Hombu Etiquette   At our dojo (martial arts training hall), in addition to belt ranks, we also use Japanese titles. It is proper etiquette to address instructors by their titles.   All students must wear a school T-shirt under their Gi top as part of their uniform.   Students must enter their student number or swipe their ID card before each group and/or private class. Otherwise your attendance will not be recorded and accumulated towards your next belt rank.   Remove outdoor shoes before entering the dojo.   When a Soke, Soke-dai, Professor, Shihan, Sensei or Black Belt enters the dojo, all students should stop what they are doing and come to attention in front position. The highest-ranking student in the dojo then says, "Bow to Professor" (or Sensei ). The Professor or Sensei also bows to the class and directs the class from that point on. This is done as a means of showing mutual respect, and also to acknowledge that there is another Black Belt or Sensei in the dojo to help assist your class.   When a class is being conducted and the Soke, Soke-dai or Sensei is demonstrating a technique, all students should immediately stop what they are doing, go to seiza position and be silent while the technique is being taught. This is common courtesy and proper dojo etiquette. After the instructor is finished he/she will address any questions and ask you to return to training. At that time your response should be "Thank you Professor", (Sensei etc.). Watch the higher-ranking students as they have been in the dojo longer and know proper dojo etiquette.   Bow when entering and leaving the dojo from any entrance/exit. This is a gesture of respect.   Stand while fastening and removing obi.   Bow to each Uke (or practice partner) before and after performing techniques.   No one is allowed to train in the dojo while a private lesson is in session unless permission is given by Professor LeClair.   Use words that build up others. No cursing or put-downs. No horseplay. Self control is to be used at all times.   Do not chew gum during class. No food, beverage or candy is allowed in dojo.   No jewelry is to be worn during class. Long hair must be neatly tied back. Fingernails and toenails should be trimmed, as this is a safety issue.   No sparring or use of heavy bag unless supervised by an instructor.   All students must keep the dojo dressing rooms and bathrooms clean.   Bare feet or martial arts shoes are recommended during training. Socks are inappropriate for training.   It is expected of all students to use self-control while outside the dojo, as well as inside the dojo. Junior students will not use their physical skills on their siblings, in the playground at school, etc., unless defending themselves from harm. You should show respect at all times and you will receive respect. Remember each student is a representative of our dojo.   All males must wear protective cup during class and when sparring. All students wishing to practice Kumite (sparring) are required to wear protective gear, mouthpiece, and headgear. There will be no contact when sparring and all sparring will be supervised by Professor LeClair. NO EXCEPTIONS! A word on sparring: NO contact, throws, sweeps, locks, showing strikes to face, or showing strikes to back. YES! Keep kicks and punches targeted above belt. Let this experience be one of learning: Observe how Uke's body moves. Observe Ukes intensity. Watch the center of ukes body in order to develop your peripheral vision. Move smoothly and observe the openings created by your attack. We do not spar in the dojo for competition. The objective of sparring is not to see who can pummel whom, but to learn how to create openings and capitalize on them, and how to realize the openings that your Uke has provided you with and to work on developing strategies and tactics. In order to spar, proper equipment must be worn. The equipment to be worn is headgear, footgear, hand gear, mouthpiece and cup and supporter for male students. Classes will line up according to rank and/or time in the martial arts.   Proper etiquette must be used at all times. Raise your hand and wait for permission to talk. Look at the instructor when he/she is speaking. To receive respect, you must first give respect.   We ask respect for the people, equipment and furnishings in our school. Therefore, please do not touch the walls and/or weapons without permission.   Any student who conveys a bad image of The Budo Kai Martial Arts Institute or does not adhere to the rules of The Institute is subject to immediate dismissal from the school. This is to protect you as well as the entire student body.   Spectators for groups or privates by appointment only. Parents please use the waiting area.   To become physically proficient in the martial arts it is very important to "invest" in yourself, by "repeating" the movements you have been taught by your instructors. You may repeat these movements daily or every other day if you wish. The more you "repeat" the movements the quicker you will progress and the better you will feel about yourself with respect to your physical abilities. It has been said, "practice it so you can depend on it". Some people have found that if you set a "review" time aside for fifteen minutes per day that this helps you stay consistent. Parents are encouraged to help guide children slowly in this direction as this habit will be a very beneficial one in adulthood! Back to previous page