Dojo etiquette

Dojo etiquette is of the highest importance. Proper etiquette maintains order, discipline, safety and above all, respect to the dojo, the instructors and others. Here is a list of points that should be followed by all club members.

• Bow upon entering and leaving the dojo
• Address the dojo instructor as Sensei. All other instructors are addressed as “sempai” which means senior.
• Always bow to the Sensei when they enter the dojo for the first time in the class. Stop what you are doing an always stand up to bow. It is incumbent upon the senior ranking black belts already in the dojo to ensure that this happens. When approaching the Sensei in the dojo, always bow first before speaking. Black belts are expected to lead by example, in and out of the dojo.
• Finger and toe nails must be kept clean at short
• Gis must be kept clean and in good condition
• Please try to be on time for classes. If you arrive late, please take the time to do a quick bow, kneel and wait for the sensei/sempai to ask you to join the group in training.
• Jewelry (rings, bracelets, neck chains etc.) must NOT be worn during training. Jewelry/watches tend to get caught in other students fingers, gi, etc. and cause injuries. If you cannot get a ring off
  then tape must be wrapped around it.
• Please remove all footwear before entering the dojo.
• It is important to stay hydrated during your workouts, however, it is considered impolite to leave the workout (any time from the bow in to the bow out) to grab a drink unless it is necessary. Two things.
  First, it helps if you are hydrated prior to class. Use the day of a workout to drink more water. This will help quite a lot. If the dojo is warmer than usual, or the class is longer than normal, or the workout is more intense, the instructor will place a pause in the class and allow the students to get a drink. If in the middle of a class you find yourself dizzy (coughing a lot) or very much in need of a drink, move to the back, bow out, use the fountain (less disruptive), take a moment to catch your breath, then bow back in.
• Cell phones must be turned off, or put them in silent mode (this includes no vibrations as well). If you are expecting an important call, and still need to work out, please inform the instructor of the possible interruption, and place your phone on vibrate. Keep close to your phone to answer it. There are a few karate-ka in the club that are on-call doctors and have been excused of the possible interruptions.
• Talking During class is not permitted. there should be no talking. If you are standing at the back of the dojo waiting for the first group to finish, you should be quiet and if asking questions about what you are learning, keep your voice low and your Qestiopns to the point. Remember when you enter the dojo and bow in, your mind should be focused on your training. Outside concerns will still be waiting for you after class.
• If you have a specific question then please ask one of the senior black belts for an answer, even seek a clarification from one of the instructors.Dojo etiquette is of the highest importance. Proper etiquette maintains order, discipline, safety and above all, respect to the dojo, the instructors and others.