Dojo Etiquette
- When late for class, excuse yourself to the Sensei by acknowledging him. Students who are late should try harder to be on time.
- Do not eat, chew gum, smoke or drink in the Dojo.
- When asked to line up beginning or during a class, always move as quickly as possible.
- Never practice Kumite (sparring) unless an instructor in present. When practising against a higher grade, do your very best to show respect for their grade. Remember that they have your lower grade in mind and will not be fighting to their capabilities.
- No contact is allowed to the face of any child or woman what so ever and only light contact may be made to the body. You are here to train with one another not against each other.
- Do not challenge a higher grade.
- Never walk between rows, or between the instructor and those training. If you must leave your position, walk behind the row you are in to either side of the class and proceed from there.
- Address your instructor as Sempai, Sensei or Shihan. Do not address instructor by their first names.
- No swearing, loud laughter or bad language will be accepted during training. Treat your training seriously.
- Your GI must be clean and neat at all times. Your belt should be aired dry but never washed, as it symbolically contains the spirit of your hard training.
- The instructor, whoever it may be, should be treated with respect that you yourself would expect as common courtesy. If you cannot find it in you to do so then you don't belong in a Dojo. NEVER QUESTION THE INSTRUCTORS DIRECTION.
- For the sake of neatness and safety, please refrain from wearing jewellery during training.
- All fees are payable in advance and must be done so on time. The contract you signed must be honoured and cannot be cancelled. If you are out of contract you must give two months written notice. Only one month’s grace will be given for any reason. Thereafter it must be paid in full whether you are actively training or not.
- You are never to lose your temper or “sort out” a problem on your own. Any grievance must be brought to the attention of the senior instructor at once or after the class.
- Gradings are compulsory but competing in tournaments is not.
- When arriving/leaving the Dojo out of respect to the Dojo, your fellow members and the ShihanKai, we always bow at the entrance facing towards the front of the Dojo. This is not a form of worship. It has ZERO religious meaning. It is merely a form of respect!
- When you arrive at the class, put your foot and shin pads on as well as your hand wraps. Also ensure you have a water bottle and small towel for sanitary reasons. If directed to take pads off, unless directed, leave your boots & shins on.
