DOJO RULES & ETIQUETTE
“Karate begins with respect and ends with respect. Accept the way of others. Respect first your own”
- Dress in an appropriate manner:
- After trial period, a full gi including belt is required. (During trial period, althetic attire is appropriate)
- A neat & clean gi shows respect for your art.
- A white gi is required for gradings and demonstrations.
- Remove all jewelry that may cause an injury to yourself or fellow students.
- Finger and toe nails should be smooth and clean.
- All cuts, abrasions, warts or open sores, especially on feet and hands must be covered with band-aids or tape to avoid infection or spread of infection.
- No t-shirts or shoes shall be worn unless approved by an instructor.
- Long hair should be pulled back and away from the face.
- Respect the Dojo Training Area:
- The Dojo should be kept neat and tidy.
- To enter and leave; stop and perform a slight bow into the area.
- When called to order, form a line with more senior ranks on your right.
- Students must request permission from the instructor to enter or leave the training area while class is in session.
- Students entering late must take the most junior position regardless of rank.
- No food, drink or chewing gum is allowed in the training area.
- Respect Students and Instructors:
- During class, all Black Belts senior to yourself are to be called “Sensei”.
- Absolutely no disrespect will be shown to instructors or fellow students.
- During class & especially during instruction, students are to remain engaged by maintaining proper posture and focus - avoid leaning, fidgeting or standing in a passive manner. Stay alert and ready.
- The instructor will call the class to attention (“skite”) and to bow (“rei”)
- In the event the Sensei arrives late or leaves early, the class should be brought to attention and bow as a group.
- Students shall bow to each other prior to and upon completion of an exercise.
- Safety in the Dojo:
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- No physical contact will take place except with permission from or under the supervision of the instructor including sparring and self-defense.
- When sparring, students will adhere to requirements for safety equipment as outlined by the instructor.
- If you need assistance or need to leave the Dojo, get the attention of a Black Belt. Do not leave the floor without permission especially if feeling unwell or hurt.
- When sparring, students are expected to maintain a level of control consistent with their age, ability and rank.
- Students will not provoke violence or act aggressively at any time.
- Attitude:
- Practice Shoshin (“Beginners Mind”). When entering the dojo; be of a beginner’s mind open to the many possibilities and not be rigid in thinking.
- As you advance, ego is a constant enemy. Remain humble. “To earn respect in the dojo, one leaves their ego at the door with their shoes”.
This is not a complete list of rules and others may be brought to the attention of the students at any time.
While these rules may seem formal, they help instill a sense of respect and discipline necessary in an activity which may, if taken lightly, be dangerous.
Any student behaving in a disrespectful or dangerous manner will be asked to leave the floor.