SEIRETSU - line up
The highest belt, sempai, will stand to the left of the class, facing the front of the class, shomen. Other higher belts will line up to the right of the sempai, respecting the rank echelon. Lower belts, kohais must always stand to the right of their respected sempais. Also, within the same belt groupings, adults are always closer to the sempais than the children. This single file should align itself to the center of the dojo, shoulder to shoulder.

This order is to be done swiftly and effectively.

If there are too many students, they may form a second line.

REI - bow
Sensei, who is already at the center of the dojo, will bow to his students; the karatekas should bow in return.

SEIZA - kneel down
Sensei will face the shomen and kneel down. Afterwards, the students will do the same, one by one, in the order of rank; the highest belts will kneel first, then so on. One must begin to kneel as soon as the student to the left has. The left leg drops first, on the instep of the foot; the open hands will rest on the thighs. Looking forward, back straight, the student waits. Students' knees should be touching one another.

Students with certain disabilities may choose to sit on their knees
rather than their insteps.

MOKUSO - quiet meditation
Everyone closes their eyes and breathes deeply and quietly. It is recommended for students to simply relax and not to think about anything, which causes their thoughts to be purged or forgotten.
Do not fidget, move or make noises.

MOKUSO YAME - belay meditation
Open your eyes and cease your meditation.

SHOMEN NEI REI - bow to front
Everyone bows to the front, or shomen, and utters "Osu". The bow lasts about five seconds. Sensei will then turn to face his students.

SENSEI NEI REI - bow to sensei
Students bow to the Sensei, and say, "Osu". After Sensei has stood up, all students do the same, in order of rank; the highest belts will rise first. When the sensei is absent, the second highest belt, sitting to the immediate right of the sempai, will announce the rei; it would be thus "Sempai Nei Rei".

REI - bow
A mutual bow ensues. Then, the class will begin.

Karatekas who have taken a previous class may choose to leave momentarily
in order to refresh themselves, though they must return immediately.