WHAT IS KARATE?

The actual term is Karate-do . It is a martial art developed in Japan. Although the meanings of the term could be quite deep, a quick interpretation could be done by a sub-division of the characters. The first part “Kara” could be translated to empty, the word “tee” could be interpreted as hand, and the term “do” it is used to refer to a path or way to be followed. So we could interpreted as the path of the empty hand or the hand without weapons. 
WHAT IS SHOTOKAN?
Shotokan is the style of karate that we train. According to the World Karate Federation (the governing body of the sport), there are 4 major styles. Shotokan, Goyu-ryu, Shito-ryu and Wado-ryu

WHAT IS A DOJO?
It is the place where people train martial arts. The term is usually used to refer to a venue, but also to other identifiers like style and organization.

WHAT IS A KARATECA?

A person that trains karate.
WHAT DOES W.S.K.F. STAND FOR?

The World Shotokan Karate-Do Federation which is the organization we are affiliated 

with in Japan.

ARE WE AFFILIATED TO OTHER ORGANIZATIONS?

Yes, we are also affiliated to the Karate Alberta Association, which is the sports leading body in the province. This allows us to have access to tournaments, seminars and keeps us in touch with other dojos.
WHAT IS DOJO KUN?

A set of five (5) guiding principles, recited at the end of each Shotokan training session, intended to frame the practice within an ethical context. We ask that all members of the dojo learn and memorize the following, and that parents spend some time explaining what it means:

1.- Seek perfection of character
2.- Be faithful
3.- Endeavor for effort
4.- Respect others
5.- Refrain from violent behavior
GENERAL BEHAVIOR:

    "Karate begins and ends with courtesy"

FAMILY AND PARENTS EXPECTATIONS IN THE DOJO:

Our dojo is an open environment, and we welcome families to come and watch. It is actually a great attribute of our dojo that we would like to keep.
In order to maximize the effects of our training, we do ask for parents and visitors to:
Remain quiet while the class is going on. There are many children in our classes and they are easily distracted.
Do not address the instructors during the class.
Do not address your children during the class.
Keep small children out of the training area.
DOJO ETIQUETTE:

The training of martial arts requires dedication, concentration, discipline and good citizenship behaviour. Understanding this, makes a real karateka.
At all times a Karateka from Osuna Karate dojo are expected to respect each other and follow the tradition of the Shotokan Karate-do Dojo Kun (Rules of the Dojo).
HYGIENE BASICS:

Do not bring food or drinks into the dojo, (other than water in a water bottle with a lid) (Crumbs attract insects while pop and juice when spilled make things sticky and unpleasant. If you have a medical need, such as if you are a diabetic or hypoglycemic or some such, then you are an exception.)
Wash your Gi on a regular basis. You may not need to wash it after every class, but please wash it before it starts to get... ripe.
Wear deodorant and/or shower/bath regularly please.
Brush your teeth or have a breath mint before class. Keep mint gum in your gear bag so if you forget to brush before class, you can at least freshen up your breath a tiny bit on the way to the dojo.
A little bit of consideration for your fellow dojo mates and self respect enough to take care of your body and your Martial Arts equipment goes a long way.