Respect

Respect is a word you will hear again and again in the martial arts and its importance cannot be overemphasized. This is not to say that you should appear excessively humble, more that you should show genuine respect rather than made any pretentious display of it.

Martial arts are exceptionally practical and showing respect is a part of this. Without it there would be no trust between students or between student and instructor and trust is a prerequisite to serious training. Yon will find that you are expected to take many things on trust during your initial training and respect will help you to do this in instances when you are unable to see the immediate reasons for doing some of the things you are told to do.

Entering the Dojo

Students entering the Dojo (training hall) either in a Gi (training uniform) or in street clothes, will remove their footwear and shall bow as they enter the training area. This should be done without exception.

Bowing

Bowing is a sign of respect. It is a custom and ritual in many countries from which we received the martial arts. To disregard tradition is to disregard the spirit of the martial arts. When bowing, both hands are at the side with eyes gazing down. Bowing should always be done with respect and thoughtful action, not hastily as a routine. We should regard it as something which represents the philosophy of the goodness taught in martial arts.

Opening the class

The instructor will take position in front, centre of the class with the students lining up according to rank and seniority. The highest ranking member will be on the right of the instructor.

Seniority is determined by belt colour of the student. In cases of students with the same belt level, the student who has trained in the school longest is considered senior. If this seniority is the same then the senior is determined by age. The highest ranking member of the class will call for the class to bow to the instructor.

During the class

Proper respect and discipline will be maintained at all times and all rituals will be performed in the proper manner.

• When the head instructor or master of the school enters the Dojo, the instructor on the floor or the highest ranking member of the class should call everyone to attention and have the class bow.

• After this respect has been paid, the class should immediately return to training. When a student comes late to class they should wait till the instructor recognizes them, by bowing and receiving permission to enter class.

• When a student must leave the Dojo during training they should first receive permission form the instructor.

• If a student has a question relating to training, they must refer to a senior member. If a senior cannot answer the question they should be referred to the instructor.

• A chain of commands should exist and not be broken without sufficient reason.

• Absolutely no smoking at any time.

• Students are not permitted to chew gum.

• All jewellery must be removed before class, including watches.

• Toenails and fingernails must be clipped and trimmed to avoid injury.

• Students should be clean and showered before coming to class.

• No student should train under the influence of alcohol or drugs (prescribed or other wise). If a student comes to the Dojo under the influence they will be severely reprimanded.

• Students should have clean tidy uniforms.

• Students and visitors seated on the side lines should remain still and make no unnecessary noise, so as not to disturb the students on the floor.

• Instructors will be called by there respective teaching titles eg: "Sempai"

Closing the class

The students should line up by seniority and rank, the highest ranking member will call to bow to the instructor. At the end of the class, students should thank the instructors and fellow students they have trained with. After this they should leave quietly and discreetly and bow when leaving the Dojo.

Instructors will overlook minor infringements of etiquette and excuse them as acceptable ignorance on the part of the new student, but it is still preferable to acquaint yourself with the rules as soon as possible.