INTERNATIONAL SHURIWAY KARATE & KOBUDO SOCIETY

THE WEARING OF SHOES

As most everyone is probably aware, shoes are not allowed on the dojo training floor. This is for several reasons. First, the dojo floor is a special place where knowledge is passed from one person to another. To wear coverings on the feet is to say that the floor is not worthy of one's own flesh. This is certainly not true since it is the student who must prove himself worthy enough for the dojo, not the dojo to the student. Secondly, the dojo floor must remain pure. Impurities from shoes would not only dishonor the dojo, but could also scar the surface.

Along with this tradition, it is also important to wear shoes prior to coming to the dojo. To walk into the dojo barefoot and step onto the dojo floor is the same as walking on the dojo floor with shoes. Make sure you wear shoes when coming to the dojo and take them off once inside.

From the Seishinkai manual by James Herndon

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