Common Dojo Phrases

Arigato gozaimashita - (thank you very much) - this is what you say to finish any exercise, drill, game or technique. It is always voiced loudly and clearly. You can also say this when you are leaving the dojo after practice.

Onegai shimasu - (please) - this is what you say to start any exercise, drill, game or technique. It is also the best thing to say any time you leave the seiza line. It is always voiced loudly and clearly.

Sumimasen - (excuse me) - this is the most polite thing to say if you accidentally bump into someone during practice. In fact, any time you make a mistake and need to apologize, you can use sumimasen.

Gomen nasai - (I'm sorry) - this is less polite than sumimasen, so don't say it to sensei, but it can be used toward fellow students to apologize. It must be said loudly and clearly.

Hai - (yes) - you should respond to any question sensei asks. It must be said loudly and clearly.

Iie - (no) - any time sensei asks a question you must answer loudly and clearly.

Ohayo gozaimasu - (good morning) - use this when you enter the dojo in the morning. Voice it loudly and clearly.

Konnichiwa - (good day) - use this when you enter the dojo in the middle of the day - around and after lunchtime and before dinner. Voice it loudly and clearly.

Konbanwa - (good evening) - use this when you arrive at the dojo in the evening. Voice it loudly and clearly.

Oyasumi nasai - (good night) - when you are leaving the dojo after evening class, oyasumi nasai is a great thing to say. Voice it loudly and clearly.

Sayonara - (good bye) - you can say this when you are leaving the dojo. Voice it loudly and clearly.

Osakini shitsurei shimasu - (excuse me for leaving before you) - This is the most polite thing to say when leaving the dojo. Voice it loudly and clearly

Otsukaresama desu - (you worked hard) - If Sensei feels you've worked as hard as you could during class, he/she may say this to you when you're leaving the dojo.