what are the old fashioned rules to japanese karate (wado kai)?

Question

I started wado karate 2 years ago and I feel that I am really falling down on the appropriate ettiquitte. My Sensai is I keep being told very old fashioned and really believes in the japanese form of behaviour. Now i don't understand what that means. can someone explain?

I suppose I want to know if there is a particular ettiqute for social gatherings outside of class. I always call sensei, sensei. but is there more than that?

Answer 1

japanese or martial etiquette should play a part in an effective karate session:

Most importantly, the moment class starts, your mind should be on karate and on trying to improve your own technique. Concentrate, give spirited kiai, don't talk unnecessarily, and practice hard! (This is under "etiquette" because doing otherwise would be disrespectful to the instructor, as well as to yourself, both of who have bothered to come.)
Don't wear jewelry, watches, etc. Don't chew gum.
Whenever you're told to move from one part of the room to another, do it quickly (i.e., run or trot, at least). Also, don't pass in front of anyone -- go behind and around.
Whenever you're asked to stand back or sit back and watch, do so in a normal standing or kneeling position, silently, without leaning on walls or distracting others.
If you're ever in a kneeling position and you're uncomfortable, it's generally okay to bow and then switch to sitting cross-legged.
Whenever you stand from a sitting position, switch to kneeling, bow, then stand.
If you ever need to leave a class early, let the instructor know beforehand.
Every time you get a new partner for any exercise, bow. Every time you're about to switch partners, bow to your old partner before moving on to the next.
Don't make overt displays of how tired you are, no matter how tired you are.
If you're ever asked to count, count in whatever language you feel comfortable with, but make the counts short, sharp, and spirited
Don't say any words when you kiai. "Kiai" itself, being a Japanese word should NOT be a kiai. Common kiai include "Ya!" and "Ei!"
Don't be afraid to kiai! If you have a strong kiai, it will often spur others to work harder, as well. The overall tone of a class is set by the level of spirit of the class, which can be raised with better kiai. On the other hand, if your spirit is poor or your kiai weak, you might bring down the class spirit.
Do not hesitate to ask senior students and instructors for help before or after class. Time permitting, you should try to learn kata outside of class so that during class, the instructor can spend more time making comments about your technique rather than what move comes next

try to learn the japanese terms for kicks, punches etc and always respond with a firm "Uss, Sensei" when given an instruction

Answer 2

Two main rules:

1. Don't get hit. 2. If in doubt, rule one applies.

Your Sensai knows respect is not given, it is earned (works for master and student). Only fools rush in. Attention to detail and practicing your techniques slowly enhances accuracy, balance and posture. Speed and power will be available to you when you need it! Poor/clumsy executed techniques by trying to be macho usually end in disgrace.

Once saw a 70 year old guy weighing about 8 stone, smoking 40 cigarettes a day give a graceful exhibition of karate to two marines that were trying to mug him. Don’t know what hurt the most, the physical injuries or the embarrassment. There was not a mark on the old boy.

Answer 3

Sit in the seize position properly. Your knees should be one fist apart, and your back should be straight and at a 45 degree angle to your legs. Keep your hands near your knees and your elbows extended. Wiggle your big toes together and you keep your legs from falling asleep. When you enter the Tojo give a real bow (not just a nod) to the shrine or in the direction of sense. Always be %100 alert to whatever instructions sense gives, don't make him repeat himself. Acknowledge that you heard with hai or uss. Once you learn these things, they will come in handy even if you go into tea-ceremony etc. or visit Japan. Japanese etiquette is just that, it's not just for budo.

Answer 4

difficult question and the calibre of the question shows you are a good and dedicated student . you have my respect. in the old days students treated Sensei like a god. bit foolish now .does he want you to treat him this way . not many old uns left. i think you should have a heart to heart and work out the best options for you both. i personally think its a little over the top .

Answer 5

RESPECT.your sensei,your dojo,your fellow students(lower and higher rank) and yourself.If you can figure that out correctly the rest will fall into place