I have written many blog postings on this subject. The old web site for my practice also held many pages on the subject using the Japanese Karate Terminologies to help emphasize the practice. I have discovered that this practice is NOT what you would actually see in the Okinawa dojo when the military persons were first training to be karate-ka.

It may be some of the current honbu dojo practice but in reality it is not original to Okinawa dojo and even today in some Japanese dojo the practice is minimal and geared more toward the customs and courtesies of the Japanese culture so it is not indicative of dojo practice.

This brings us in the Isshinryu community the question, what do we practice as to etiquette, customs and courtesies, of an Okinawan training hall? Good question but first let me say emphatically, "We are NOT Okinawans!" I would also add this comment with emphasis as well, "We are not Asian's nor are we either Japanese or Chinese!"

It has become a custom to utilize the uniform and belt but in reality it is not what was used by Okinawan's who are the originators of karate, not the Japanese. Funakoshi Sensei was the Okinwan instrument that brought about infusing Japan into Karate simply so he and his teachings would be accepted into the Japanese society. I would venture to say that this may have been economically driven as well as the instinctual desire to belong to the Tribe or group. He was insightful enough to realize that with the war coming, etc. that his allegiance and longevity would better be served if he were a member of and accepted by the Japanese society with an emphasis on the military class. In the end, since the late 1800's and the current times economic factors have been and always will be a prime driver to those who wish to teach karate as the mainstay of income, etc. Even if that is not a primary factor monetary factors still encroach on the teaching of karate because there is and always will be costs incurred.

Etiquette as it may be practiced today does not come from the Okinawan training halls. It was merely a courtesy that Okinawans bowed when entering a home. The dojo of yesteryear were the teachers home's and not formal dojo or training halls per say. Take a look at some of the "few" older pictures of the masters and their students, the pictures rarely are taken in a formal type building designated as dojo. As an aside this applies to the uniforms and the belts used today which both come from the integration of Okinawan karate into Japanese culture for acceptance, etc.

I suggest that if we are to practice karate as Americans then changes need to occur. If we still wish to practice it with the added etiquette's then we still need to make some changes. The rule that governs how I practice and teach today is simple, "If I am not Asian and I do not have the degree of education, training, and experience to practice and teach their customs and courtesies CORRECTLY then I should not either practice, teach, or use those customs and courtesies."

As an aside this goes doubly for the use of Japanese/Okinawa language terms in the training hall. We seem to associate this usage along with the customs and courtesies, i.e. etiquette, when we teach and that is incorrect as well. [see "Separation" web page]

What do I suggest be used for training hall customs and courtesies in America. First, get rid of the so called shoman/joseki wall. That is not a dojo practice in Okinawan karate. Those area's that were in the "home" of the teachers who used their yards to teach and practice has noting to do with the training hall. In Isshinryu Tatsuo, Papasan, used his yard until the Marines built walls for him, etc. and until he opened more training halls around the local area. No one came in and lined up, knelt in seiza position, meditated, bowed to the shoman/joseki or alter wall of honor, turned and bowed teacher to student then bow senior student to student to begin and end training sessions. It didn't happen folks, these types of customs and courtesies come from the society the Japanese live in and believe in totally. These then carried over into "some" Martial Art Dojo, not all…think "Koryu." It ain't Okinawan so get over it already.

Ok, back to the training "yard" of Tatsuo Papasan, which is what the early practitioners called him and was customary to call Okinawan men in Tatsuo's status, etc. When a practitioner arrived to train and practice, which occurred anytime during the day and evening because there were NO SET TIMES for training, bowed as was custom upon entering Tatsuo's home, bowed to Tatsuo as another custom, i.e. like saying good morning and shaking a persons hand here, then broke off to either practice basics/fundamentals or kata or kumite for sport, etc. When they were done they left the same way.

All the bowing and scrapping done today did not exist then and only exists in some Okinawan dojo to a very limited degree because of Japanese influences after they assumed control over the island, etc.

In my humble opinion some guys here observed "once or twice" another facility doing it and said, "cool stuff, I think I will add that to my dojo." Whalla they did so and as we tend to do added it with out checking to make sure it was true, accurate, and done correctly to honor and not dishonor the traditions, customs, and courtesies of that country of origin which in this case was Japan.

Remember the customs and courtesies of the elite or the upper classes of Okinawa were directly copied exactly from their association with the Chinese aristocrats, etc. If you wish to actually practice Okinawan customs and courtesies you need to study them closely and then understand that those practiced by the Okinawan aristocratic society vs. the common folks of Oki you will find a difference. The common folks of Okinawa had little to do with the interactions of the Okinawan and Chinese envoys, traders, etc.

