The members Karate-ka (karate students) shall conduct themselves in a manner that will reflect the utmost humility and respect for themselves and their dojo (school/classroom) -- KARATE STL.  The Karate-ka shall be loyal, honest, and possess a high degree of integrity with a purpose of developing cooperation with and trust of fellow Karate-ka, assistant instructors and Sensei (teacher).

NOTE: The following guidelines are instituted primarily for the safety and protection of Karate-ka.

1. Students must leave shoes, socks and all jewelry outside the Dojo. 

   IMPORTANT:  Guests wishing to observe while class is in session are requested to do so  in complete silence  with  cell phones turned off  please, so as to minimize distraction to students.  Guests are asked to remove only shoes within the training area of the Dojo.

2. No food or drink, use of tobacco products or chewing of gum in the Dojo.

3. No profanity in the Dojo.
   
4. Do not lean on walls or lie spread on the floor.  Students must either stand, kneel or sit.
   
5. No loud talking or horseplay in the Dojo.
   
6. No use of cell phones or pagers during class except in extreme emergencies, after obtaining permission from Sensei or assistant instructor.
   
7. When possible, try to arrive somewhat early to warm up and stretch out your muscles before class begins.
   
8. Always address the head instructor as Sensei while in the Dojo, or in any Karate environment.
   
9. Always rei (bow) when bowed to, and:
   
   • Upon entering and exiting the Dojo (facing dojo);
     
   • Before joining or leaving class activities;
     
   • When addressed or summoned by Sensei, an assistant instructor or senior student (those higher in rank);
     
   • After receiving instructions from Sensei, assistant instructor or senior student;
     
   • Upon meeting and leaving Sensei, assistant instructor and all fellow students during partner practice.
     
10. At opening and closing of class, form a horizontal line (knees in line with student farthest to your right) facing front, highest in rank at the far right end of the line, progressing left to the lowest in rank.
    
11. When late for class:  Quietly warm up and stretch out on your own, APART from class activities.  When finished, while remaining apart from the class, stand and wait for recognition from Sensei or assistant instructor before joining class activities.
    
12. Pay strict attention to and follow instructions from Sensei or assistant instructors and disregard other distractions.
    
13. No sparring (or other activities) allowed without permission.
    
14. No using equipment unless authorized by Sensei or assistant instructor. (Ages 4-17)
    
15. With the exception of Head Master Seikichi Iha, who should always be addressed as Sensei, address visiting instructors as Mr./Ms., then last name, and follow their instructions without question, comment or hesitation while in the Dojo.
    
16. Address senior students as Mr./Ms., then last name, when they are instructing in the Dojo.  Senior students and visiting instructors are always to be respected in the Dojo and their instructions followed without question, comment or hesitation.  If a student wishes to clarify any instructions from a senior or visiting instructor, he/she should privately consult Sensei either before or after class or by telephone.
    
17. Do not talk in class except to ask a question after raising hand and being recognized, to answer a question or to help another student.
    
18. Leaving class activities or leaving the Dojo while class is in session for a break, water, etc. is forbidden, except in rare circumstances and then only after receiving permission from Sensei or assistant instructor.
    
19. When sparring or in any way interacting with other students, especially if they are lower in rank, ALWAYS consider their limitations and level of strength and skill, and adjust the speed and power of your technique accordingly.
    
20. Never lose temper in the Dojo, especially while sparring or interacting with other students.
    
21. Students must keep their bodies clean, and their          toenails (very important) clipped short, smooth and clean.  Fingernails are to be kept smooth and clean.
    
22. Gis (uniforms) are to be kept clean and in good condition.
    
23. Never leave early from class (before the closing bow) without being officially dismissed by Sensei or assistant instructor.
    
24. Inquiry should not be made as to if or when a student will test for promotion; students must wait to be notified accordingly by Sensei or assistant instructor.
    
25. While receiving instruction in Shido-kan Shorin-ryu Karate, students should not train at or belong to any other Dojo or martial arts class or studio.
    
26. Any outside activities that bring discredit to Karate, KARATE STL, Sensei or the student (fighting, etc.) are sufficient grounds for dismissal.
    
27. Students must NEVER use their skills in an aggressive or imprudent manner, in or out of the Dojo!

Karate is not a contest of muscular strength, nor is its purpose one of attack.  The possessor of this skill gains tremendous self-confidence and the ability to walk without fear.  Karate is a method of self-defense without weapons, for use in personal encounter.  The practice of Karate will keep a person physically fit and able to defend him/herself and loved ones from danger.

Once you have mastered the principles of Karate you will have the skill and knowledge to subdue an aggressor even though you are unarmed.

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