Dojo Rules and Etiquette

These rules are laid out by the Shintani Wado Kai Karate Federation and each student is expected to follow this guidance.

1. Karate-ka will behave in a manner that respects & honours themselves and our society both in & out of the Dojo.
2. No Karate student will provoke violence outside the Dojo, not allow him/herself to be provoked in violence.
3. NO alcohol or drugs will be taken before class.
4. Always bow when entering or exiting the dojo.
5. All Black Belts will be addressed as “Sensei”. Bowing to instructors when making requests is mandatory.
6. Be serious in your efforts & attitude.
7. Listen attentively to all instructions so you receive a full understanding of the techniques or concepts being explained. Stop all activity & talking when the instructing sensei speaks to you alone or to the class at large. Loud talking, vulgarity, profanity & rudeness are never permitted.
8. Bow before & after training with a person. Respect all other members of the dojo, whether they are above or below you in rank. When engaged in kumite drills, remember that you are using each other in a cooperative effort to advance your understanding of Karate; you are not trying to defeat, harm or embarrass the other person. The experiences and efforts of each Karate-ka are worthy of your respect, even if at first you cannot recognize this fact. Converse only when directed to do so.
9. Respect the sensei’s requests & instructions in all matters pertaining to karate. If you have a question or concern, bring it to the attention of a Sensei or sempai, in a quiet manner, when the class is not training.
10. Higher belts may be asked to aid lower belts in their training, but will not teach a technique or kata without the Sensei’s permission. When receiving correction from a senior rank, stop and listen. Only criticism of a constructive & respectful nature will be offered.
11. All gis will be completely white. The Wado Kai kanji (characters) may be placed on the left side of the gi top only. Any visible accessories (t-shirts, headbands etc.) must be white only. Remove all jewelry (rings, watches, earrings etc.) while training to reduce the risk of injury.
12. Use of protective equipment is strongly recommended during the practice of any form of kumite (sparring).
13. A high standard of personal cleanliness is absolute. Finder & toe nails must be clean and clipped short. Gis must always be clean & presentable.
14. Do not eat, drink, chew gum, or smoke on the dojo floor.  Roughhousing is not permitted.
15. Under no circumstances will any form of Karate be taught by any member to any non-member.
16. Jiyu-kumite (free sparring) is not allowed without the express permission of the Dojo Sensei.
17. Fee – Financial obligations to the Dojo are the sole responsibility of the individual student