Every time student enters or leaves the dojo he should perform a standing bow facing into the dojo. This is purely a bow of respect. Anyone who enters/leaves the dojo who does not do this will probably be spoken to by one of the dojo's senior grades about the importance of the bow in terms of the style's heritage, etc. Of course if a student is a novice who 'knows no better', or the student is leaving to seek medical attention then the student will not receive any harsh words.

The bow is intended as a greeting/farewell to the spirit of the dojo or club, and it should act as the student's first step in mentally preparing for the training ahead. The student should try and leave behind their every day stress when they enter the dojo. Karate is a martial art and involves concentration to prevent injury. Therefore to reduce the risk of accident, the student should try to focus on training once the enter the dojo, putting aside the distractions of life outside the dojo.