CKC Rules

Rules and Etiquette

These are the Dojo Rules and Etiquette. They are designed to help students know how to behave in the dojo (school, class). The dojo has its own culture and it takes time to learn the proper procedures and rules. Karate goes back many hundreds of years and is influenced by Okinawan, Japanese and Chinese culture. Many rules, particularly those of etiquette, are unspoken. By this compilation, we are trying to make these rules more easily understood. You should ask the Instructor or a senior if you have any questions.

The following are important guidelines to understand and follow.

The class etiquette is based upon respect. Respect for God. Respect for the art of Karate, respect for the dojo where we practice our art, respect for the instructor (teacher, Sensei) who instructs us. Respect for our fellow students, and respect for ourselves.

• Follow the instructions of the Instructor. If you have any question about an instruction, or if you believe that a command could be harmful to you or another student, immediately ask the instructor.
• Practicing karate requires physical exertion. Participants are strongly advised to notify the instructor at time of registration and at any time of any past or present ailments or injuries. Always consult with a physician before beginning any exercise program. If at any time, you feel weak, dizzy, off-balance or out of breath, cease your activity immediately and seek the instructor's attention. Any medical attention given to the participant will be of first aid treatment type only. 
• We encourage parents to participate with younger children. Practicing the martial arts may not be for everyone, especially at a young age. When a student does not demonstrate the discipline required to advance, his/her status in the program will be evaluated in consultation with the parents.

Always show respect for Instructors and fellow students

To show respect we bow:

·         BOWING (rei-pronounced "ray") is a sign of respect. When entering or leaving the class students will rei toward the instructor. Rei is also used whenever approaching an instructor or a student of higher rank and to our partner before and after working together on any technique. Rei is similar to a handshake. Karate is not a religion. When we bow or sit in seiza, we are simply showing respect and sitting quietly, not praying.

·         You should always be silent in seiza.

·         Whenever an instructor is speaking you should be silent an attentive even if you're not part of that class. This includes parents and friends observing class.

·         All black belts are to be addressed as “sensei “, "Mr.", "Mrs., "Sir" or "Ma'am" to show respect to their earned rank.

·         All instructors and assistants must be called "Mr.", "Mrs., "Sir" or "Ma'am". Be careful -- if the Instructor identifies himself by his first name, you should still refer to him as " Mr.", "Mrs., "Sir" or "Ma'am".

·         Always be well mannered and behave properly; Remind guests to do the same.

·         When you are observing training in the dojo, you must sit on your knees (seiza) or with crossed legs. You should not slouch or lean against the walls or equipment.

·         In any dojo there is only one Instructor (sensei).

·         When the instructor calls for class to begin, quickly line up according to your rank and face forward.

·         During class, listen carefully and seriously to all instructions. Do not forget to show that you have heard and understand (yes sir, yes sensei).

·         Treat visiting instructors with the same respect you would show to your Instructor.

·         The dojo is a special place that belongs to all members. Students should take pride in its appearance and keep it clean and tidy at all times.

·         Do not teach anyone outside of class unless you receive permission to do so. Do not teach or show what you learn in our dojo in another dojo (it would be disrespectful to the Instructor of the other dojo to do so).

·         Do not forget to thank anyone who gives you information or instruction on karate.

·         Ask your seniors (student of higher rank) if you are not sure what to do in a situation. Consulting the senior shows respect.  

Uniforms (Gi)
Uniforms must be worn prior to the student taking their first test. Uniforms are usually middleweight material and must be all white in color. They are available in most karate supply stores, or, when available, may be purchased from the instructor. Prior to using a uniform, proper workout cloths, i.e., sweats and shorts, are acceptable.

·         Uniforms must be clean and in good repair. Keep uniform neat and odor-free.

·         Your Obi (belt) should never be washed in respect for tradition.

·         The gi top and obi (belt) should be put on after arrival to the dojo and removed before departure from the dojo. Do not wear the gi top and belt outside.

·         Women and girls should wear a plain white T-shirt under their gi top.

·         Men and boys should not wear any T- shirt under their gi top.

·         Remove all jewelry for safety and freedom of movement.

·         No jewelry should be worn during class as it may result in injury for you and/or your partner.

·         Keep your fingernails and toenails trimmed to avoid injury. Cleanliness is a must.

·         Long hair should be neatly pulled back, preferably with tie. Do not wear metallic or plastic items in the hair.

Sparring (Kumite)

·         Sparring is only allowed with the supervision of the black belt instructor.

·         Students must use approved protective equipment when sparring. Headgear, mouth guard hand and foot protectors etc., must be worn at all times when sparring.

