Dojo Rules and Protocols                

General protocol  all students should learn.
 

General Protocol

  • No shoes are allowed on training areas.
  • Uniforms (gi) must be clean and in good condition.
  • Female students must wear a T-shirt under their gi.
  • Chewing gum is not allowed in the dojo.
  • Fingernails and toenails must be trimmed.
  • Always use good hygiene.
  • Never let your Gi or Belt lay on the floor.
  • If you are sick, please stay home.

 Social Protocol

  • Always be respectful and helpful to everyone.
  • Bow before and after talking to a senior student.
  • Bow when entering and leaving the dojo floor.
  • Be sure to greet your Sensei when you arrive.
  • Never correct anyone senior to you about anything.
  • Always answer questions in a respectful manner.
  • If there is ever a question about protocol, ask Sensei.
  • Always address seniors appropriately.

 Training Protocol

  • Students may not wear jewelry during class.
  • When standing, do not slouch.
  • When sitting, use formal zen posture or sit cross-legged.
  • When fixing your Belt or Gi, always turn away front the Shomen (front).
  • Give your best effort in class. To do any less is disrespectful to your Sensei.
  • Ask permission before using or touching any equipment.
  • All weapons should be carried w/ care to be sure not to hit someone else.
  • 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.
  • The use of karate must be restricted. Students are expected to practice and/or perform karate only in the dojo during class or 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.

We reserve the right to refuse admittance or membership to anyone for any reason.