk during warm-up. Prepare your mind for training. Follow the person leading the warm-up in a mirror image—move in the same direction. Warm-up should be done quietly, with serious concentration, in preparation for the class that follows.

Behavior During Class

The head instructor should always be addressed as Sensei, both inside and outside the dojo. An assistant instructor assisting the sensei or leading a class on the sensei’s behalf should be called Senpai. Students should line up in rank order when classes start or end, in descending order.

During class, maintain a positive attitude, pay attention, and show the utmost respect to everyone around you. Stand in a neutral position and do not cross your arms. Do not lean against anything. If instructed to move more than two steps away, do so quickly. Avoid yawning, stretching, rolling your eyes, or groaning in class. Chewing gum, eating, or drinking on the dojo floor is not permitted.

Do not offer unsolicited advice during class, as it is disrespectful to the instructor. Notify your instructor immediately if you feel unwell or have been injured. Karate begins and ends with respect, so always act courteously in and outside the dojo. Remember to say "please," "thank you," and "you’re welcome." Foul language or bad behavior will not be tolerated.

Do not interrupt or seek the attention of the head instructor before, during, or after class. If you need advice or information, please call, email, or text the instructor. Members should not talk during class, as it is distracting and disrespectful to the instructor. When the instructor demonstrates a technique, every student must stand attentively. Horseplay or play fighting is not allowed inside or outside the dojo. Children waiting to be collected should remain inside the dojo and not wander outside.

Cleanliness and Hygiene

No rings, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, or watches are allowed—please leave these at home to prevent loss. Keep your hands and feet clean, and ensure that your toenails and fingernails are neatly trimmed. Make sure your body is clean and does not have an offensive odor; use deodorant if necessary.

Dogi (Karate Uniforms)

Dogi (karate uniforms) must be clean and wrinkle-free. White traditional dogis are required. Any rips or holes in dogis should be repaired if they cannot be replaced. Only females may wear a plain white t-shirt beneath the dogi jacket. If your dogi jacket, belt (obi), etc., needs adjustment, turn your back to the instructor, fix the dogi, and promptly turn back. Never throw or drop your obi, and do not wash it—your obi symbolizes your fighting spirit and hard work. Do not hang your obi around your neck; it is only acceptable when your black belt is handed over in class. The Shotokan badge may only be worn on the left side of the dogi.

Parents and Visitors

Visitors are always welcome if they abide by the dojo rules. Children must always be supervised and under control. They should not be allowed to run wild or near the training area. Parents, please refrain from talking or gesturing to your children during class, as this is disrespectful to the instructor and distracting to all trainees. If there is an issue you wish to discuss, please do so outside training hours. The atmosphere inside a dojo should resemble that of a college classroom or library—the dojo is not a playground.

Some Karate Terminology

Dojo:

“School of karate” or “place of learning and training.”

Sensei:

Teacher (the one who has gone before)—is an instructor of 3rd Dan and higher and/or the owner of a dojo.

Senpai:

An instructor or assistant instructor not yet a 3rd Dan, assisting a sensei or leading a class on the sensei’s behalf.

Dogi:

Karate uniform.

Karateka:

Individual members of each dojo who are registered annually as members through their respective dojos where they train.

Kata:

Forms training—choreographed patterns of martial arts to be practiced alone or in groups.

Kumite:

Sparring – meeting of hands.

Oss:

Acknowledgment/Affirmation.

Hai:

Yes / Understood.

Willem Burger - Shotokan Karate Academy International Chief Instructor

Telephone - +26461 – 25 1921

Cellphone - +26481 129 2519

P.O. Box - 80491, Olympia, Windhoek, Namibia

E-Mail - willemburger30@gmail.com