·         Students are not to engage in any freestyle sparring without qualified supervision.

·         Kumite is not a game or a contest. There is no winner or loser. The goal is to learn, not win. You do not have an opponent you have a partner. You are both polishing your skills. In the real world, escape can be a victory.

·         You must remain calm in kumite. Never become angry. You are learning to control your mind as well as your body.

·         Unlike tournament Karate, practical self-defense is not bound by rules. Many Karate techniques cannot be used safely in jiyu kumite (free sparring). Such techniques are best practiced in controlled drills.

General Rules

• Come to class 15 minutes early to help sweep, mop, move chairs, and clean mirrors. Help clean up after class. The seniors should set a good example by cleaning the dojo. You never become too high ranked to help -- in fact, just the opposite is true!
• Do not chew gum while training. No food should be eaten in the karate school.
• Do not use profanity or abusive language in the dojo.
• Do not become angry or upset in the dojo.
• Bring bottled water to class. Drink plenty of water during breaks.
• Show proper effort and spirit in the class.
• Come to class to learn. Practice at home.

·         Use the restroom before class begins.

·         You must know your physical condition, stamina and strength well. Make sure your instructor is aware of any injuries that may affect your training prior to starting class.

·         Do not eat within one hour prior to training.

·         Students are expected to control themselves at all times. In and out of the dojo.

·         It is important to ask your seniors if you have any questions.

• Consider the consequences of your actions. Think before you speak, particularly if you are angry.
• Courtesy, character development, self-discipline and restraint take precedence over technique.
• Shoes and slippers should be neatly arranged outside of the class. "Leave the world in your slippers," means do not bring your troubles into the dojo.
• Children should be dropped off and picked up at the dojo -- not in the parking lot.
• Let the Instructor know when you decide to quit training or take an extended leave of absence. End with a sense of courtesy. You might want to donate your gi to another student.

Equipment

·         Always handle the training equipment with care.

·         Help keep your school clean. Put all equipment away after use. Responsibility and maturity will be a part of your martial arts training.

·         Shoes are not allowed on the dojo floor, except if the instructor requires them for class.

·         No use of weapons is allowed without black belt supervision.

Attendance

·         Students should not be late for class. This means dressed and on the floor before the class is scheduled to start. If late, kneel in seiza at the edge of the workout floor until acknowledged by the instructor.

Tests
Depending on the student's progress, s/he may be eligible to take the next belt level test within months of starting the class. The more time and energy committed to the practice of the Art, the faster the enhancement of your skills and progress. Karate is not a sprint rather it should be view as a marathon. You will be scheduled for a test when the instructor believes you are ready. Never request to be tested or promoted. The Instructor will let you know when you will be tested or have been promoted. Test fees are due when you sign up for the test.

Other stuff to keep in mind

·         Karate techniques should only be used for self-defense, as a last resort, and then only to the extent necessary. It is best to avoid a fight. If confronted, escape if possible.

·         Karate techniques should only be used for a just cause, particularly to preserve life.

·         A skilled Karateka fears his own hand. He is therefore very reluctant to use it destructively.

·         Remember that there are many people more skilled than you. Never underestimate an opponent.

·         Do not give away the fact that you are trained in Karate. Surprise gives you an advantage. Bragging about your "skills" is foolish and invites conflict.

·         Most people are attacked without warning. Awareness, anticipation and avoidance are the best self-defense.

·         A Karateka should be a gentleman, or lady. Remember to say "please," "thank you" and "you're welcome." Hold doors open for others.

·         Anticipate a need.

·         Everyone needs a break sometime, even from class. Karate is a marathon, not a sprint

·         Always maintain a beginner's heart (attitude). You can't learn something if you think you already know it.

·         The most advanced thing is basics! Some experts say that it takes 20 years to learn basics.

·         Never contradict or attempt to correct the Instructor. The way the Instructor does it is right. Discuss such matters with the Instructor privately.

·         Always accept correction positively and with an open mind.

·         Remember that Karate techniques differ according to the student's ability and experience. You will learn different ways to execute techniques as you progress. What you learned before was not wrong.

·         It is far better to know one kata well than dozens of kata poorly!

·         Teaching is an essential aspect of learning. Advanced students (seniors) will be asked to teach and to help conduct the class. When you become advanced, remember that you were once a beginner too.

·         There is a saying that in order to progress; one must bring up another student. Progress is never alone.

·         As you advance, ego is a constant enemy. Remain humble.

These are the rules of our Dojo. The rules of other dojos do not apply to us and our rules do not apply to other dojos. Senior students should help the juniors to understand these rules in a kind manner.