PRINCIPLES OF PRACTICE/STUDENT CREED

All students are expected to know and adhere to the following principles of practice:

Remembering that the Martial Arts begin and end with respect, I intend to:

• Develop myself in a positive manner and avoid anything that would reduce my mental growth or physical health.
• Develop self-discipline in order to bring out the best in myself and others. 
• Use what I learn in class constructively and defensively, to help myself and my fellow man and never to be abusive or offensive.

Courtesy in the Dojo

• In the Dojo or at karate related events, all instructors and black belts who are senior to you in rank should be referred to as Sempei.

• When bowing prior to doing an individual kata, Stretching Exercises, Technique Exercises, group kata, or a two-person drill each student should say “Onegai shimasu”, which means please.  When bowing after doing any of the above each student should say “Domo Arigato Gozaimashita”, which means thank you very much.

• At the end of the class,  the following words are exchanged between the instructor and the students:
  Instructor: “Go Kuro Sama Deshita” which means thank you for your efforts.  Students respond “Domo Arigato Gozaimashita, Sensei/Sempai” which means thank you very much.

Personal Matters

All students must wear a white karate gi, either plain or with the dojo’s logo.

All women and girls must wear an approved workout shirt (either a t-shirt or tank top with our school logo).  Wearing these workout shirts is optional for men and boys.

It is important to wash your gi frequently, wear a fresh workout shirt and keep your nails trimmed as karate training involves close interaction with others

If you have any challenges or concerns that impact your training, please discuss directly with Sensei or speak to a senior instructor.