1. Students will bow upon entering/leaving the dojo area.
2. All black belts will be referred to as "Sensei".
3. Higher belts will assist lower belts, lower belts will follow the instructions of higher belts.
4. Higher belts will not instruct lower belts in techniques above their next belt requirements.
5. No profanity, horseplay or loud talking is permitted in the dojo.
6. Karate training requires concentration and discipline. No smoking or food allowed in the dojo.
7. Students will train in a clean uniform at all times.
8. Students will inform head instructor immediately of any self-defense situation outside the dojo and of its nature.
9. No displays or demonstrations allowed outside the dojo without the express permission of the head instructor.

Failure to abide by the above rules could result in disciplinary suspension or loss of membership.

Place of Karate training is called a Dojo.
When entering the Dojo, students will bow.
When leaving the Dojo, students will bow.
All Black Belt instructors are called Sensei in the Dojo.
All students and instructors bow at the beginning and end of class.

Standing Bow:

Standing straight with feet together
Hands in the Zen Karate hand position:
Open left hand covering the right hand which is a fist.
Open hand stands for peace and friendship
Closed fist stands for power and strength
Together they mean that we approach in peace and friendship,
the power and strength are hidden
Keeping eyes forward, bend at the waist pushing hands forward.

Bow at the beginning of class:

Sitting on the floor with the hands in the Zen Karate hand position.
Instructor gives each of the letters of Spirit and the students will say what each letter stands for.

• S - Self Control
• P - Perseverance
• I - Integrity
• R - Respect
• I - Indomitable Spirit
• T - Truth

Deep Breathing Exercises:

Close eyes with hand on your hips.
Do 3 deep breaths, slowly in and slowly out together with the class.
Clearing your mind of the days activities and focus on training in karate.

Performing the Bow:

Sitting up straight with your eyes open, the instructor will bow to the class and will say Shomi Ni Rei. The class bow back twice. With the first bow they will say Shomi Ni Rei. With the second bow they will say Sensei Ni Rei.

Shomi Ni Rei:

1. Respect for your style of training, Zen Karate
2. Respect for your place of training, the Dojo
3. Respect for your classmates

Sensei Ni Rei - Respect for your Sensei

Bow at the end of class:

The bow is the same as at the beginning of class except the letters of Spirit are not mentioned.