Our dojo often uses formal opening and closing ceremonies. Below are the Japanese commands given and an explanation in English.

Opening Ceremony

Head student: shugo – Line up

Head student: ki o tsuke – Attention

Head student: seiza – Kneel

Head student: mokuso – Meditation, eyes closed

Head student: mokuso yame – Open eyes

Head student: sensei ni – Face Instructor

Head student: rei – Bow

Everybody: onegaishimasu – “Will you please?” In karate “Please teach me”

Instructor: tate – Stand up

Closing Ceremony

Head student: shugo – Line up

Head student: ki o tsuke – Attention

Head student: seiza – Kneel

Head student: mokuso – Meditation, eyes closed

Head student: mokuso yame – Open eyes

Head student: sensei ni – Face Instructor

Head student: rei – Bow

Everybody: domo arigato gozaimashita – Thank you very much

Head student: otagai ni – Face fellow student

Head student: rei – Bow

Everybody: domo arigato gozaimashita – Thank you very much

Head student: shomen ni – Face forwards

The Instructor will then get up and leave, then the other students in order of rank.