The following are guiding rules for martial artists taken from several classical styles of Japanese, Okinawan, Korean and Chinese Martial Arts.

DOJO ETIQUETTE:

Karate for Christ Do Jang / Do Jo Etiquette:

• This is a Christian dojo advocating Christian values, traditional customs and respect.
• Christian Bible lesson will be taught throughout.
• Students are expected to study their various assignments for the beginning of each class.
• The Bible will be used throughout - only a copybook is needed for class.
• Respective traditional language will be used throughout.
• Address your instructor as sensei or sempai, as applicable
• When you enter the dojo always bow to your instructor or sensei and greet him by saying good evening sensei, etc.
• No shoes are allowed in the training area.
• The students shall never lean on the walls.
• Do not enter or leave the floor during training/class without permission from the sensei or your instructor.
• If a student arrives late for class and the class is already in progress wait for the sensei to recognize you then bow to him and enter the training area quickly.
• There will be no chewing of gum on the training floor.
• Do not consume intoxicants before training.
• Profane language is not permitted.
• When sitting on the dojo floor always sit anza (cross legged) or seiza and never show the bottom of your feet.
• No loud talking or horseplay is allowed in the dojo. The dojo is a place where respect and self-control are always observed. This is the proper decorum expected of you while in the training area.
• Students will be in full uniform (gi/ doboke) upon entering the Dojo and ready for practice. The gi and equipment will be kept clean and at home with the rest of the equipment.
• Never let your belt touch the floor.
• If your belt comes undone and you must retie it or you must adjust your uniform, never face sensei or your instructor instead turn around and face in the opposite direction to retie your belt or adjust your uniform.
• Never wash your belt. This is a time honored tradition in karate.
• The approved Karate For Christ Dojo Patch will be worn over the left breast in such a manner that it will be vertical with the jacket closed.
• Students will not wear patches other than those designated by the school.
• No watches, earring, rings, jewelry, etc, will be worn during practice.
• Trim fingernails, toenails short in order to avoid injury to yourself or others students during training.
• Students will keep themselves clean.
• This is a traditional dojo and will be kept clean at all times. The ritual cleaning of the floor called osoji is not only to clean the floor but also to teach humility.
• All training equipment should be put away neatly after use by whosoever uses it. This will keep your dojo looking organized at all times.
• Bring any problems that could interfere with your learning to the attention of your instructor.
• If you are injured in any way during class, notify the instructor immediately.
• When sensei is teaching a class show the utmost respect by not talking when he is demonstrating or explaining something.
• Do not talk during a workout except to respond to an instructor's command or questions.
• Do all exercises to the best of your ability. Students are expected to train hard, be disciplined and cultivate a strong moral character.
• If you will not be attending a class, notify the instructor prior to the class.
• Sparring (ne waza or randori) will be done under the supervision of the sensei to ensure safety.
• Safety gear must be worn in order to spar.
• Visitors are always welcome, as long as they abide by our rules. You are responsible for your guests.
• Always show courtesy and respect to all those present in the dojo. Proper respect will be shown to all ranks.
• Strive to promote the true spirit of Karate For Christ
• Fighting outside of the dojo is prohibited by Code of Honor unless it is in a self-defense situation.

(Reprinted with permission from Karate For Christ International)

Dojo Kun - School Creed (Seito Matsumuru Shorin-Ryu)

• Strive for the Perfection of Character
• Defend the Paths of Truth
• Foster the Spirit of Effort
• Honor the Principles of Etiquette
• Refrain from Violent Behavior

Traditional Membership Code of Conduct (Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan)

• Martial arts are not a sport, not a game to be played solely for the sake of winning
• Martial arts aims to develop and express the individual's true self, not the false self of aggrandizement
• The major focus of classical martial arts is on interior development; competition by groups or individuals is of minor usefulness in realizing individual potential
• Every martial artist must do his/her utmost to retain the purity of the art and not debase it in any way
• Man is at his/her best in helping others; at his/her worst in bettering others
• Every member shall: seek truth; work at developing his/her highest moral character; strive for humility; love his/her country; sacrifice himself/herself for justice; contribute by example to the acceptance of Tang Soo Do as the most genuine of the martial arts; develop his/her endurance; and value confidence and peace of mind
• Martial artists shall conduct themselves at all times as an example of what a proper martial artist should be. The fact that you study martial arts makes you an example of the state of the art. It is a responsibility members shall bear seriously and proudly.

Important Points of Emphasis on Mental Training (Moo Duk Kwan)

• Physical concentration
• Courtesy
• Modesty
• Thankfulness
• Self-sacrifice
• Cultivate courage
• Chastity
• Be strong inside and mild outside
• Endurance
• Reading ability

Ten Points of Emphasis on Physical Development (Moo Duk Kwan)

• Vocal exhalation for thoracic strength
• Focus of sight
• Continuous balance during movements
• Flexibility of the body
• Correct muscle tone for maximum power
• High and low speed techniques
• Exactness of technique
• Adjustment for proper distance
• Proper breathing for endurance
• Conditioning of hands and feet

Mental Training (Moo Duk Kwan)

• Complete awareness of environment
• Experience
• Conscience
• Culture

Martial Arts Tenants (Moo Duk Kwan)

• Courtesy
• Integrity
• Perseverance
• Self-control
• Indomitable Spirit

Matters That Demand Special Attention While Training (Moo Duk Kwan)

• Purpose of training should be enhancement of the physical, mental and spiritual self
• Sincerity is necessary
• Effort is necessary
• Consistent schedule during practice
• Do your best when training
• Regularly spaced practice sessions
• Obey without objection the word of instructors or seniors; look and learn
• Don't be overly ambitious
• Pay attention to every aspect of your training
• Pay attention to the order of your training
• Get instruction step by step in new forms and techniques
• Try to overcome feelings of idleness
• Cleanliness is desired when practice is finished

Dojo/Dojang/Kwoon Rules (Moo Duk Kwan)

• Remove shoes before entering an indoor dojo
• Socks and feet must be clean before entering indoor dojo
• Bow before entering or leaving dojo
• No real or mock free sparring is allowed without the permission and supervision of the instructor
• Never use any weapons without the permission and supervision of the instructor
• If you are helping another student stretch, be extremely careful
• Always keep fingernails and toenails neatly trimmed

If you would like more information about Grace Martial Arts classes in the Tampa area, contact Mark McGee at mmcgee@gmaf.org.

Copyright 1990-2008 Grace Martial Arts