Rules for your gi/belt:

• NEVER wear your gi (karate uniform) top or belt outside of the dojo unless given permission by the instructor

• NEVER let your belt touch the ground unless you are wearing it

• NEVER wash your belt

• NEVER put on a belt before a black belt arrives (rarely occurs)

• ALWAYS come to formal events (tournaments and as advised) with a fully pressed gi

• Remove any jewelry that could hinder your movement or cause injury (watches, earrings, etc.)

• If you forget your gi top, gi pants, or belt, you are still encouraged to work out. Please tuck in whatever shirt you have or roll up your pants to prevent immobility

• Push-ups will be given to anyone with an unusually messy gi. Keep it professional (no stains, holes, severe wrinkles)

• Take proper care of yourself hygienically speaking. No one wants to smell you.

• It is the highest non-black-belt rank's responsibility to make sure all belts are tied correctly prior to starting class

• Unless given special permission, all students will be required to take class barefoot

Rules for the dojo

• ALWAYS bow when entering/leaving the dojo: facing the room

• NEVER cross your arms! It is a sign of disrespect

• NEVER put your hands on your hips

• Acceptable rest positions are hands relaxed at the side, overlapping hands in front, or overlapping hands in the back

• Once class has started, look to the senior non-black-belt for instruction as to where to line up; Line-up will always be organized by rank

• NO HORSEPLAY! Before and especially during class there should be no horsing around. Use your time as effectively as possible taking advantage of the rank belts knowledge. It is recommended you stretch out individually or practice katas while waiting for class to begin

• NEVER address a rank belt in a disrespectful way: "Huh?" and "What?" are both considered disrespectful. Appropriate responses are "Sir?" or "Ma'am?" regardless of rank belt's age