General Training Protocols

Always arrive early to class. Your instructor’s time and the time of your fellow Karate-ka is valuable and it should not be wasted.
Always train with a positive, open attitude toward learning Karate-do.
Always give maximum effort in your training. Never slack off or be lazy just because the instructor is not watching.
Apply yourself to every portion of your training, kihon, kata, kumite, ippon work and especially character development.
Always set an example for others to follow, inside and outside of the dojo.
Train with your fellow Karate-ka with a positive and helpful attitude.
Only use the physical aspects of karate when other options have failed. The karate techniques you learn are dangerous and can seriously hurt or even kill people. Always keep this in mind.
No horseplay or fooling around while training. Because the techniques are dangerous we all must train responsibly and not “play” with our karate.
No food, drink or gum is allowed on the tatami (training floor). The tatami is a place to train in Karate-do and should be kept neat and clean. Remember training in karate is a privilege and your Sensei is there to help you develop not only as a martial artist but as a person.
Students should participate in the cleaning and maintenance of the dojo and its equipment. Personal Hygiene and Attire
Always wear a clean gi (uniform). A clean and pressed gi represents a positive and fresh attitude toward your karate training.

Never wash your obi (belt). It will carry the sweat and hard work with you every time you train.
Male students should wear a cup and supporter while training.
Female students should wear a sports bra under their gi top at all times.
Students should be modest at all times. Allowing the gi to hang open or walking around half-clothed will not be allowed.

Finger and toenails should be neatly trimmed short so as not to scratch or accidentally cut your fellow Karate-ka.
Students should shower daily and wear deodorant to prevent body odor and as a courtesy to those working with you.
No jewelry is allowed on the tatami while training. Rings can injure fellow Karate-ka and damage equipment. Earrings and necklaces can easily be damaged during training.
Glasses should be secured with a sports band or removed while training.
Your obi should only be worn while training in the dojo. The belt is a personal item and is not for display as a trophy.
Keep it in your bag or around your neck until you put it on for training.

Bowing

Bow to an instructor and greet them upon the first time seeing them for the day.
Bow to fellow Karate-ka before starting any partner work. The bow is a sign of respect and common understanding. It should not be skipped or lessened. Your bow is a direct representation of your attitude toward your karate training and should be taken seriously.
Bow when entering and leaving the dojo. The dojo is a special place to you. It is where you come to train and grow as a person.
Bow when you enter and leave the tatami. The tatami is also a special place to you. It is where you will sweat, hurt, laugh, grow and learn.
Bow to any instructor that is working with you or before asking him/her a question. Bowing is a way of saying “excuse me” and showing appreciation for the instructor’s help.
Bow whenever and to whomever you feel like you need to. It is always a good thing and demonstrates your attitude toward training and humility.

Dismissal from Training

A student may be dismissed from training for any act that brings his dojo, his Sensei or himself into disgrace. The student must remember that as a Karate-ka he/she has the responsibility to set an example for others to follow. His/her behavior, even outside the dojo, is a representation of his karate training and of his/her instructor.
A student may be dismissed for drug or alcohol abuse. Karate training can help people in the development of the necessary skills to defeat drug or alcohol abuse but those people must be drug-free when they start training at the dojo.
A student may be dismissed for not attempting to develop as a Karate-ka. Some students want to only train in the physical aspects of karate and are not interested in developing the strong character traits that are emphasized by the instructors. Those students do not understand the study of Karate-do and are encouraged to train in another environment.
A student may be dismissed for failure to pay fees or outstanding dues. The Sensei of the dojo understand the financial difficulties students may face during their training in Karate-do and are very willing to work with any student to maintain their training. However, when that courtesy is abused or the student is simply neglecting his/her responsibility to the dojo, it is very disrespectful to the instructors and Sensei in the dojo. If a student is having difficulty, he/she is encouraged to talk with the Sensei about the situation.

General Training Protocols

Always arrive early to class. Your instructor’s time and the time of your fellow Karate-ka is valuable and it should not be wasted.

Always train with a positive, open attitude toward learning Karate-do.

Always give maximum effort in your training. Never slack off or be lazy just because the instructor is not watching.

Apply yourself to every portion of your training, kihon, kata, kumite, ippon work and especially character development.

Always set an example for others to follow, inside and outside of the dojo.

Train with your fellow Karate-ka with a positive and helpful attitude.

Only use the physical aspects of karate when other options have failed. The karate techniques you learn are dangerous and can seriously hurt or even kill people. Always keep this in mind.

No horseplay or fooling around while training. Because the techniques are dangerous we all must train responsibly and not “play” with our karate.

No food, drink or gum is allowed on the tatami (training floor). The tatami is a place to train in Karate-do and should be kept neat and clean. Remember training in karate is a privilege and your Sensei is there to help you develop not only as a martial artist but as a person.

Students should participate in the cleaning and maintenance of the dojo and its equipment. Personal Hygiene and Attire

Always wear a clean gi (uniform). A clean and pressed gi represents a positive and fresh attitude toward your karate training.

Never wash your obi (belt). It will carry the sweat and hard work with you every time you train.

Male students should wear a cup and supporter while training.

Female students should wear a sports bra under their gi top at all times.

Students should be modest at all times. Allowing the gi to hang open or walking around half-clothed will not be allowed.

Finger and toenails should be neatly trimmed short so as not to scratch or accidentally cut your fellow Karate-ka.

Students should shower daily and wear deodorant to prevent body odor and as a courtesy to those working with you.

No jewelry is allowed on the tatami while training. Rings can injure fellow Karate-ka and damage equipment. Earrings and necklaces can easily be damaged during training.

Glasses should be secured with a sports band or removed while training.

Your obi should only be worn while training in the dojo. The belt is a personal item and is not for display as a trophy.

Keep it in your bag or around your neck until you put it on for training.

Bowing

Bow to an instructor and greet them upon the first time seeing them for the day.

Bow to fellow Karate-ka before starting any partner work. The bow is a sign of respect and common understanding. It should not be skipped or lessened. Your bow is a direct representation of your attitude toward your karate training and should be taken seriously.

Bow when entering and leaving the dojo. The dojo is a special place to you. It is where you come to train and grow as a person.

Bow when you enter and leave the tatami. The tatami is also a special place to you. It is where you will sweat, hurt, laugh, grow and learn.

Bow to any instructor that is working with you or before asking him/her a question. Bowing is a way of saying “excuse me” and showing appreciation for the instructor’s help.

Bow whenever and to whomever you feel like you need to. It is always a good thing and demonstrates your attitude toward training and humility.

Dismissal from Training

A student may be dismissed for drug or alcohol abuse. Karate training can help people in the development of the necessary skills to defeat drug or alcohol abuse but those people must be drug-free when they start training at the dojo.