BOWING WHILE STANDING
In karate, bowing is the most important symbol of respect, used by both students and masters. To properly bow, one must put their heels together and the tips of the feet apart. This is the typical informal stance, or Mutsubi Dachi. Both arms are extended to the sides, facing the inside, hands open and fingers together. The upper body tilts down from one's waist about is, thus the neck remains straight. Pronounce, "Oss." A courteous bow lasts a single breath length. Afterwards, the body tilts back to its normal posture.

When bowing opponents must still be within one's field of vision
without ever moving one's eyes.


BOWING WHILE KNEELING
Students kneel, seiza, at many instances during the class. To bow in the kneeling position, the open left hand is placed on the floor, followed by the right. Both hands are in front of the student and both tips of the hands are close to one another. The body tilts much lower this time, directly facing the floor. When returning to seiza, the right hand returns to the thigh, then the left fallows.


ENTERING AND EXITING
Stand in the entrance, facing the class, and bow forward. Only after this is it appropriate to enter or exit.

If students arrive for the later of two classes, then they will form a line behind the previous one. This is to be done speedily.

If students from the previous class have not yet left before the seiza, then they are to stand on the side and be quiet. Only after the last rei is it acceptable to leave.

At the start of the warm up, karatekas who have taken a previous class may choose to leave momentarily in order to refresh themselves. Understandably, they should return to class as soon as possible.

If students have left the class for whatever reason and wish to return, then they must kneel down in the entrance way and wait for the Sensei (or the sampai if Sensei is busy) to greet them. They must bow before returning to class.


TARDINESS
Shotokan is an art, and it is also a discipline. Karatekas are expected to be punctual. It is preferred that students arrive rather early to help prepare the dojo floor and to meet fellow classmates. If you use the exercise machines, you must finish your training 10 minutes before the dan start.

If ever a student is late, he/she must kneel at the entrance and wait to be greeted by Sensei. They may then be asked to perform certain exercises as a sanction.


COURTESY
In entering the dojo, one's goal should be the development of their technique, attitude, respect and 'character'. The uniform, gi, should be properly washed and presentable in class. Regular cleaning and maintenance are recommended.

Within the classroom, it is not permitted to drink, eat or masticate chewing gum. Also, people should not wear jewellery, rings or chains, since these could all injure their hosts during training. Above all, avoid talking unnecessarily, especially when Sensei is talking.

When asked to move from one side of the dojo to the other, do it quickly and from behind the line-ups; do not pass in front, and do not cut through the lines, unless time is of the essence.

Every exercise with or without a partner starts and finishes with a bow. When with a partner, the bow should be simultaneous and mutual.

Always refer to the instructor by "Sensei". If a student must leave early, he/she should inform the sensei before the start of class. If the Sensei gives a physical demonstration, students nearest to the front should kneel to allow others to see. When corrected, or when one wants to affirm something, they must acknowledge with a prompt "Osu."