Dōjō Rules of Conduct/Etiquette

道場規則/礼儀

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A Basic synopsis of the Rules of Conduct

These are just a basic set of guidelines for the general running of the Dōjō. A clearer more concise document will be compiled and shared in the future for Students, Parents and Instructor's alike.

1. Although every care is taken in the running of training sessions, students may sustain injuries during the course of tuition or related activities of the dōjō. Members of the dōjō accept fully and voluntarily all risk of injury and will not hold the Association, Dōjō or its Instructors responsible for any injury whatsoever thus sustained.
2. Please advise the instructors on the application form of any problems that may influence the training of the applicant. Karate-dō training can be of great benefit to many physical and mental shortcomings, and being forewarned of these can help the corrective action and avoid embarrassment during training.
3. Behavior inside or outside the dōjō that is contrary to the high standards of character expected of karate-ka (Karate Students) may result in the termination of the membership of the person or persons involved, due to our Zero Tolerance policy on conduct, (i.e. violence and fighting).
4. The dōjō rents / utilizes training facilities by kind permission from the owners of said facilities. Consequently we share a hall and grounds with other groups and activities. All equipment and facilities inside and outside which are not required for karate training are not for the use of karate-ka and must be left alone.
5. Item number 4 above also applies equally to any family members who come to watch the training session.
6. Karate-dō training involves the learning of many skills and values and consequently we welcome the interest and concern of parents or family members. There is always provision for parents or family members to sit at the rear of the halls. However, we strongly discourage interaction with the karate-ka on the floor and especially sideline coaching (in the dōjō or at home) as this does more to distract than aid the karate-ka. Afterwards the karate-ka will do nothing on the floor without first checking for approval for the “sideline coach”. Remember that learning concentration and focus are key elements of Karate-dō training and having to focus on two teachers is a sure way to destroy this lesson.
7. Even though we welcome the interest of parents and family, we discourage general spectators and especially unattended children who are simply dropped of at the venues with karate-ka brother and sister. We have no babysitter to tend these children and take no responsibility for them. In any event, every caring parent should know that this is dangerous practice in our present crime ridden society.
8. Item 7 above applies equally to karate-ka dropped off too early for class or not fetched promptly after class. They run the same risks.
9. Family members are requested to respect karate dōjō etiquette and refrain from walking on or across the floor of the training area while karate-ka are present in the halls.
10. Self-discipline is an important aspect of karate training. This includes ensuring one leaves at the end of a lesson with all of one’s belongings. Items left behind will be returned on payment of a small fine to help the karate-ka to learn the lesson of self-discipline.
11. A register of attendance is kept as the basis for all planning of advancement. Therefore, it is useful to know the reasons why students miss training sessions. Dōjō etiquette requires that karate-ka advise the secretary or instructor should they be unable to attend any training session. This in any event furthers one of our training ideals relating to simple courtesy and manners.
12. Arriving late for training is bad dōjō etiquette and is strongly discouraged. Remember that the register is taken at the Bow-In ceremony when class starts and those who miss the line-up without excuse will lose credit for that lesson towards their next grading. A reasonable excuse will be accepted, however, repeated late coming will not be. Be assured we understand that sometimes coming late is unavoidable and in such an event, we would rather have a karate-ka arrive late than miss the class completely.
13. Tuition fees are payable in advance as advised on term statements. As central computerized records of attendance are kept, students lose credit for lessons attended if payment is not made within the period of grace. Please discuss specific problems in this regard with the secretary or instructor.
14. The Instructor must be advised as soon as possible of any changes of address or telephone number.
15. All karate-ka will be expected to read and be familiar with our Dōjō's Shūyō Kun (Training Virtues), and observe the etiquette of the dōjō as will be explained fully during training.