Reishiki 

(Dojo Etiquette)

"Reishiki continues even when class ends"

When class has ended, Sensei will say "Lets Line Up".  This is when we line up in rank order with our toes on the blue line, facing the Kamiza.  The most senior student will again say "Shinzen Ni Rei" We bow in silence towards the Kamiza, showing respect to those that have gone before us.  You will then hear either "O' Sensei, Sensei or Senpei (depending on who lead the class) Ni Rei".  We bow and say "Oss!! "Domo Arigato Gozimasu Sensei (Senpei)". Showing thanks and gratefulness for being taught.

With our toes still on the blue line, Sensei will say "Shomen  Ni, ShotoJuku Dojo Kun".  At this, we recite the Dojo Kun, the code we ShotoJukuKai live by.  They all begin with "One" because they all carry the same importance.

                                 One: Seek Perfection of Character.

                                One: Endeavor to Excel

                               One: Respect Others

                              One: Be Faithful

                             One: Avoid Violent Behavior

After the recitation, class has officially ended, but reishiki continues.  This is the time to clean, showing respect for the place where "we" follow the Way, by sweeping the training floor, wiping down the mirrors, cleaning the bathrooms, vacuuming, etc.    Much like craftsmen who take good care of their tools, so we take good care of our Dojo, so that it will always be in good condition, waiting to greet us again.

This should have given you a good idea of what reishiki entails.  Now, read this again and look for ways you can apply reishiki to everything you do.  For the true karateka reishiki doesn't begin and end in the Dojo.  Much like the Dojo Kun, it is a way of living your life.

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