Dojo Etiquette and Hygiene

 
  1. Bowing is appropriate on the following occasions:
    1. When entering and leaving the dojo.
    2. When stepping on and off the mat.
    3. At the beginning and end of class.
    4. When asking or thanking a partner for practice.
    5. After receiving special instructions from the teacher.
  1. The cleanliness and purity of the mat and dojo are essential. Remove your shoes upon entering and place them neatly on the shelf. Make sure your feet are clean before stepping on the mat. Junior students should take responsibility for cleaning the dojo following class.
  1. Be on time for class. If you are late, enter and go to the changing room (wait if a technique is being demonstrated). Re-enter, sit at the corner of the mat until the instructor indicates you may join the class. Bow to the Kamiza and instructor in that order.
  1. If you or someone else is hurt, tell the instructor at once. If you need to rest, inform the instructor. If you have a problem during practice, let your partner know. Do not leave the mat without permission of the instructor.
  1. At the beginning of class and when asking a partner to practice with you, say "onegaishimasu". At the end of class and when thanking your partner, say "domo arigato gozaimashita", or "Thank you very much".
  1. New students should seek out partners and not wait for someone to choose them.
  1. Dues are payable on the first of each month.
  1. Weapons and/or gi should always be carried in a bag or covered when outside the dojo. Do not leave your gi in the changing room.
  1. Never use another person's weapons without their permission.
  1. Out of consideration for others, students must refrain from practicing when sick.
  1. If you are bleeding, inform the instructor, excuse yourself from the mat, and bandage the injury before returning to the mat. If there is blood on the mat, clean up the blood with hydrogen peroxide.
  1. Keep fingernails and toenails clean and trimmed.
  1. It is advisable to wash wrists and hands after each class.