| Dojo | Rules & Etiquette |

Rules and Etiquette

The dojo is a special place where we train ourselves mentally as well as physically. You must respect the dojo and observe the following etiquette and rules.

1. The dojo is a special place that belongs to all members. Students should take pride in it's appearance and keep it clean and tidy at all times.

2. Always try to be respectful to your instructors, senior students, elders, and training partners.

3. When entering the dojo, say "Onegai Shimasu" (please teach me) in a loud clear voice.

4. Always allow senior students to enter before you. You should never walk in front of a senior student.

5. When stepping onto the floor, show respect be bowing to shomen or the front of the training hall.

6. Students should not be late for class. This means dressed and on the floor before the class is scheduled to start. If late, kneel in seiza at the edge of the workout area in mokuso. Then bow speaking aloud, "Onegai Shimasu", before entering the training.

7. You should always be silent during mokuso even if you are not part of that class. This includes parents and friends observing class.

8. Whenever a sensei is speaking you should be silent an attentive even if you're not part of that class. Immediately kneel in seiza and listen to instruction.

9. Use the restroom before class begins.

10. Always practice in a clean training uniform (gi). Keep your gi laundered and neat.

11. Keep your fingernails and toenails short to avoid injury.

12. You must know your physical condition, stamina and strength well. Do not force yourself to do more than you can. Make sure your instructor is aware of any injuries that may affect your training prior to starting class.

13. Do not eat within one hour prior to training.

14. When the instructor calls for class to begin (shugo), quickly line up according to your rank and face shomen.

15.When the instructor calls for meditation (mokuso) close your eyes and breathe deeply into your lower abdomen.

16. During class, listen carefully and seriously to all instructions. Do not forget to show that you have heard and understand (yes sensai).

17. Students must use approved protective equipment when sparring. Head gear, mouth guard hand and foot protectors, and groin cup for males, must be worn at all times when sparring.

18. Always handle the training equipment with care,

19. No gum, food or beverages will be allowed in the training area during class.

20. No jewelery of any kind is to be worn at any time during training.

21. Students are expected to control themselves at all times. In and out of the dojo.

22.Students are not to engage in any freestyle sparring without qualified supervision.

23. All open wounds must be kept clean and completely covered with bandages.

24. Practice cooling down exercises before you finish class for at least five minutes.

25. When you are observing training in the dojo, you must sit on your knees (seiza) or with crossed legs. You should not slouch or lean against the walls or equipment.

26. It is important to ask your seniors if you have any questions.

27. Do not forget to thank anyone who gives you information or instruction on karate.

28. Upon leaving the dojo, do not forget to say "Arigato Gozaimashita" (thank you very much) or "Shitsurei- Shimasu" (excuse me).