First and foremost, remember that we are guests of So Fit Workout and Wellness and their posted rules shall apply to all members of Heartland Dojo and related visitors.
UNIFORM
1) All students should wear a clean, white gi (uniform). Tops or pants with rips, holes, or wear should be replaced promptly for safety reasons.
2) Students should respect their obi (belt) as a symbol of their accomplishment and not allow it to rest on the floor. Belts should not be machine washed, but may be hand washed as needed.
3) Ladies should wear a t-shirt beneath their uniform. This is optional for men. Undershirts are preferably white or black, and should be tucked into gi pants.
4) Students should practice good hygiene for courtesy as well as for the health and safety of fellow students. Nails should be trimmed and kept short, especially for partner work. Jewelry, including piercings, should not be worn on the mat.
5) All students should wear a groin protector (cup) beneath their uniform.
REI (COURTESY)
1) Students should observe the following bowing procedures:
Upon entering/leaving the dojo or the mat, or when a yudansha (black belt) enters the dojo/mat
At the beginning and end of class or a kata, partner drill, or sparring match
When greeting or saying goodbye to a yudansha, whether Sensei or a visitor
When passing an item, such as a pad or a weapon, to an instructor or another student
To the shomen (front) and the instructor when entering or leaving the mat
2) Members will avoid turning their backs to higher-ranked yudansha.
3) Members will verbally greet and say goodbye to yudansha. Members are also encouraged to thank visiting yudansha for teaching or training with us!
4) Members will respond with “Yes sir/ma’am” or “no sir/ma’am” as appropriate, and will always use “please” and “thank you.”
5) Members will address the school head as “Sensei Oliveri” or simply “Sensei.” Yudansha should be addressed as Mr./Mrs./Ms. and their last name, or by their title when applicable.
6) Laughing with another student is encouraged. Laughing at another student is not acceptable, and students should not publicly criticize one another.
7) Members should never argue with an instructor.
8) If a member’s obi is coming untied, he or she should turn around and drop to one knee to adjust the gi and retie the obi. If a belt is just a little loose, he or she may simply pull it tight without turning around to retie it.
DOJO/MAT PROCEDURES
1) Members’ belongings should be stored in an appropriate location: shoes in shoe racks, coats on hooks, etc.
2) Students wishing to enter or leave the training area should raise their hand and request permission first. This includes if you must use the restroom. (Note: if it is an emergency, i.e., illness, run to the restroom!)
3) If you have a question or something to say, raise your hand. Do not speak over an instructor or another student.
4) Good sportsmanship and teamwork should be exercised during all sparring or partner work. Friendly competition is encouraged, but taunting is inappropriate.
5) Always exercise partner preservation! Work with your partner in drills and sparring, not against them.
6) Only authorized members may throw or be thrown. Both members must be authorized for any drill or match which may involve throwing each time said drill or match occurs. To be authorized, members must demonstrate proper ukemi, or falling, to four directions.
7) Members should refrain from correcting higher-ranked students. However, adults may quietly address disruptive behavior in line or on the mat by young students, even those of higher rank. Continued disruption should be brought to an instructor’s attention.
8) Dojo members are not to use So Fit equipment, nor to linger around their training area, especially when gym members are present. Dojo members who are also So Fit members may, of course, use equipment before or after class, but should refrain from using the fitness center and equipment during class.