b) To Sensei and Student, by not interrupting the class in any way, unless you have the direct authorization from Sensei Him self, this includes Sempai + any Black Belt.
c) Do not give any negative comments to anyone in class. A positive comment, at the end of the class will be acceptable.
d) Do not judge any suggestions or teaching from your Sensei or any other Sensei in class, this will be considered very rude.
e) Respect and protect the integrity of your Sensei and dojo, with honor, inside or outside the Dojo.
f) NEVER TAKE ANY SENSEI LIKE YOUR PERSONAL FRIEND IN THE DOJO, AND PLAY OR USE IMPROPER MANNERS, ( suggested, outside in street too )
g) The ranking at the Dojo must always be respected. Example: B.B. Nidan JKA always 1st in the line of formation, in any of our 3 Dojo's ( The responsibility of disrespect of this rule, should be the student that forms in front of the highest rank. Highest rank never will make a point of this, because it is not a humble action ). As Master Funakoshi states, "Without courtesy you cannot practice Karate-do." This applies not only to our training but to life in general. The word "dojo" is actually two words. "do" which means "the way" or "the path" and ‘jo’ which means ‘the place’. When the two words are combined it means "the place where the way is studied’. The dojo is the place where we learn to live together as human beings. This is a serious subject and therefore we must always follow dojo etiquette. This is the first step to practicing Karate-do. Upon entering the doorway of the dojo, face shomen side, (the side with Master Funakoshi’s picture) and bow. This is called ritsu-rei and shows deep respect to the teachings of Master Funakoshi as well as the seriousness of your study. Always try to arrive to class 10-15 minutes early so you have time to stretch and practice. When the instructor says line up, move as fast as possible to form the line. Remember, more than two steps, you must run. When making seiza, always go down left knee first, then the right knee. The hands should rest comfortably on the thighs. Sitting in seiza is much more than just kneeling. Historically, the samurai always had to be ready to defend themselves at any time. Since the sword was always carried on the left hip, the left knee went down first so they could draw the sword without injuring themselves. Always keep both balls of the feet in contact with the floor when kneeling down or rising to the standing position. If your posture is not straight and your feet not gripping the floor, then it is almost impossible to effectively defend against an opponent. Try this for yourself. After making seiza, then you must close your eyes in mokuso. This term means to cleanse or make blank your mind to prepare for training. You have to forget all your thoughts and concentrate only on what the instructor is trying to convey. By only existing in the moment can you really learn. After the command mokuso yame, open your eyes. Shomen ni rei- bow to the shomen side, Sensei ni rei, bow to the instructor. Every time you bow push your ego further down and become as empty as possible.
Rules of Ethics in the Dojo:
1-
Show Respect to everyone, students, family members, friends and anyone
else you associate with.
2-
Show Respect to the Senseis and Senpais.
3-
Never interrupt in class unless the Sensei or Senpai on shift has
authorized you.
4-
Never make negatives comments about classes, inside or outside of the
Dojo.
5-
Never disrespect or underestimate your Sensei, Senpai, or any student who
is voluntarily in front teaching, never walk away from classes for any type of
discrimination. Always express appreciation when you’re being helped.
6-
Protect the integrity of your dojo, Sensei, Senpais, inside and outside
of the dojo.
7-
Never decline to execute a technique, an exercise or advice. Everything
is meant to help you improve and progress.
8-
Always present your self with a clean appearance. (Karate-gi clean with a
crest on it, shower, no chewing gums, no jewelry or metals etc.)
9-
Exercise good behavior and manors with yours partners, always be
courteous and treat everyone as an equal.
10-
Respect the line of formation, at beginning and end of classes; pay
particular attention to your Seiza and Dojo Kun. (Advance students help
beginners always)
11-
Assist your Sensei by helping with new student arrivals don’t wait
until Sensei demands it. Everyone
will appreciate this.
12-
In the dojo we all are the same, there is no distinction in beliefs,
economics position, or culture, we are all just human beings.
13-
Dues are calculated on yearly base (12 months). They must be paid the
first week of the month; this makes the use of our dojo possible for 12 month of
the year as well as providing funding for building expenses and professional
Instruction. These things are
important for your proper growth in karate, it is your responsibility to be on
time and support your dojo for the full year. Don’t wait until you get
reminded.
14-
Don’t be late for classes, if you do, for reasons beyond your control,
wait at the entry door in a formal position until you get permission to enter,
then pay 25 push-ups and form at the end of line.
15-
If you miss classes for weeks or months, when you come back you must use
your white belt for the same amount of time as your absences.