Rules of Dojo
10 Rules Of
The Dojo
Benefits
Maintaining respect, discipline, and order
At Karate & Fitness USA, the dojo is a place of mutual respect, personal discipline, and dedicated focus. Our rules are designed to create a safe, structured, and welcoming environment where every student can learn, grow, and train at their highest potential.
By committing to these foundational principles on the mat, students build lifelong habits of responsibility, self-control, and integrity that carry into every area of life.
10 RULES MUST FOLLOW
Bow Upon Entry & Departure
RESPECT THE DOJO – BOW when entering and leaving the training area. Always keep the dojo neat, clean and orderly. Place shoes and karate bags neatly in designated area. Don’t wait for someone to tell you to clean up, do it yourself. Parents are encouraged to watch and observe any class. Please be respectful and No Talking while class is in session. Please keep younger siblings under control.
Punctuality & Readiness
COME TO CLASS 5 – 10 MINUTES BEFORE CLASS BEGINS – When class is in progress, student who arrives late should meditate, warm up if necessary, then join the class in a quiet and orderly manner. Students should arrive to class 5 – 10 minutes before class begins. Please kindly wait outside for class or private lesson to finish before entering the Dojo.
Address Higher Ranks Properly
RESPECT THE SENSEI (Teacher) and other BLACK BELTS – At the dojo bow to your Sensei and other Black Belts when entering the dojo and upon leaving the training area. At all karate functions (tournaments, meeting, parties, etc.) bow to your Sensei upon greeting and again at departure. Parents and Students should never address your Sensei by his first name in and out of the dojo. This shows lack of respect for your teacher and for the martial arts. (Sensei refers to Chief Instructor Thomas Westernoff and all KFP USA instructors)
Proper Uniform Etiquette
DRESS CODE TAKE PROPER CARE OF YOUR UNIFORM – A dirty, wrinkled uniform reflects badly on you as a student. Wash uniform regularly. Karate uniform must be neat, clean and pressed for all karate classes. Fold your uniform properly after practice. White T-shirts and sport bras only may be worn under karate gi.
Personal Hygiene & Safety
REMOVE JEWELRY IN THE DOJO – Jewelry can get caught in a uniform and lead to unnecessary injury to oneself or a partner. Keep fingernails and toenails neatly trimmed. Remove all jewelry, rings, watches, and hair accessories prior to stepping onto the mats.
Silence & Complete Focus
PAY ATTENTION & KEEP SILENCE – By listening carefully to the Sensei you can avoid careless mistakes which may cause injuries, and you can also pick up pointers which help you to improve your techniques. Listen quietly and give full attention whenever an instructor speaks or demonstrates. Side conversations during training are strictly prohibited.
No Horseplay or Unsupervised SparringFocus
ABSOLUTELY NO HORSEPLAY IN THE DOJO – The atmosphere of the dojo should be serious in order to avoid needless injuries. No one should engage in free sparring below the rank of brown belt (3rd KYU) without the supervision of an instructor.
THINK ONLY Dojo
THINK KARATE IN THE DOJO – Devote yourself totally to karate in the dojo. Thinking about other problems will only divide your attention and make karate less rewarding. You will find that even strenuous workouts are refreshing when you concentrate totally on the karate experience. (When thrusting, think thrust, etc.)
SUCCESS Effort & SUPPORT YOUR PARTNERS
TRAIN REGULARLY – Success is all about time and effort. If you do not train regularly you cannot lay a good foundation in basics and progress. You also risk losing the rank that you presently hold and delay further promotions. Promotions to higher belts require a minimum of 2 classes per week. Give 100% effort in every class. Support your training partners, leave your ego at the door, and approach every lesson with humility.
LACK OF PATIENCE & Humility
PROMOTIONS – A student must no ask about their next rank test date. This shows lack of patience, humility and disrespect for your instructor’s professional judgment. When your instructor feels you are ready to test for a higher belt he or she will let you know. Advancement to higher ranks is determined by the student’s progress, attendance and students motivation to learn (average time between advancement 2 – 6 months)
Testimonial
Success Stories
“The staff is great and treats everyone with respect, making people feel comfortable and protected. The environment fosters camaraderie, making it fun .”
Alex Cooper
Great dojo, especially for families. Sensei Tom is wonderful with working with all ages. I have tried different studios before but this place is the most professional, dedicated, and organized Martial Arts school i have come across.
Nazli Nadem
Great! Sensei Tom is a great teacher, and uses many illustrative methods to teach children to work hard and diligently.
John Dong
This is the first Karate School I went to and I loved it. Even when it moved to Concord is still wanted to go and I still am.
