Dojo Rules & General Information

Please remember to be on time for every class. Should you be late, be sure to observe proper etiquette.

Never train if you are ill. We do not want to spread any germs.

All students are asked not to consume alcohol before class, EVER. No candy, or chewing gum during class due to the possibility of chocking.

Gi's are to be kept clean with regular washing and repair of any rips or tears when necessary.  Pants should be hemmed to a proper length--not rolled up--for safety reasons.

Remove shoes before walking onto the dojo training floor.

Finger and toe nails must be kept clean and short.

Hands and feet must be clean.

Notify instructors of any open wounds or injuries before starting class, insure bandages are secured.

Use the restroom before class begins.

When sitting on the Dojo training floor, students are to sit in the proper position--legs crossed or kneeling, and in a respectful manner. Never lean against the walls.

Never sit with the legs outstretched; never lean against the walls, whether sitting or standing. You must be alert at all times.

Do not talk in class. Concentrate on what Sensei is saying.  When Sensei speaks, answer " Oss " if you understand or else say that you do not understand what was just explained or asked.

While Sensei is speaking, do not:
                             talk or fool around
                               stand with your arms folded
                               stand with your hands on your hips or behind your back
                              have your hands together in front of your lap.
These actions are seen as discourteous and disrespectful and show bad manners. When Sensei is
speaking, correct etiquette is to stand in yoi (ready position) or with your feet together and hands
by your side in heisoku-dachi


The instructor is always referred to as 'Sensei' in the dojo. You should never disregard a direction
from the instructor.

Never intentionally try to hurt anyone in training. The emphasis is always on control.

No jewelry is allowed, male or female. Watches, earrings, etc., are to be removed (preferably left
at home) before you start your class.

Make sure all of your equipment, including your bag, is clearly marked with your name. We are not responsible for any articles lost, stolen, or left in the Dojo after class.

During class, or while sparring, should your uniform become disheveled, etiquette requires that you to turn away from the class and, repair your uniform.

No one is permitted to leave the training floor without permission. If you must leave early, check with your Sensei first.

Weapons are not toys, they are a part of your serious karate training and should be treated as such.

ALL MALE STUDENTS are required to wear a protective cup, mouth piece, gloves, boots, chest protector, helmet with face guard, and shin pads when engaging in sparring.

ALL FEMALE STUDENTS are required to wear the same equipment listed in #2, excluding the protective cup when sparing. However, any female wanting to purchase a female groin cup may do so, this is recommended by the school.

When sparring, students are not to strike below the waist or to any spine area except to the back of the leg excluding the knee due to possible injury, all sparring will be controlled fighting, with light contact to padded areas.  You must use good control at all times.

In the event that a student does not wish to participate in an event that appears too dangerous, he or she should notify the sensei prior to the exercise to be excused from the training since there is a certain degree of risk in any kind of sparring or self-defense training.

Bowing is not only a custom but also a sign of respect for higher-ranking belts. It is requested that all students bow prior to speaking with the sensei and show proper respect at all times in the dojo.

Students are requested to refrain from "horseplay" while in the dojo.

All children are to remain in the dojo or on the porch area just outside the dojo until the person picking the student up has arrived. Please be punctual in dropping off and picking up students. Let us know A.S.A.P. of any emergency situations.

Parents brining children not yet attending classes are requested to keep them in the main viewing area seated and quiet, failure to do so will result in a disruption of class, which is not fair to the students in class.

No loud talking or profanity is permitted. Remember the dojo is a place of study.

Parents are requested to attend testing sessions if possible to enhance the relationship with the instructors and support their child.

Please call the dojo if you are going to miss over one session or check your schedule for a convenient make-up class, you do not have to call to attend a make-up class.

A newsletter is printed every month for students and parents. Please read it along with bulletin board for specials events, closings, and the "Message of the Month".

If there is ever a complaint, problem, or suggestion, please see your Sensei and he/she will make sure it is corrected.

Please do not loiter at the front door prior or after classes to avoid Congestion.

Don't comment to your child while in class or "side-line coach". The instructor will handle the class, and please don't compare your child to others.

It is recommended for adult black belt students to wear all of #3's protective equipment, however, head, face, and chest protectors are optional if the student wishes to not wear them, there is a certain degree of increased risk of injury if the student does not and the student assumes those risks.

Certain self-defense techniques are practiced with out any protective equipment at times, if the student wishes to wear it anyway for additional protection it is recommended.

The martial arts will not only teach student's self-defense but will also develop self-confidence and coordination as well as get one in shape. It is requested that all students attempt to better themselves though this art and strive for physical and mental excellence.

Parents, please check the bulletin boards and newsletters for announcements regularly. This is our principle way of communication. The children do not always remember what has been announced in class.

Remember the importance of a regular training schedule of at least twice a week and also the importance of practicing at home.

In karate, your word is your bond. Your integrity is an important part of your training. DO NOT BREAK YOUR WORD!!!

We are here to serve you! THINK BLACK BELT!

Osu,