At Seiwakai Karate Silicon Valley (SKSV), we strictly uphold a historic code of conduct to honor the spirit, discipline, and respect inherent in traditional Gōjū Ryū Karatedō (剛柔流空手道). For our full and expanded curriculum, please review our club guide available online via Google Books. Every member must observe the guidelines below to maintain a respectful, disciplined, and supportive training environment.
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Obey All Dōjō Rules (道場の規則を守ること)
Observing and respecting all Dōjō guidelines ensures that everyone maintains safety, honor, and discipline. Rules exist not only for individual well-being but also to protect the integrity of Karatedō practice. -
Health and Safety Precautions (健康と安全の予防)
- If you have symptoms such as a fever, flu, or signs of a contagious illness (e.g., COVID-19), please refrain from attending in person and join the training via our ZOOM session instead.
- If you need to cough or sneeze, wear a viral containment mask and gloves to prevent transmission.
- All attendees are encouraged to wear an N95 or KN94 mask during periods of elevated regional COVID-19 transmission until the rate is R₀ ≤ 1.
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Punctuality and Attendance (時間厳守と出席)
Arrive early—always. Punctuality is an essential aspect of discipline. If you are late due to unavoidable circumstances, enter quietly, bow, and wait to be acknowledged before joining. Your presence in the Dōjō reflects respect for your Sensei (先生), fellow students, and the training session. -
Personal Hygiene and Cleanliness (身だしなみと清潔さ)
- Keep your body clean, and trim your nails to prevent injuries to yourself and others. “If you can smell you, others can smell you.” Wear a clean Dōgi (道着) with pride as it reflects your respect for the art.
- Remove all jewelry, watches, and other accessories during training to avoid injury. If jewelry cannot be removed, it should be taped securely.
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Proper Attire and Conduct (適切な服装と行動)
- Always wear your karate uniform (Dōgi) correctly, cleanly, and with pride. This includes properly tying your belt (Obi).
- Chewing gum, eating, or drinking on the Dōjō floor is prohibited for safety reasons.
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Respect for the Dōjō and Tradition (道場と伝統の尊敬)
- Remember, “Karate-dō begins and ends with respect” (空手道は礼に始まり礼に終わる). This principle applies to the Dōjō floor and extends to all attendees.
- Bow (礼 – Rei) upon entering and leaving the Dōjō, at the beginning and end of each exercise or Kata (型), and when greeting the instructor.
- Training should be supervised by a Shihan, Sensei, or senior Senpai. Kumite (組手) practice without supervision is strictly prohibited to ensure the safety and control expected in traditional Karatedō.
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Observance of Historical Traditions and Budō (武道の歴史的伝統の遵守)
Karatedō encompasses respect for those who came before us, as well as a dedication to growth in others. Respect those older or more experienced for their hindsight and knowledge. Respect those less experienced without pressure, supporting their progress with patience. -
Mutual Respect and Learning (相互の尊敬と学び)
Show respect to your Sensei, Senpai (先輩), and Kōhai (後輩) at all times. Treat each student as you wish to be treated. Training is not solely about personal achievement; it is a shared journey where everyone contributes to each other’s growth. Listen to others with an open mind, as learning opportunities are present in every encounter. -
Dōjō Cleanliness and Order (道場の清掃と秩序)
- Contribute to keeping the Dōjō clean and orderly. Before each practice, help ensure that the training space is prepared and maintain its cleanliness afterward. This practice not only demonstrates respect for the space but also fosters the discipline and humility central to Karatedō.
- Respect all Dōjō equipment, especially headgear, shields, focus mitts, and pads. Handling equipment responsibly preserves it for everyone’s benefit.
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Maintain Silence and Focus (沈黙と集中力の維持)
Silence and focus during training are essential to ensure mental and physical discipline. Speak only when necessary and always address the Sensei or peers respectfully. Avoid idle chatter to maintain concentration and respect the flow of practice. -
Financial Responsibility (経済的責任の尊重)
Please pay all tuition fees promptly. Tuition covers necessary expenses, including annual recurring club membership fees (JKF Gōjūkai, Seiwakai USA, USANKF, and DNBK), ZOOM subscriptions, accounting, and other operational costs. Timely payments help maintain the financial health of the Dōjō. -
Dedication to Learning and Personal Growth (学ぶ姿勢と個人の成長)
Approach each session with humility and openness. Improvement comes from consistent effort, readiness to accept feedback, and recognizing that personal growth is best achieved within a supportive, disciplined environment. -
Proper Use of Techniques (技の適切な使用)
Techniques learned in the Dōjō should be used responsibly. Karatedō is not for aggression or display; it is a discipline for self-improvement and self-defense. Always use your skills with integrity.
Each member’s commitment to these values sustains the dignity and unity that define our practice. By adhering to these guidelines, we honor the traditional spirit of Karatedō and ensure that the Dōjō remains a place of shared learning, respect, and personal growth.