I would even go so far as to eliminate all belts except the white belt for "kyu" levels which I actually refer to as "novice practitioners," and a simple black belt for the "student practitioners," and finally a white belt with a small indication such as a embroidered style on one end of the belt and no other indication other than the personal knowledge of the practitioners in that training hall to show they are the mentor for that facility.

As to how I would convey the way of the empty hand beyond the strictly physical aspects of training, i.e. the use of karate training as a tool to betterment of self, is to provide the following customs and courtesies that are practiced strictly in that particular training facility.

Everyone who wishes to practice must arrive "on time" and that means for my facility five minutes before the formal training session begins. Use this time to change into your uniform or training cloths, i.e. loose clothing, etc., then go into the training hall and begin to warm up and maybe practice fundamentals until class begins.

When the session begins everyone will form a large circle with everyone facing the center. The circle represents the equality of all practitioners in this facility and helps to remind them that they are all here to train and practice so we all will be polite and courteous to one another regardless of level of proficiency, knowledge and experience. The only one who has control over the entire gathering is the guy who runs the facility and in this case it is me.

We will use no titles but what is accepted by each individual. They dictate how all of us will refer to them, i.e. Mr. or Mrs.; first name, or what they desire and we will respect that wish regardless.

As the mentor or leader of this facility unless told otherwise use the Mr. and last name. When informed to use first name then do so otherwise regardless of how others address the mentor/leader of the facility address him or her.

We circle up, provide for courtesies such as saying good afternoon, good evening, welcome, etc. Then the leader/mentor will discuss past and present stuff before breaking off and getting distance so warm-up and fundamental practice is done as a group.

The only person who will provide guidance and information on practice and training is the leader/mentor of the facility. NO ONE else will provide guidance and/or information unless "directly asked by the individual." This is paramount and non-negotiable, no one will voluntarily provide any type of guidance, information, and/or instruction on karate or anything for that matter in the facility unless "DIRECTLY ASKED" by the individual; otherwise remain silent and train/practice!

When training/practice sessions come to a conclusion then the mentor/leader calls for another circle up and then provides some closing comments then says thank you for training hard and good night. The group then can break up, shake hands or what ever to say goodnight to other practitioners, continue practicing if the facility has the space and time available, etc. or ask questions of one another or the mentor/leader, etc. before changing into street clothes and going home.

If we are truly going to utilize karate-do as a tool to teach us indirectly how to become a better person or to achieve a better way of living life then we can take the following traits and try to achieve them through our association with each other in the training hall, our studies to associate and compare and demonstrate/practice in karate, and our efforts in the community/society.

Always remember that karate is a physical practice at its core and if the individual does not pursue further studies and efforts "in addition to and to supplement the meaning and goals of practice" it remains a physical practice. If they pursue more then remember that karate is NOT a way of life but a means to emphasize and practice those traits and such to create within each person a better person and a better way of living life.

It comes down to this example, one can practice and learn karate to use to dominate and overcome others with out regard or it can be used to supplement and emphasize qualities that will make us a part of others as a group/society member/tribe member, etc.

- Never strike first! If you are practicing to provide self protection then your goal is to "avoid at all costs" those situations that open you to resorting to karate for self protection. A true warrior trains to be the best warrior but at its core must always keep foremost in his/her mind that resorting to violent behavior is always a last resort. In the rare cases that confrontation is unavoidable then this rule is still kept even if you do "actually" strike first. In violent situations you won't get the chance because in those situations they have pegged you as a victim and have already clobbered you so your first strike is simply your attempt to get out of the situation and to safety with life and hopefully limbs intact.

- Develop the proper attitude in life! Remain positive and use self-talk techniques to avoid suffering from that "monkey brain" running your life, take control and let your attitude lead you correctly.

- Pay attention! When ever you encounter another you must "to attend to" or pay attention. Remain alert to the person, environment, and be diligent in attending to the appropriate changes necessary to create a positive outcome to the encounter. To pay attention is to demonstrate your expression to the other as a worthy person. Your acknowledgement of the person validates them and shows your desire to treat them as equals and establish them as worthwhile individuals.

- Remain vigilant! Keep vigilant in your encounters, actions, and/or deeds when with others to validate their existence, their importance in society, and their personal feelings.

- Think Positively of Others at all times! Always think the very best of others. Assume the best and act accordingly with out losing sight of positive awareness in case of a sudden change. Approach every encounter with others as if they are good, honest, and sensitive.

