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Upon first entering a traditional Martial Arts Dojo, western people are often
uncomfortable with the unfamiliar bowing and many other forms of etiquette.
They may seem over-exaggerated, superficial and unnecessary. Yet, each point of
etiquette has its origin in a concern for personal safety and general welfare.
Daily life is filled with social manners and customs, which allow people to
communicate and lessen the possibility of misunderstandings. This is even more
important in a warrior society where violence is tempered only by a strict code
of honor and severe social structure. Etiquette was the controlling factor in
the feudal societies of old where it was often the narrow line between life and
death.
When you enter the Dojo, you are entering a different world, a warrior's world.
On the training floor we are retraining our ability to respond instinctively.
It is the underlying current of etiquette and social manners which allows us to
practice safely, to develop discipline and redirect our aggressive responses
and cultivate compassion and respect.
Karate-Do is not a sport. It is a discipline, an education process for training
the mind, body and spirit. Physical technique is not the true objective but a
tool for personal refinement and growth.
The Dojo is not a gymnasium. It is a place where the teachings of past masters
are studied. It is not a place for the display of one's ego, but a place for
uplifting and developing one's mind, body and spirit. The correct attitude of
respect for the learning process is essential to the safety of each student,
since this is a Martial Art.
Therefore, the our rules are to be viewed as necessary to the maintenance of
this atmosphere and vital to your personal safety and to your study of
Karate-Do.
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