Ettiquette
1. The dojo is a special place that belongs to all members. Students should take pride in its appearance and keep it clean and tidy at all times.
2. Always be respectful to your instructors, senior students, elders, and training partners.
3. When entering the dojo, bow and say, "Onegai shimasu," (please teach me) in a loud and clear voice.
4. Always allow senior students to enter before you. You should never walk in front of a senior student.
5. When stepping onto the dojo floor, show respect by bowing to the dojo shrine (Shinzen) or o the front of the training hall if there is no shrine.
6. Students must observe the training schedule and should not be late to class. This means dressed and on the floor before class is scheduled to begin.
7. If you arrive late, quietly move to the back of the class, bow in, do fifty push-ups, and join the class. Be careful not to disturb anyone who is training in the class.
8. While waiting for class to begin, you should quietly stretch or do warm up exercises being careful not to disturb the class in session.
9. Use the restroom before class begins.
10. Always practice in a clean training uniform (gi). Keep your gi laundered and neat.
11. Keep your fingernails and toenails short to prevent injury to others.
12. Be aware of your physical condition and limitations. Make sure the instructor is aware of any injuries that may affect your training prior to starting class and do not force yourself to do more than you can.
13. Do not eat within one hour prior to training. 
14. Do not forget to warm up before training, even if you are training alone.
15. When the instructor calls for class to begin (shugo), quickly line up according to rank and face the shinzen.
16. When your instructor calls for meditation (mokuso), close your eyes and breathe deeply into your lower abdomen (tanden). You should always be silent during mokuso, even if you are not part of that class.
17. During class, listen carefully and seriously to all instructions. Do not forget to show that you have heard and understand by saying, "Hai, Sansei," or "Hai, Senpai." Whenever Sensei is speaking you should be silent and attentive, even if you are not part of that class.
18. Students must use protective equipment that is approved and in good condition when sparring. This includes head gear, mouth guard, hand and foot protectors, and groin cups for men.
19. Always handle the training equipment with care.
20. All open wounds must be kept clean and completely covered with bandages.
21. Practice cooling-down exercises before you finish class (leave the floor) for at least five minutes.
22. When observing training in the dojo, you must sit on your knees (seiza) or with legs crossed. Do not slouch or lean against the wall or equipment.
23. It is important to ask seniors if you have any questions.
24. Do not forget to thank anyone who gives you information or instruction on karate.
25. Upon leaving the dojo, do not forget to bow and say, "Arigato gozaimashita" (thank you very much).
Last Updated on Wednesday, 25 August 2010 16:45