The "School" or "Acadamy"
The school is called a Dojo, which means "way place" basically a place where you learn a way. The Dojo is a special place and should be treated with great respect. You should always obey the Instructor as they will know what is best. You should bow on entering the Dojo and leaving it.
Your Gi and self-presentation
If you want to adjust your Gi, turn away from the instructor, drop your right knee down and left knee up and bow towards the instructor before re-commencing training.
Your Gi and you should always be clean and tidy, this is a sign of respect for yourself and others. (You cannot expect others to respect you if you cannot respect yourself).
No jewellery other than the Bushido, the Tomodachi or Ishoa is to be worn in class.
Housekeeping
Please refrain from eating in the dojo unless for an event, if eating is a must for whatever the reason may be - clean up after yourself. This is basic manners and obviously keeps the dojo clean and tidy. No drinks are to be consumed on the matted area and spillage will aslo require a cleanup. Body odours must be kept to a minimum and you may be asked to leave the class or train alone if this becomes a problem - save yourself the embarrassment and keep deodorant handy!
The Mat
Bow before moving onto or leaving the mat. Never leave the mat without permission, never communicate or coheres with others who are off the mat. Do not speak without raising your hand and waiting for thte instructors ok. Always bow after receiving direct instructions from the instructor. Please try not to use the equipment in the Dojo while the other class is still running. If you are unsure, ask permission from the instructor.
If you are late wait on the edge of the mat until the instructor bows towards you and allows you to proceed onto the mat. Bowing is a sign of humiliation, respect and trust, to lower yourself or to offer your head.
Viewing/Watching classes
Having parents and friends watch a class can be and usually is a distraction - more commonly with younger studnets. At Ellenbrook Martial Arts, we will only allow you to view a class for the following reasons: 1. You are looking to start yourself or child in a class and want to see what it is all about, and 2. Your child has a problem of being left along while the class is running (under 6's only). This will help you and/or your child focus much better. You will be allowed to come along and watch the gradings; this is where you can bring anyone and everyone to see what you or your child has been working on to progress through the ranks - the pressure is now on!