1. When entering or leaving the dojo (training hall) always bow and say ‘Osu’ to the front of the class.
2. Try to be on time for training as late arrivals disrupt the class. If you do arrive late please be quiet and wait in 'seiza' (kneeling) with your back to the class, until the instructor asks you to join in.
3. When told to line up, do so quickly and quietly. Stand still in fudo dachi when in the line. Do not fidget, turn around, talk to others or play about.
4. Never leave the line or the dojo without permission from the instructor. When leaving the line do not walk between the instructor and the class, or through the lines. Walk behind the row you are in to the side and go around the edge of the class.
5. Listen to the instructor at all times and carry out his/her instructions as asked, without arguing. You will not be asked to do anything that your instructor does not think you are capable of. If you cannot keep up, do the best you can. If you have an injury which will restrict your ability to carry out certain instructions, you must inform the instructor, preferably at the start of the class.
6. Address the instructors by their proper title (see below) and show them respect at all times.
1st & 2nd Dan - Sempai
3rd & 4th Dan - Sensei
Any non-black belt student undertaking instructor duties must also be addressed as Sempai while teaching.
7. After undertaking one-to-one training with a partner, the lower grade should approach the higher grade student and shake both hands.
8. Your gi must be clean, neat and tidy. Do not remove any part of your gi whilst training without permission.
9. No jewellery is to be worn while training.
10. Ensure toenails and fingernails are kept clean and short.
11. Hand mitts and shin pads should be worn when fighting. Chest protectors for female students and groin protectors for male students must also be worn. You must never practice fighting without an instructor present.
12. Be sure to visit the toilet before training to avoid disruptions during the class. This is also important for safety reasons.
13. You must not eat, smoke or chew gum in the dojo.
14. Spectators are welcome but must be quiet and must not wander in and out. Please make sure mobile phones are turned off.
15. Respect each other and treat other students with the same degree of courtesy that you expect from them. Never swear or be rude or offensive.