Dojo Etiquette
Parents/Spectators/Adult Students:
ARRIVAL & DISMISSAL
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Parents agree to provide the transportation necessary for the non-driving or under legal age student.
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Before leaving class early, the student should ask the Sensei or the highest ranking instructor that has been designated for permission to leave class early.
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Parents are not to pull the student away from the floor. If an emergency arises, notify the Sensei or highest ranking instructor designated of the situation.
PAYMENTS
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Parents and Adult students are to come in to see Sensei at the first of each month and pay necessary fees for the student. No exceptions—No pay no train!
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Your word is your bond. Make your payments on time at the first workout of every month for the agreed amount.
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Any payment received after the 5th of each month will incur a late charge of $10.00. This includes weekends and holidays.
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The fee is added to your regular monthly fee. Don’t ask for this late charge to be waived, pay it and don’t be late.
DROP-OFF & PICK-UP
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It is best that the student is dropped off for the benefit of the student for no less than the first 2 months. This means the parent does not stay and watch as this often is a distraction for the beginner.
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For safety and security reasons parents are asked to park and come into the dojo to pick up younger children.
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The Sensei may also need to discuss your child’s training and progress from time to time.
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With permission, students, when dismissed, may observe after-class activities such as sparring (Kumite) or weapons. Observations should be conducted quietly and respectfully in a manner that does not infringe on the activity being conducted.
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Parents conduct should not at any time be distracting. Conversation and unrelated activity should be taken outside the dojo or you will be asked to leave and return when class is over. This includes small children.
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Observing class as a parent is a privilege not a necessity. We want you to always feel welcome, but remember the dojo is for the training students. Parents that choose to be observers are also required to stay within the dojo guidelines herein of respect and etiquette.
KARATE-KA – All Students
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Upon arriving, all instructors and students should rei (bow) upon entering the dojo and rei to Sensei.
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Immediately sign in at the front desk, get dressed, and take your respective place, according to rank, on the floor.
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Once entered, there is absolutely no horse playing, or joking around. If class has not yet begun, you may begin stretching or doing warm ups on your own.
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Warm ups include practicing your charts, kata, or bag work. Kumite or sparring is not permitted without the permission of sensei.
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Any activity prior to class starting that may be considered disturbing to the atmospheric conditions of the dojo is not permitted or must be approved by sensei.
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You are here to work not to socialize or become socially involved with other students. Maintain your respect for each other in and out of the Dojo and for your Sensei at all times. Aim to get the most out of the time you spend here. Students are to come to class and be ready to learn, not to talk and disturb others.
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Remove your shoes before taking your place in class. Shoes shall not be worn on the dojo floor without the direct permission of Sensei.
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If shoes or socks are needed this must be approved by Sensei only. These exceptions are only for special needs to prevent an injury only.
Late Entrance:
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Students should stand at the door and wait to be acknowledge by Sensei. Once acknowledged rei and enter the dojo, sign in and take your respected place in class.
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Late entrance should not become a habit. However, Sensei would rather have you come late than choose not to come at all. Recognize that this is a disruption to the entire class already in progress. Be quick and quiet and take your place as soon as possible.
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At the conclusion of each class instructors and students will rei and applaud with enthusiasm to display their acceptance for the class they have received.
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Upon dismissal of class, students should gather their belongings and wait for their rides in the lobby area rather than outside the dojo.
Absences:
Sick Leave – If you are sick stay home until you are well. It would be appreciated if you would tell your Sensei that you will be absent from class.
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Leave of Absence –
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If you are absent for more than 6 consecutive classes it is assumed that you have left the program. If you plan to be out for an extended period of time, please notify your Sensei.
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Your attendance is counted and considered in the calculation of “time in” for eligibility for promotion. If two children start at the same time and one is frequently absent, the regularly participating student will naturally progress at a faster rate than the child who is frequently absent. No one is promoted based on when they started and before whom they started with.
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This applies to students who elect to participate in other conflicting activities during a particular season, like Football or Band.