Behavioral Guidelines

Students are expected to be respectful of others and to help foster an enjoyable environment for everyone. The following guidelines should be observed by everyone.

1. Please avoid running, yelling (except for the Kiai, of course), rough housing, climbing on equipment, or otherwise interfering with the training or practice of others.
2. Please refer to others by Mr. or Ms. (Miss or Mrs. is fine if the student prefers these titles) followed by their last name. You should refer to instructors as Sensei (or, if ambiguous, precede Sensei with the instructor's last name).
3. If you arrive late for class, please wait at the edge of the training area until the instructor recognizes you and invites you to join.
4. When entering the dojo, bow to all black belts, in order of seniority, as a sign of respect. 
5. When stepping onto the mat or entering a training area, please bow to show your respect to the place of learning.
6. Do not use, handle, or play with any weapon or equipment for which you have not received training or instruction.
7. Please avoid using four letter words and other offensive language.  We particularly dislike hearing the four letter words "can't", "don't", and "won't."

Grooming and Hygiene

We ask all students to adhere to the following general grooming guidelines.

1. Please wear a clean uniform to class. Uniforms should be washed weekly and folded neatly to limit wrinkles.
2. Fingernails and toenails should be trimmed regularly to avoid scratches to yourself and other students.  If you must maintain long nails, please ensure other students are aware of any long nails when you first begin working together.
3. For your safety, and the safety of others, jewelry should be removed before training. Wedding rings are a possible exception if they do not have sharp edges or obvious projections.
4. It should probably go without saying, but all students should frequently shower or otherwise cleanse themselves.

Payments

Please make all payments on or before the date they are due.  If you experience an unusual situation requiring some adjustment in your payment plan, please talk to us immediately so we can work out a viable solution.