1. RESPECT THE DOJO – BOW when entering and leaving the training area. Always keep the dojo neat, clean and orderly. Place shoes and karate bags neatly in designated area. Don’t wait for someone to tell you to clean up, do it yourself. Parents are encouraged to watch and observe any class. Please be respectful and No Talking while class is in session. Please keep younger siblings under control.

  2. RESPECT THE SENSEI (Teacher) and other BLACK BELTS – At the dojo bow to your Sensei and other Black Belts when entering the dojo and upon leaving the training area. At all karate functions (tournaments, meetings, parties, etc.) bow to your Sensei upon greeting and again at departure. All comments and suggestions regarding the execution of system techniques and training are welcomed and are to be asked during a break or before / after class. Parents and Students should never address your Sensei by his first name in and out of the dojo. This shows lack of respect for your teacher and for the martial arts. (Sensei refers to Chief Instructor Terry Riggle and all RIDOJO Karate Club instructors)

  3. COME TO CLASS 5 – 10 MINUTES BEFORE CLASS BEGINS – When class is in progress, student who arrives late should meditate, warm up if necessary, then join the class in a quiet and orderly manner. Students should arrive to class 5 – 10 minutes before class begins. Please kindly wait outside for class or private lesson to finish before entering the Dojo.

  4. TRAIN REGULARLY – Success is all about time and effort. If you do not train regularly you cannot lay a good foundation in basics and progress. You also risk losing the rank that you presently hold and delay further promotions. Promotions to higher belts require a minimum of 2 classes per week.

  5. THINK KARATE IN THE DOJO – Devote yourself totally to karate in the dojo. Thinking about other problems, work, school, videos, games, etc will only divide your attention and make karate less rewarding. You will find that even strenuous workouts are refreshing when you concentrate totally on the karate experience. (When thrusting, think thrust, etc.)

  6. PAY ATTENTION – By listening carefully to the Sensei you can avoid careless mistakes which may cause injuries, and you can also pick up pointers which help you to improve your techniques.

  7. DRESS CODE TAKE PROPER CARE OF YOUR UNIFORM – A dirty, wrinkled uniform reflects badly on you as a student. Wash uniform regularly. Karate uniform must be neat, clean and pressed for all karate classes, Pants and Sleeves must not be rolled up at all. Fold your uniform properly after practice. White and Gray under white karate gi, and gray or black under black karate gi.

  8. ABSOLUTELY NO HORSEPLAY IN THE DOJO – The atmosphere of the dojo should be serious in order to avoid needless injuries. No one should engage in free sparring below the rank of brown belt (3rd KYU) without the supervision of an instructor.

  9. REMOVE JEWELRY IN THE DOJO – Jewelry can get caught in a uniform and lead to unnecessary injury to oneself or a partner.

  10. PROMOTIONS – A student must not ask about their next rank test date. This shows lack of patience, humility and disrespect for your instructor’s professional judgment. When your instructor feels you are ready to test for a higher belt he or she will let you know. Advancement to higher ranks is determined by the student’s progress, attendance and students motivation to learn (average time between advancement 2 – 6 months)