JCCH Dojo Rules of conduct
Students must bow when coming into and leaving the dojo. The proper sequence is to bow once to the shoumen (where the picture of Sosai is), then once to the center of the dojo.
Students must place their shoes in the designated cubbies before entering the dojo. No shoes should enter the dojo. Training is done barefoot, so socks will not be allowed for those training as it can contribute to slipping.
In order to run a more efficient class and contribute to everyone’s training, no talking while in line and instructions are being given.
The teacher is addressed as “Sensei” or “Ryan-sensei.” Assistants are addressed as “Senpai” or “(Name)-senpai.”
Students are expected to be actively listening and responsive during class. The command to work in the opposite direction in Japanese (Hantai!) should be responded to with “Osu!” and any confirmation of understanding is also to be responded to with “Osu!” Greeting an instructor or fellow student at the dojo is also accompanied with “Osu!” and a bow.
Language - Since the Japanese language is the lingua franca of karate, and we are part of an organization that all of our techniques are named in Japanese. There are also a number of formalities that are expressed in Japanese as well. While students aren’t expected to know all of these from day one, it is the expectation that they will become accustomed to knowing what they mean and able to respond to them accordingly.
Sparring - Kyokushin Karate is a martial art. The central tenet of Kyokushin is that a test that does not feature sparring is not a test of one’s ability in the martial arts. All tests for rank require satisfactory sparring performance. We take care to build someone’s ability in this area gradually, and with control and regard for safety, but it is expected that you will hit and get hit as part of this process. As I like to say, “You can’t go to swim camp and complain about getting wet.”
No student will excuse themselves from class without first obtaining permission from the instructor. Kids - for bathroom emergencies, just bow and go!
Parents of younger students, please assist your child if they need help with the bathroom and encourage them to please go before class.
Parents please refrain from giving instruction to your child from the sidelines. It is our responsibility and parental instruction only causes distractions and may force your child to miss vital instructions if they are listening to you and not the instructor.
Student must keep their uniform clean at all times. It is only to be worn for class workouts, seminars, tournaments, or any function that is part of the school. It is not a Halloween costume or to be used for play.
If you are ill, please DO NOT ATTEND CLASS!
If a student forgets their belt at home but has their uniform, they may still work out in class. They however must line up in the last row as they are not officially wearing any rank. This is NOT a punishment, it is simply that you are not displaying your rank and you must line up by rank, therefore you will be in the final position.
All students must have clean hands and feet and all finger and toe nails must be trimmed and neat. Long toe nails can rip training gear and long nails in general are not safe to other students when performing partner drills.
No jewelry or watches are to be worn during class for the safety of each other. Wedding bands or rings are permissible as long as they do not have any sharp edges. Apple or Smart Watches or Exercise Monitors are acceptable but you use them at your own risk and they MUST be removed during self defense practice. Please keep in mind that we practice self defense and for safety reasons would not want someone to be injured due to jewelry or devices. Please check with Ryan-sensei for individual circumstances such as medic alert bracelets.
Sparring is not permissible for warm up with fellow students and all sparring is with permission or under supervision.
Gear - Since Kyokushin Karate is a martial art that features contact sparring, there is some gear that is required. Primarily a dogi, also called a keikogi, which is the uniform, and sparring gear, which includes boxing gloves and shin and instep guards. Helmets are also required for children. Cups and mouth guards are optional. While we do offer incentives for buying gear through Aranami Dojo, we do not require it so long as the gear meets the safety requirements. While requirements for the uniform are fairly strict, the sparring gear, so long as it serves the purpose, can be of any brand, and we encourage students to shop around to find a solution that meets their budget and needs. More on what’s required can be found here. Since these items are required for some of the class curriculum, we do ask that students prioritize obtaining them so as to not slow down the class curriculum. Since sparring is a requirement of testing for the next rank, a lack of sparring gear can contribute to a lack of opportunities to promote to the next rank. Talk to Ryan-sensei if you require assistance with obtaining gear.
No student regardless of rank is allowed to teach another kata or new techniques without prior approval from the instructor. Lower ranking students should never teach higher ranking students.
No chewing of gum in class.
When students are in formation and lined up for class, please do not cut through the lines. Please walk to the end and down the line when returning to your place.
Never, ever ask when your next promotion will be. Promotions are at the discretion of Ryan-sensei based on class attendance, performance in line with the syllabus, work ethic in and out of the dojo, and are only available to current and active members. For questions on what you need to know and be proficient in for the next rank, we direct you to our rank syllabus.
Parents that are not actively training students must at all times remain OFF the floor. If a young student needs parental attention, we will escort them to you. Do not come on the training floor to help your child with their training or attention. The instructors job is to take care of this. This is also how younger instructors learn to teach and motivate. Parental involvement negates these opportunities even if you think you are being helpful.
Conduct unbecoming outside the dojo may result in suspension from Aranami Dojo. Please see Ryan-sensei regarding these issues and what constitutes "conduct unbecoming". This may include but is not limited to schoolyard fights, use of force when not needed, trouble with the law, school suspensions, etc.
Any student who is in excessive violation of the rules may find themselves possibly suspended from Aranami Dojo and if severe enough may not be allowed to train at our school. Please take pride in our school and follow all of the rules at all times. Thank you for you continued effort. Work hard and be safe.