Dojo Etiquette and Rules

1. Your gi (uniform) and belt should be clean and in proper order before entering the dojo. Socks, shoes, jewelery and watches should be removed.

2. Students will bow upon entering and leaving the dojo, and will not leave the dojo floor without first receiving permission from the Sensei in charge. Upon entering the dojo you should be ready to train.

3. When unavoidably late, or returning to class, the student will enter, bow, move sideways away from the door, kneel, and wait for the head instructor to invite you in.

4. All black belts are to be addressed as "Sensei".

5. Higher belts will aid lower belts in their training. Lower belts will follow the instruction of the higher belts in the dojo.

6. Lower belts must keep the dojo clean, (by dry-mopping the floor, moving out unused equipment). It is up to the higher belts to make sure this rule is enforced.

7. Do not criticize other karate-ka (students).

8. No alcohol will be taken before class. Consuming candy, gum and any other food or drink are also forbidden during class.

9. Students will maintain a serious attitude in the dojo at all times: no profanity, unnecessary or loud talking will be tolerated.

10. Students must comply with the dojo health rules. Personal cleanliness is essential. Fingernails and toenails should be clipped at all times and uniforms cleaned and pressed.

11. There will be no sparring without appropriate safety gear, and the express permission of the Sensei. Also, students must ask to use any equipment in the dojo.

12. Do not put your hands on the floor while seated or rising from a seated position. Ask a Sensei why!

13. Extended absences should be discussed with the Sensei. Students are expected to attend regular classes in order to progress in karate.

14. Students will behave as gentlemen and as ladies, at all times, inside and outside the dojo.

15. No student will provoke violence, inside or outside the dojo, or allow himself to be provoked into violence, or risk expulsion from the art of karate for life.

16. Under no circumstances will any student, from white belt to brown belt, teach the art of karate to any person, or persons, without the permission and sanction of their Sensei. Any student who does so teach, can and WILL BE DEGRADED TO THE RANK OF WHITE BELT.