KARATE SCHOOL RULES

Last Updated: February 13 2024 16:57:40

1. SHŌRIN-RYŪ KARATE begins and ends with courtesy and respect (rei).
2. We practice courtesy and respect using a simple bow.
3. Demonstrate respect for the training space and the instructor's time in the following ways:
• Be on time for classes, as much as possible.
• Refer to the teacher as "sensei" ('teacher', or, one who has gone before).
• Refrain from engaging other students in idle talking and make the best use of time.
• When late for class, kneel at the door-way always wait for permission to join the class.
• Never leave the class for a break*, water, or early dismissal, without permission from the instructor. (*Unless it is an actual emergency.)
• Students should bow to each other before and after each practice.
• Never lean on the walls or lay spread on the floor. Students must either stand, sit, or kneel.
• When fixing your uniform or re-tying your belt, face the back of the training floor.
4. Demonstrate respect for yourself and others by:
• Treat everyone as an equal while respecting the seniority system.
• Encourage fellow students to practice acceptance, confidence and self-respect.
• Everyone is a student. Everyone is a teacher.
• Avoid personal comments and avoid sensitive subjects.
• Speak confidently and with appropriate volume.
• Report any unresolved conflicts to a senior student.
• Respect any requests regarding pronouns, preferred names, etc..
5. Respect the seniority system:
• Understand that the dojo is operated first for the black belts and senior students.
• No student should go directly to the sensei with questions without asking lower or senior students.
• If a problem can be solved by a student in this way, the answer will become permanent knowledge.
• The sensei are consulted only as a final resort.
6. Respect the rank system:
• Do not test until you are prepared.
• Take note of important benchmarks for your up-coming ranks.
• Keep track of your attendance.
7. Wear your uniform correctly:
• Keep your karategi clean (no stains). Launder it weekly, at the least.
• Hem your jacket sleeves above your wrist so the instructor can see your hands.
• Hem your pant legs above your ankles so the instructor can see your feet.
• Sew on club patches and Canadian flags. Get them from the instructor.
8. For the safety of yourself and others:
• Keep your fingernails and toenails are to be kept trimmed neatly.
• Do not wear jewelry or other ornaments (watches, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, etc.).
9. When entering the training area (dojo):
• Bow to the centre front of the training floor.
• Say "onegai-shimasu" (please provide to me) respectfully and clearly.
10. When leaving an Okinawan-based dojo:
• Say "domo arigatou gozaimasu" (thank you very much) as a sign of appreciation.
• Bow to the centre front of the training floor.
11. Before and after class:
• Do not run around or play games.
• When you speak, moderate your volume so as not to interfere with others.
• The time before class and before/after class is your time to practice.
12. At the start of class:
• The instructor or senior-most student will call the class to line up (usually "shugo").
• Line up quickly in an organized manner.
• They will announce "Otaga-ni rei" (Bow together) so students can bow accordingly.
• Then, the instructor or senior student will begin the training.
13. During the class and instruction:
• Always be courteous and polite to your teachers, seniors and especially to your elders.
• Students must work with a serious attitude and complete concentration.
• WHen you need to speak to other students, do so in a moderated manner that does not interrupt the class.
• Do not consume alcoholic, or intoxicating substances before class.
• If observing training, sit cross-legged or in seiza (kneeling stance). Do not stretch your legs or arms out.
• If the teacher is not present or busy with another matter, the senior-most student should start the class.
• Listen carefully and seriously to the advice and instructions given to you. This is how one progresses.
• Do not use the training equipment unless authorized by the instructor.
• Sparring is not allowed without permission from the instructor.
• There will be no food or drink, or gum chewing allowed in the dojo training area.
• There will also be no loud talking or laughing while class is in session..
14. Prior to the end of training, all students should do closing exercises together.
15. At the end of training:
• The instructor senior-most student will call the class to face the shomen (usually "shugo").
• He/She will announce "Otaga-ni rei." (Bow together) so students can bow accordingly.
• Then, all students will bow to the senior student(s).
• The senior student(s) will dismiss the class.
16. Do not forget to thank those who have helped you or those who have given some advice on karate.
17. If injured, it is recommended that you still come to the dojo to at least observe training. One can still learn from observing.
18. Each student must report to the sensei when they temporarily discontinue their training.

These rules are instituted for your safety and protection. Intentional violation of any of these rules can result in an immediate expulsion from the dojo.1