Hygiene – Tape any cuts you have – Do not join class if you have a contagious illness, wound, etc. – Keep your finger and toe nails clipped and short – No jewelry is permitted – Shower before class if you are dirty – Do not smell like smoke (Gi, breathe, hair, etc.)
Uniforms – Clean White kimonos (GI) only (Academy only when required) – Navy Blue, crew neck Rash Guard (compressions shirt) only under Top – Rash guards (compression shirt) must be tucked into the pants – Always keep your top tucked in and belt on – When fixing your top and / or belt, turn facing the wall to fix it before facing the instructor. – If you forget your uniform, You may attend class; although, you line up as lowest rank
Lining up in class – Always line up in rank order (highest to lowest) – Always stand straight up with good posture – Never lean or relax against the wall – Never rest a foot on the wall
Addressing the instructors – Always greet the instructor before class and shake hands with after – Black Belts with Professor Stripes are referred to as “Professor” – Black Belts with White Bar and Brown Belts are referred to as “Coach”.
If you are late to class – Do not enter the class (step on the mat) until the instructor recognizes you and invites you – Always walk behind the instructor, never walk in front of the instructor or between the instructor and the students – Line up at in the lowest rank position
Stepping on and off the mat – Always bow on and off – Wipe your feet – Never leave the class without asking the instructor first
Language and conversations – Never use what most people would consider “foul” language – Never speak negatively about anyone – Never discuss religion, politics or any topic that can make another student feel uncomfortable
When the instructor is speaking / teaching – Always be respectful – Always look up and pay attention – Never pick your fingernails, toenails, etc. – Never play with your belt, gi, etc. – Never laugh, giggle, or talk with anyone – Never argue with or debate with the instructor during class, wait until after class – Please ask questions only regarding the topic and / or technique being taught
When the instructor asks the students to drill a technique – Never “teach” anyone anything – Never give an negative opinion or a personal option on the technique being taught – Never try to “defeat”, “prove wrong” or “resist” a technique being taught
If you have a question – Always ask the instructor or someone designated by the instructor
