About Five Rivers
General
Membership Requirements
Ranking and Testing
Rules of Etiquette
RULES OF ETIQUETTE
What is to be practiced:
Out of respect for the art and students before you, under no circumstances are other styles of a martial art to be practiced at any time during class. Violation, at the discretion of the sensei, will result in expulsion with no refund of dues.
Safety:
- An instructor must be present during all practices.
- Visitors must not distract those practicing.
- Be aware of yourself and others on the mat when practicing.
General rules:
- Drugs, alcohol, and tobacco of any kind are prohibited from the dojo.
- Unauthorized weapons are prohibited from the dojo.
- Wear clean and untattered clothes when practicing, preferably a gi.
- Remove all footwear before entering the mat.
- Be sure you have clean feet before getting onto the mat.
- If you are late to class: After changing, wait until the Sensei gives you permission to join the class. Do not enter onto the mat until the Sensei gives you permission to do so. When you step onto the mat, entry from the back of the class.
- Practice only what is being taught at that moment.
- The formal sitting position on the mat is seiza.
- Do not be idle or day-dream on the mat.
- During class, while standing or sitting, never fold your arms across your chest. This action denotes arrogance and a closed mind.
- The instructor is referred to as Sensei.
- The Sensei is treated with respect at all times.
- Never interrupt the class to question unnecessarily. Wait for an appropriate moment.
- Do not interrupt Sensei when he or she is teaching.
- Communicate by action, not by talking.
When and how to Bow:
- Upon entering and exiting the dojo, bow at the Ki symbol.
- When stepping on or off the mat, bow at the Ki symbol.
- At the beginning and end of class, bow towards the Ki symbol and then to Sensei. Remember when bowing to the Sensei, bow before the Sensei and hold the bow longer than the Sensei.
- When the Sensei demonstrates an art to you or your partner, bow and thank him or her when finished.
- Bow to your partner before and after you both have practiced together.
- Bow whenever the Sensei calls upon you. Bow again to the Sensei when he or she is finished.
Rules of respect:
- There should not be conversation of any kind while the Sensei is teaching. When training with your partner, speak only as necessary.
- Never argue about a technique. If you are not sure, ask the Sensei.
- When receiving personal instruction, remain quiet until the Sensei has completed his or her explanation. Then remember to bow.
- When the Sensei is teaching a point, do not attempt to move ahead to another point, thinking you know what is next.