Dojo Rules
Dojo Rules
1. Students must bow when entering or leaving the Dojo floor, or when addressing a Black Belt.
2. All Black Belts are to be addressed as “Sensei”.
3. There will be no “horseplay” on the Dojo floor.
4. No eating or chewing gum on the Dojo floor. This is a major choking hazard in children.
5. No jewelry is to be worn during karate classes.
6. Finger nails and toe nails must be trimmed.
7. A student’s Gi
a) will be kept clean and wrinkle free
b) will be hemmed or rolled to an appropriate length
c) the obi (belt) will be kept on and neat for the whole class.
8. If late, wait at the entrance way for acknowledgment of the Sensei before entering the Dojo.
9. Respect (see kohai/senpai relationship explanation)
a) show appropriate respect for the instructor in charge of the class – no matter what their rank
b) each student will show respect to all senior ranks
c) each student will treat all other students the way that he/she would like to be treated in return.
10. Attendance at promotions is expected in order to support and encourage your fellow students.
11. Medical Conditions
a) any medical conditions or injuries must be brought to the attention of the Sensei immediately – especially if you are bleeding
b) a student under medical care shall not go on the floor unless authorized by a physician.
12. Be prepared for class
a) Use the washroom and be well hydrated before class starts
b) All protective gear (mouth guard, groin cup, and sparing gloves/foot pads) and weapons are mandatory for every class
c) Refillable water bottles should be brought to every class.
13. Street clothes and gear not being used will be stored safely off the Dojo floor.
14. When instruction is being given, students will give their full attention – no talking.
15. Talking will be kept to acceptable level.
16. If a student is unable to attend class, as a courtesy, please contact a Sensei.
17. Fees will be kept up to date.
18. Do not interrupt any class in session.
19. Karate is for self-defense. It is not to be used on family members or to bully others. Violators will be suspended or dismissed.
Visitors Rules
1. Shoes are not to be worn on the Dojo floor. No one will come onto the Dojo floor while a class is in progress as this is considered rude in martial arts culture. Exceptions for special occasions, such as photographs taken during promotions, but be sure to remove your shoes.
2. If it is necessary to speak to a Sensei once class has started, get their attention and they will come to you.
3. Talking should be kept to a low audio level so as not to interrupt class.
Kohai/Senpai
(Junior and Senior Grade Courtesy)
Senpai (先輩?) and kōhai (後輩?) is a traditional Japanese social construct that Isshin Ryu karate subscribes to. Senpai is roughly equivalent to the western concept of mentor, while kōhai is roughly equivalent to protégé, but more simply, these may be translated as senior and junior. The senpai is the highest ranked student in the club who is not yet a black belt. They are expected to assist the sensei with younger or less experienced students. A kōhai is expected to respect and obey their senpai, and the senpai in turn must guide, protect, and teach their kōhai as best they can.
