Dojo etiquette & safe practice.

1. Be on timeYou are expected to arrive on time for class. If you are unavoidably late, kneel down at the entrance of the dojo and wait for Sensei to signal permission for you to join in. Do not run into class.
2. No foul language, no violenceThere is no room for foul language in the dojo, and violent behaviour is never tolerated.
3. UniformStudents must show up to class in the dojo's approved uniform, tidy, clean and well groomed.
4. Tidy upStudents, especially the lower-ranking students, are expected to help tidy up the dojo and put all equipment away after each class.
5. Yes-sir, no-sirWhen a question is asked of you in class, the right responses are "Yes-sir" for yes and "No-sir" for no, consistently and with a strong voice. "Yes-ma'am" if your instructor is female.
6. OSS!OSS! is used when responding to a command (e.g. "20 more push-ups" >> OSS!). OSS is also used when you come face to face with your peers or instructors.
7. Addressing your teachersIt is customary to address your teachers using the proper terms, e.g. Sempai Dave or Sensei Ramin (not Ramin or Dave). It is also common to use Sempai when you address students who are senior to you.
8. Asking a questionIf you need to ask a question in class, first raise your hand and wait for Sensei's acknowledgment. Do not yell across the room calling Sensei over.
9. No food or gumEating, drinking or chewing gum is not allowed in class.
10. Alcohol and substancesAttending class under the influence of alcohol or anything else is strictly forbidden.
11. JewelryAll jewelry must be removed (a wedding band is OK).
12. NailsYou should not have long nails, as they may break and may injure your partners during training.
13. Listen to your bodyIf you feel pain when your body is in a certain position, or if you feel dizzy or nauseated, feel free to change the position you are in, and let your instructor know if you need to take a rest.
14. Training outside classYou are encouraged to train on your own outside of class. But you are strongly advised not to engage in hand-to-hand combat (sparring or self-defense) to test your techniques, especially if those you train with have no karate experience. Lack of control can be dangerous!
15. Never joke with techniquesNever try the techniques you learn in class on people outside of class jokingly, as you run the risk of hurting someone by accident.
16. ParentsPlease remind your child to visit the washroom, and ask them to drink some water if thirsty before walking into class, so they don't need to step out while class is in progress.

We appreciate your cooperation.

The karate techniques you will learn are potentially harmful and dangerous, as they will give you the ability to inflict serious damage to others. You bear the responsibility to use your acquired skills defensively and productively. You are expected to refrain from violent behaviour as a karate-ka and use your karate techniques only in a self-defense situation. Failing to comply with this expectation may result in demotion, or even expulsion from The Powerhouse!

Karate is an auxiliary of justice.
Master Gichin Funakoshi