If you decide to go there already 'dressed', only wear the pants and then a t-shirt or sweatshirt, whatever is applicable. I would not wear the gi top and I definitely would not wear the belt. ...or you can go there in your regular clothes and change into your gi there. Most dojo have changing rooms or a bathroom to change in at least.
AI AI AI!
Well, here's what you needed to know about karate:
Go there, observe. See if it looks like something you want to do. Then talk to the instructor. Ask about what uniform you need to buy. Hopefully you didn't buy a white GI while everyone else has black.
No one judges a white belt who wears street clothes the first couple of times, although I'd recommend something flexible like adides or nike sweats and a short or longsleave shirt, don't go in there rockin the true's with a leather jacket on.
But since you already have a Gi, don't wear it, bring it there and show the instructor and ask if its alright for the class. If it is, you can skip the street clothes and start going there in a Gi. I only wore street clothes the day after observing.
Here are a couple terms for you:
GI: The unifrom you wear.
Kiai: The scream you make with each attack
Sensei: Black belt, usually below Dan 6
Dan: Rank of black belts. There are usually 10. 10th is considered a grandmaster.
Shihan: Some styles use this, some don't. It refers to a senior blackbelt, usually above the dan of 6.
Dojo: The training hall
Eediquette (this is how it is in my dojo and ever I've been to, but urs may be different):
1. Always respect higher belts than you, even if you don't agree with what they say. Trust me. They know what they are talking about.
2. In my dojo, we bow when entering the class or leaving the dojo going in the bathroom, and bow to the ground at the start and end of class.
3. Stripes go on the left of your belt.
4. Constant respect for everyone.
5. As you are a whitebelt, I don't care what style you are from or if your a black belt in every other style on earth. During class, do not try to give advice to higher belts. This puts a target on your back and makes you look like you think you know more than them. Remember, RESPECT! If asked, you can give your opinion, but don't be the white belt yelling at the green belt "Keep your guard up!".
That's all I can think of for now, I'm sure people will post more etiquette on here.
One more thing: Beware Mcdojo's, places that only want your money. There are several signs, I will let U.D. cover it for you:
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.ph...
One more thing: Beware places that are excessively rough, take advantage of you because you are a white belt, have full contact sparring, exc. Karate came from war and killing. So yea its rough. Yea accidents happen. But there's a limit. If they have you sparring advanced belts with no control and you are constantly getting beat up, you won't learn anything.
Thats my last peace of advise for you: Work on control in the dojo. Control is being able to spar without seriously hurting your opponent.
Good luck and may the Kiai be with you!
(edit): One last thing: Unless its extremly important, do not ask alot of questions unless the partain to what you are doing at the moment. Blackbelts will get annoyed if you constantly ask them "What is the counter to this... or ... In this situation..." Those questions are for later on as your more advanced. As a whitebelt, learn what they teach you.
You don't need to do anything yourself. There should be someone to guide you on every aspect. As this is your first class, you should follow that most sincerely. That will be quite good for your first class.
Wear loose-fitting casual clothes as you'll probably be doing practicality.
start stretching your legs and thighs out now. you'll be sore for about the first 3-5 classes, then you'll be used to it.
take it with you.
I don't know what to do should I take uniform with me or go there by wearing uniform
