When entering the Dojo (training hall) students formally must bow (Rei) in acknowledgment of senior students, instructors and Shomen (Sensei); and bow in the same manner again when exiting. This is also done when entering and exiting the main floor for practice. Bowing is our way of showing respect to the Dojo, its members, the effort and hard work put into the system by those who came before us. It is very important to follow the proper protocol regarding etiquette and rank in the Dojo and to bow before and after (in and out of ) each exercise session; whether formal or informal.
Etiquette is a very important part of training, without it we would be practicing nothing more than violence. The more training a person receives, the more calm, dignified and humble he or she should become. By practicing etiquette the student also gets better as a person more and more each day.
The following formalities are also taught to those students beginning to study and commonly practice. These protocols are communicated to our students as time goes on and are expected to be followed as rules in their own homes and in their every day living:
* Be proud in your study of your style of Karate.
* Practice courtesy manners no matter where you are.
* Students must bow when entering or leaving the Dojo.
* Work to develop courage and the concept of never giving up.
* Be considerate of the feelings and ideas of others.
* Respect the your elders no matter where you are.
* Students must wear the traditional Uniform (Gi) to all practice sessions.
* Your Karate Gi (Uniform) must be clean, not wrinkled and in proper order.
* If you arrive late for class, you must proceed with your warm-up exercises including push-ups before entering the training session, must wait until the instructor invites you to do so by bowing courtesy to one another.
* If you must leave early, please advise the instructor before beginning your training session.
* Please keep finger and toenails short and hair (with hair apparel) so as not to injure yourself or others.
* There is no Kumite (sparring) permitted without an instructor present.
* Address Sensei as such by saying “yes Sensei” or “no Sensei”.
* Students must not engage idle talk while in the Dojo and should remain attentive at all times.
* Students must always be courteous and helpful to each other.
* Have a clean body and Clear mind before entering the Dojo.
* Resolve conflicts before they occur by not allowing them to occur.
* Students must not chew gum or candy, or eat while in the Dojo.
* Try to go to the restroom before class begins. It is also recommended not to eat at least two and a half hours before class.
* Refrain from outbursts and comments no matter what it pertains to.
* Refrain from violent behavior.
*All classes and groups of exercises should begin and end with bowing.
* Students should never use their skills, except when there is absolutely no other choice but to defend.
