School Etiquette Guidelines

We stress the importance of polite manners both in and out of the school.  The following is a list of guidelines that we adhere to.  The goal of these guidelines is not to be all-inclusive or restrict the student in any way, but to help make an orderly learning environment for the student.

Bow when entering or exiting training area, or to advanced rank prior to and after talking with them.  This shows respect for those who have gone before you in their training of Martial Arts and shows respect to the place that you train.

Whenever you line up, the order of rank is the highest-ranking individual is to the front of the class and to the right.  In the case of belts having the same rank, the student with the most time in grade will line up to the right.

No horseplay is permitted anywhere in the classroom.

Uniforms will be worn properly and clean at all times.

Loud, profane, and abusive language is strictly prohibited.

No food, drinks, or any chewing products allow on the dojo floor.

All students should keep their fingers and toenails clipped to avoid accidental scratching. (No clipping within the training area).

The rules of personal hygiene should always apply.

Show care and concern for the well being of your training companions.

Listen attentively to your instructor and follow his / her instruction's).

Do not attempt to teach friends and acquaintances outside the school.

Always help others when needed, and assist Instructor when asked.

Never show off to anyone.

Never criticize or laugh at another student (this is a sign of disrespect).

Never use any knowledge gained except as a last resort and in self-defense, also retreat until you can retreat no further, then by all means defend yourself.

All students should have a note book/pad for each class.

Students are not to depart the training area without the permission of the instructor.

Safety in practice must be maintained at all times.

The first student viewing a Grandmaster, Master or Senior instructor entering the training area will call class attention (with formal bow).

Clean classroom before and after class. Always ask to assist the instructor with cleaning the dojo prior to leaving class. 

No personal equipment should be left in class.

Limit peer conversations in an effort to gain better knowledge by observation as demonstrated by the instructor.

When asked to come to the front of the training area, the student should:  Bow, walk behind their line to the right side of the room, proceed to the front row of students of the class, bow to the senior ranking,  proceed to the front of the class and when eye contact is made with instructor, bow, and then stand in a horse stance until   addressed.  Reverse order to sit back down.

If you have a question that you need to ask in class, you should first attempt to have an advanced belt answer it.  If they do not know the answer, then they should go with you to their senior.  This does several things for the class.  First, it allows the instructors to spend more time teaching students instead of answering questions that others could answer.  Second, it gives other students the opportunity to display the knowledge they have learned in the school.  If you feel you need to talk to an instructor , please feel free to do so.

If you would like to ask a question while in line, please raise your hand until an instructor recognizes you.  When acknowledged, you should come to attention, bow, and then go into a horse stance prior to asking your question.  When the question is answered, bow and say “Thank You.”

Always show respect to the instructor in and out of the training area.  When asked to come forward and participate in a technique or principle of teaching, do so with an open mind to learn and help others.  Do your very best to help show others what the instructor is trying to convey to the others.  Never resist a technique when demonstrating.  Resistance shows disrespect and could cause accidental harm to you.  Rather, flow with your instructor, and use the proper techniques learned to fall, flip, or just convey what others should learn.  One does not need to hurt to have fun.

Vacation - extended absence

If you will be missing classes for vacation, illnesses, or any other valid reason for a period of more than two weeks, please notify a member of the staff

Sparring

During your training you will learn how to spar.  Sparring is the use of controlled techniques to specific targets on your opponent. All  participants wear mandatory protective gear and use of light contact is highly stressed. 

The student will be led through progressively challenging sparring sessions over the course of their training. 
No student will spar  until attaining the basics. 

The goal of sparring is to give the student a living, moving target with which to practice the techniques they have already learned, not to see who can hit the hardest. 

A member of the staff must be present in order for the students to spar.  Any student found to be using unnecessary force, will be removed from participation in sparring sessions. 

Our goal is to make sparring an enjoyable learning experience that enables them to improve their karate techniques.

Mandatory Sparring Equipment

Head gear

Hand gear

Foot gear

Shin guards

Groin protector

Mouthpiece

Chest protectors are optional but highly recommended

Sparring Rules

No contact is allowed to the: face, top of head, neck, back or below the belt.

Light contact is permitted to the body, above the waist and to protective gear.

No sparring is authorized without the permission and presence of an instructor.

No  blind techniques.  In other words, you must be able to see your  target before you strike.

No strikes to any joint.

Viewing classes

Parents and friends are encouraged to visit and view our classes.  We ask that you respect the class by remaining quiet and that if you are bringing younger children with you, that you keep them quiet and under control. 

If you desire to video tape any of our classes or activities please discuss this with Master Garry Holman for approval prior to the event.

Tournaments

Periodically the school will attend local karate tournaments.  Notices for these tournaments will be given to students in as much advance time as possible in order to allow them time to prepare for the competition. 

Participation is voluntary, but is highly encouraged.  It gives the student the opportunity to compare their skills to other school students in a safe and competitive sport setting.  Please see a member of the staff if you have any questions about participation in a tournament.  

Need extra help? 

If you feel that you are not doing well in class, please see one of the instructors and discuss the situation.  If they agree that you could use some additional guidance, arrangements will be made to schedule a private session with an instructor for a tuition fee. 

Helping you  to understand what you are learning  and achieve your goals in Karate is one the  most important missions  we have to help you on your way to black belt. Communication, teamwork, and action are essential for the benefits of Karate to be obtained by you, our valued student.