- Actively Listen! Don't Jump! Possibly one of the most important rules you can assume in life is to "Listen". Listening or lack thereof is the most common reason for conflict. Listen to the words and feelings; focus on the person communicating; let silence be your primary means of action; let go of your past experiences and be in the present moment; disregard all thoughts of the future and be in the present moment; concentrate on just listening before doing anything else; establish eye contact; let you body reflect the positive; let your voice, tone, and response be on the others comments, actions, body language, intent, and so on; don't rush to agree or disagree; simply show understanding.

- Speak Kindly! Speak kindly and never speak ill of others. Be the person others speak of as the one who never uttered an unkind word. Let that be your legacy. Always keep in your mind that you are speaking/interacting with a living, breathing, vulnerable human beings; always remember the power of words.

- Treat Others Decently! A fundamental rule of society; one that is relevant and important when ever one comes into contact with another; decent behavior is when we care enough not to make problems, ours or theirs, into either our or their problem. The way we treat others is always a reflection of our own self-worth. Respect is a corner stone of any one persons contact with another. Assume they deserve it and then give it whole heartily.

- Treat Others as Guests, always! Care for others as if they were a guest in your home. Be hospitable to every one you meet or connect with even if only for the moment. Get to know others by listening and when you talk to them talk from the heart. Always be considerate of others, no excuses.

- Think Twice before Acting/Speaking! Refrain for taking action or speaking with out thinking twice. How you communicate can result in either a peaceful resolution or a combative one which can turn quickly into a physical altercation. Self-restraint means we ignore the ego and stay in the current moment with complete respect and regard for the opinions of others regardless of our assessments. The goal is to have an amicable meeting of the minds when two connect in today's society. Civility or lack thereof are major causes of anger, fear, and conflict.

- Take Responsibility! Don't try to shift responsibility or blame to others. Take complete responsibility for all of your actions be they verbal or physical. Your attitude and how you express it can be either acceptable to all or not. When not, then you have conflict. Conflict does not benefit anyone.

- Have Courage! Develop the courage necessary to be brave. Bravery and courage does not mean jumping into any confrontation with the desire to win at all costs. It takes one who has courage to avoid conflicts, to find alternatives to doing battle. To create relationships that end in proper balance for all concerned is the epitome of bravery and courage. Anyone can take up arms and do battle yet only the very bravest; those with the most courage; are able to overcome the ego within and to achieve peace and tranquility within and in society.

- Create Goodwill! Create good will among those who you come in contact by providing the type of influence that creates camaraderie; a societal connection of benefit for all. Be a benevolent guide to your fellow man; influence them to influence themselves; become someone who creates a desire in others to become a better person and a complete part of the society in which we all live.

- Conduct Yourself Properly! Conduct yourself with the highest morality and personal values necessary to influence others to follow the path of civility; kindness to others. To provide others with good example of morals, proper conduct, and the type of courtesy that leaves a favorable impression is a great achievement.

- Remain Truthful and Honest! To conduct one's life with ideals of both truth and honesty is the highest achievement of a karate-ka and a solid citizen of society.

- Remain Loyal! Loyalty to self, loyalty to the group, loyalty to society is a hallmark of a true citizen who contributes to the betterment of society. This is not blind but with a true heart in creating a bond among each of us that transcends the ego and creates a feeling of belonging and benefits all.

- Develop Yourself First, let it influence others! Make it your goal to achieve within yourself humility, respect, righteousness, trust, loyalty, will, endurance, perseverance, patience, and courage as your standards in living. At least make a commitment to "Try" every day for your entire life.

- Look Inward First! Make it a personal goal to look within yourself with truth and honesty with the outcome of acknowledgement as to your own foibles; to make it your life's measure to achieve dominance over such foibles; to never allow them to lead you astray from the noble path you have chosen; to never allow them to create disharmony among others; make this a most important trait of your personality and try to achieve the goals of the code daily, moment by moment. Make this your presence as a personal present to yourself.

- Develop Tolerance! Remember tolerance at all costs. Lack of tolerance is unfair to others and opens the door to discontent, anger, and conflict. Put yourself in another's position as if what you say or do effects you and act/adjust accordingly. To remember that everyone is a person; a human being; vulnerable; sensitive and no different than ourselves before you speak or act is important; do it.

- Keep Balance! Keep your balance. Study, train, and practice to achieve balance or In-yo (Yin-yang). Create the one by achieving balance. The ability to achieve balance is a cornerstone of a serene life. Balance in mind and body. To achieve emotional balance leads to life's balance and allows us to follow the way through our code reflecting on others, on society, for all our benefit.

"The goal of the code is not to dictate to others our own personal perspective of what is acceptable or not to an individual or society. It is a personal code for the individual thus is provided in as a generic form as possible to fit everyone. It is a simple guide that assists others in creating a personal life to live that is conducive to creating a society that is humble and serene." - Charles E. James Okinawa Fighting Art Enthusiast