ettiquette

To help acquaint you with our club regulations and procedures, please take a few minutes to read the following items.

When entering the dojo (place where a martial art is studied), please remove your shoes.

You are expected to bow informally (standing position) upon entering and exiting the dojo floor.

If you are entering a class already in session you must kneel at the entrance, and wait in kneeling position until the Sensei acknowledges you.

Sensei (sen-say) is the title used to address anyone instructing a class. The chief instructor is always called Sensei; both inside and outside the dojo..

Re (nay) is a bowing done formally from a kneeling position, or informally from a standing position. The purpose of the formal bow is to achieve physical and mental tranquility.

Formal class procedures for opening and closing the class are announced by the highest ranking belt.

Sempai (sempie) are seni6r Black Belts. At the end of the class the command Sempai-Ni-Rei means bow to the senior members.

The instructions of all higher ranking students should be followed. In discussing Karate, it is considered impolite to contradict the instructions of a higher ranking belt. It is also improper for a lower rank to criticize and try to correct a higher rank. If you feel the higher ranking belt has made an error in discussing a Karate technique, it will be in order to discuss this with Sensei.

Please ensure your Gi (Karate uniform) is kept clean. Your fingernails and toenails should be kept short to prevent injury during training. We would appreciate your removing jewelry such as watches, rings, bracelets, etc. before training as well.

As a member you are entitled to participate in various club functions, which are posted on the dojo bulletin board

Please remember: Your conduct outside the premises reflects on our Dojo, its members, and instructors; as well as the present, and future reputation we have strived to build up. Think before you act. Improper conduct outside of the Dojo will not be tolerated.

When training please remember; you may be practicing with persons of different physical size arid muscle mass. As there is some physical contact, and people react differently to pain; you are required to use judgment to avoid causing serious injury to people you are training with. Training in a safe and healthy atmosphere promotes well-being and maximum efficiency.