🥋 Dojo Rules Student Guide

These guidelines are intended to help students maintain discipline, respect, and safety while training in traditional Karate-Do.

✅ General Training Expectations

  • Always be physically and mentally prepared for training.
  • Do not be late to class.
  • Attend every session with:
  • A clean, complete uniform (Gi)
  • Protective gear
  • A bottle of water


👣 Entering the Dojo

  1. Remove your shoes before entering the dojo.
  • Exceptions:
  • If the floor is in poor condition
  • If you have a medical issue with your feet
  • In these cases, you may wear running trainers, but:
  • Check and clean the soles before entry
  • Trainers must be in good condition, non-slippery, and properly laced
  • Delegated trainers to be used in the dojo only


🙇‍♂️ Respect & Etiquette

  1. Upon entering or leaving the dojo, bow toward the front and say "Oss".
  • This shows respect and informs the Sensei of your presence.
  1. If your Gi comes undone, turn away from the front, fix it quickly, and return to training.
  • A dirty, torn, or unironed Gi may result in being denied training.
  1. Be punctual. If late:
  • Kneel quietly by the door and wait for the Sensei to invite you in.
  • Missing warm-up may disorient you and reduce training quality.
  • If class runs over time and you need to leave, raise your hand to ask permission.
  1. If you feel unwell during class:
  • Raise your hand to alert the instructor.
  • Inform the Sensei of any recent illnesses or injuries.
  • Rest when needed — missing one class is better than risking injury.


🧘‍♂️ In the Dojo

  1. Sit with discipline: either kneeling or cross-legged with your back straight.
  2. Keep fingernails and toenails short to prevent injury.
  3. If you arrive early:
  • No chatting or horseplay
  • Warm up quietly or sit respectfully
  1. Notify the Sensei of any changes in your medical condition.
  2. Keep your contact details up to date, and save the dojo's number in your phone.


👕 Dress Code

  1. Only approved uniforms (white Karate Gi) may be worn in class.
  • No jewellery allowed.
  • Female students should wear a plain white t-shirt under their Gi.
  • Incorrect uniform = no training.


🧭 Behavior & Attitude

  1. Aggressive, argumentative, or disrespectful behavior leads to dismissal.
  2. No foul language or loud talking.
  3. Behave like a lady or gentleman inside and outside the dojo.
  4. Do not criticize other students.
  5. Never show attitude or talk back to the Sensei.
  • Respect, patience, and tolerance are part of Karate.
  • If respect is lost, it may be time to step away.


🥋 Titles & Hierarchy

  1. Address the head instructor as "Sensei".
  • Other black belts: "Sempai"
  • Adult belts: Mr, Mrs, or Miss [Last Name]
  1. Show respect to higher belts and instructors.
  • You’ll receive respect and benefit from their experience.
  1. Bow and say "Oss":
  • When asking a question
  • On command
  • When greeting Sensei or fellow students
  • Even when meeting Sensei outside the dojo


🛑 Forbidden Actions

  1. Never teach Karate to non-members.
  2. No sparring without the Sensei’s permission.
  3. Never use Karate outside the dojo — unless for self-defense or lawful defense of others.


🧠 Mind & Body Preparation

  1. Karate requires mental and physical readiness.
  • Rest if coming from work/school.
  1. Avoid eating at least 1 hour before class.
  • No food, alcohol, or inappropriate substances before or during class.
  1. Use the bathroom before class starts.
  • Children must be accompanied if they need to go during class.
  • Adults must inform the Sensei if leaving.

🥊 Training Gear & Attendance

  1. Students must bring all protective equipment to every class.
  • Forgetting gear affects your and others’ training.
  1. Let the Sensei know in advance if you must leave early.
  2. Never leave the dojo without permission.
  3. Training twice a week minimum is recommended for progress.
  4. In the dojo, focus solely on training.
  • Clear your mind of outside distractions.
  1. If you're away from training for 1 month or more, wear a white belt upon return to show humility and reduced readiness.


🥋 OSS!

Welcome to your Karate journey.

Follow these guidelines, and you'll grow in strength, discipline, and spirit.


  • By attending our classes, you agree to comply with our dojo rules. The Sensei reserves the right to enforce these rules, with or without prior warning, at any time, for educational purposes, especially if a karate-ka fails to comply.
  • If you or your child have any concerns regarding karate or dojo activities, please inform the Sensei immediately. Do not remain silent or assume your concerns will not be heard — communication is essential to growth and safety.
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Parent guide to dojo rules