Dojo Protocol

Here are a few general protocol items so that you as a student can learn the proper way to do things in the Dojo without creating disrespect for yourself and others.

1. Always bow before and after talking to a senior student.

2. Always bow when entering and leaving the dojo floor.

3. Always greet and bow to seniors when seeing them for the first time that day.

4. When fixing your Belt or Gi, always turn away front the Shomen (front) when doing so.

5. Never walk on dojo floor with your shoes on. Be sure to catch others as well.

6. It is disrespectful to ask about your testing.

7. A student should never ask an instructor if they can spar.

8. Never correct anyone senior to you about anything.**

9. Always answer a question asked to you with a respectful answer.

10. If there is ever a question or protocol is ever in question, go right to Sensei Dave. get it right from the horses mouth.

11. Always respect your Sensei.s wishes when he/she asks you a question or asks you to do something.

12. All weapons should be carried w/ care to be sure not to hit someone else.

13. Always give your best effort in class. To do any less is highly disrespectful to your Sensei.

14. Never leave your Gi or Obi laying around on the floor.

15. Always address seniors appropriately: Sensei for Black Belts & Sempai for non-black belt seniors. If you see others not doing this, it is your responsibility to catch it and inform them of their mistake.

16. If you are SICK. STAY HOME! Why make others ill just because you don't want to miss class?

** The enforcing of this protocol is the responsibility of every student to make our Dojo the best it can be will require everyone's help. If a junior rank sees a senior rank breaking protocol he/she shall approach them in a respectful manner to notify them of their breach of protocol.

(Tread carefully. this is a touchy area. Refer to protocol #8).

 

Dojo Policies

Instructor’s permission is required before engaging in any type of training.

♦ The use of karate must be restricted. Students are expected to practice and/or perform karate only:

♦ a) in the dojo during class,

♦ b) in demonstrations with an instructor present, and

♦ c) at home with parents’ permission.

♦ However, it is understood that if a student is in danger the situation may warrant the prudent use of karate for self-defense.

♦ Students must be respectful of instructors, other students and the dojo at all times. Black Belt Instructors are formally addressed as .Sensei. (sen-say). Colored Belt teachers are called .Sempai. (sem-pie).

♦ Always be courteous and helpful to other members of the dojo.

♦ No shoes are allowed on training areas.

♦ Uniforms (gi) must be clean and in good condition. Female students must wear a Tshirt under their gi. Students may not wear jewelry during class.

♦ Fingernails and toenails must be trimmed.

♦ Running is prohibited unless it is part of a workout.

♦ Chewing gum is not allowed in the dojo.

♦ Students may not eat in the training rooms.

♦ Students may not lean on walls. When standing, do not slouch. When sitting, use formal zen posture or sit cross-legged.

♦ Bow on and off training areas.

♦ Ask permission before using or touching any equipment.

♦ Keep the dojo clean; care for the equipment.

♦ Safety equipment (hand and foot pads, head gear, mouthpiece, shin chest and groin protector) is required when free sparring in the dojo and at tournaments.

♦ Only light contact is allowed when free sparring. Light contact shows no visible penetration. Illegal contact areas are knees, spine, head and groin. The legal contact area is the torso.

♦ Scoring areas are the head (with no contact) and the torso (with light contact) when sparring.

♦ All equipment must be returned to its proper place after use.

♦ Instructors reserve the right to refuse admittance or membership to anyone who fails to abide by these rules.