Proper Conduct and Protocols for a Student
The following codes of conduct for members of this Wado Kai Dojo are based on the Rules and Regulations of the Shintani Karate Federation, found on the last page of the members' passbook. These rules are the absolute minimum guidelines for all members of this dojo and ignorance of their directives is not excusable.

Personal Conduct Within the Dojos

1. NO alcohol or drugs will be taken before class.
2. ENTERING & LEAVING – Always bow when entering or exiting the dojo (facing inwards); this shows respect for the art that you are learning and for the efforts you and other people are making in your training.
3. FORMS OF ADDRESS – All Black Belts will be addressed as ‘sensei’ when in class or during any Karate activity. Brown belts engaged in instruction will be politely addressed as ‘sempai’. Bowing to instructors when making requests is mandatory.
4. DILIGENCE – Be serious in your efforts and attitude. Concentrate on the training and commit all of your energy to the techniques. If you do not push yourself to new limits you will never advance far in a true understanding of Karate. Poor or lazy technique will only create frustration among your peers and within yourself.
5. CONDUCT WHILE TRAINING – Listen attentively to all instructions so you receive a full understanding of the techniques or concepts being explained. Stop all activity and talking when the instructing sensei speaks to you alone or to the class at large. Loud talking, vulgarity, profanity and rudeness are never permitted.
6. CONDUCT WITH A PARTNER – Bow before and after training with a person. Respect all other members of the dojo, whether they are above or below you in rank. When engaged in kumite drills, remember that you are using each other in a co-operative effort to advance your understanding of Karate: you are not trying to defeat, harm, or embarrass the other person. The experiences and efforts of each Karate-ka are worthy of your respect, even if at first you cannot recognize this fact. Converse only when directed to do so.
7. ALLEGIANCE – Respect the sensei's requests and instructions in all matters pertaining to Karate. If you have a question or concern, bring it to attention of a sensei or sempai, when the class is not training, in a quiet manner. Loyalty to the sensei is expected in the same way that they are loyal to all members of the dojo and attend to their concerns. The only questions that produce confusion and resentment in your mind are the ones you did not ask.
8. GIVING & RECEIVING CORRECTION – Higher belts may be asked to aid lower belts in their training but will not teach a technique or kata without the sensei's permission. When receiving correction from a senior rank, stop and listen, do not contradict a senior. Only criticism of a constructive and respectful nature will be offered. State ‘thank you Sensei’ when finished.
9. DRESS – All gi’s will be completely white. The Wado Kai kanji (characters) may be placed on the left side of the gi top only. Any visible accessories (t-shirts, headbands, etc.) must be white only. Remove all jewelry (rings, watches, earrings, etc.) while training to reduce the risk of injury.
10. SAFETY EQUIPMENT – Protective equipment must be worn to practice kumite. A mouth guard and groin cup (for men) are the required minimum: hand and shin/foot pads are strongly recommended after white belt.
11. HYGIENE – A high standard of personal cleanliness is absolute. Finger and toenails must be clean and clipped short. Gi’s must always be clean and presentable.
12. LATE ARRIVAL – As Karate is a discipline, it is assumed that students will make every attempt to arrive before the class is lined up for the bow-in. If you are late due to other circumstances, bow-in at the door and do 30 push-ups (your choice of type) and 50 abdominal curls (feet up) before joining in at the rear of the class.
13. GENERAL – Do not eat, drink, chew gum, or smoke on the dojo floor. Rough-housing is not permitted.

Conduct In General
Deportment - Karate-ka will behave in a manner that respects and honor themselves and our society both in and out of the Dojo.

Aggression - No Karate student will provoke violence outside the dojo nor allow him/herself to be provoked into violence.

Teaching Karate - Under no circumstances will any form of Karate be taught by any member to any non-member.

Kumite - Jiyu-kumite (free-sparring) is not allowed without the express permission of the Dojo Sensei.

Fees - Financial obligations to the Dojo are the sole responsibility of the individual student.