Governing one’s own behavior is an essential concept in life as well as the martial arts. The root character, shū, shown above, means to conduct one’s self well, or to govern one’s behavior.  It can also mean to order one’s life, or to study and master a subject.

In combination with various second characters it makes important two-character words along these same lines, for example Shūshi (Master of Arts), shūgyō (discipline, pursuit of knowledge), shūshin (morals, ethics), shūkai (personal reformation), shūren (drilling, practicing, training) and shūtoku (learning). In the martial arts, however, shū refers to the etiquette of the martial way.

Proper dojo etiquette is one of the essential aspects of karate training, not just in our style but in every other kind of Asian martial arts as well.  Etiquette is the way of showing respect to fellow students, to the dojo, the instructor, and all the others throughout history whose dedication and skills have come down to us as the art we now study. And yet, demonstrating proper etiquette is really for ourselves, a small symbol of our efforts at self-mastery and our pride in being an active participant in something so fascinating and enjoyable as the martial arts.