Daypuck Karate Grading Performance Guide
As an opportunity to help your grading’s conduct professionally and result more efficiently, it is important to be mindful and practice proper dojo etiquette and professionalism as a Daypuck Karate practitioner. In all cases being polite and respectful will guide you but some karate traditional customs should be considered as well. When you reach the point of your training that requires you to grade for your next belt your nerves commonly get the best of you when demonstrating for your exam. No need to worry this guide will help you with some commonly forgotten traditional dojo etiquette’s, and with practice your confidence will grow and you will learn to manage your nerves.
Please treat this time as a respectful ceremony to show or display to the Sensei’s your skills. The Sensei’s will lead you through the grading asking you to demonstrate your grading level criteria. It is always a good idea to observe the senior belts for how to conduct yourself in a professional manner, as they should be experienced and practicing to become a black belt.
Please treat this time as a respectful ceremony to show or display to the Sensei’s your skills. The Sensei’s will lead you through the grading asking you to demonstrate your grading level criteria. It is always a good idea to observe the senior belts for how to conduct yourself in a professional manner, as they should be experienced and practicing to become a black belt.
Spectator/Observer Tips
See below for tips to maintain proper dojo etiquette when coming to support you favourite karateka member. It is important to remember that as excited as you may be to watch and encourage their personal progress, if you follow the tips below you will optimize your students performance.
- Remain quiet and do not coach from the side (This interferes with the students attention to the Sensei’s)
- Silence cellphones and electronics to minimize distractions to the examiners
- If you are watching with guests or little children it is your responsibility to ensure they also know the dojo rules and etiquette and act and behavior properly
- Share and support in the participant’s success. Your presence means something to them. (Let them know their hard work was noticed)
Student Tips
- Know your grading requirements (You may not have to demonstrate all of it but be prepared to)
- Arrive 10-15 minutes early (Use this time to practice your skills warming up and stretching)
- Absolutely NO jewelry (This is for your safety, no watches, earrings, rings, necklaces, etc.)
- Look presentable (Clean & washed Gi, nails trimmed for safety, hair tied back, etc.)
- If possible get your GI Hemmed, shorter is more traditional (This allows the Sensei’s to properly see hands and foot techniques easily)
- Bow before you enter and leave the dojo floor (This is considered disrespectful if ignored)
- Bow before and after each exercise especially if you’re training with someone
- Be alert at all times and listen for your name (Sensei could call you up at any time)
- When you hear your name show enthusiasm and run to your spot (Show that this means something to you)
- Be bold to show your working on becoming a black belt. Speak loudly and acknowledge Sensei’s commands with Oss (Ask questions if you’re not sure of the instructions)
- Be an excellent example to others watching no matter your belt rank (You never know who is watching)
- Always be respectful to other students (It helps each other grow as a karate family)
- Be aware of the other ranks present and line up in order to belt rank with the higher ranking belt to right of you (If all are the same belt rank respect the older students to be senior)
- At the belt presentation, once your old belt is removed do not let it touch the floor, fold it nicely and treat it with respect (Consider your old belts as your trophies of all your hard work)
- Congratulate and encourage other students on their efforts and success even if you did not pass (Always remember that each level must earned, and you are not entitled to receiving your next belt)
- Be courteous by not talking in between exam tasks. (Watch other examiners and learn from their demonstrations as well.)
- It is important to review your test results to improve for your next grading
- Celebrate each grading like a successful milestone or huge win (These are individual achievements that will build confidence and character)