The following are a few simple rules which allow us to train together in the spirit of budo:

Bowing is an appropriate way of showing gratitude and humility, while at the same time placing one's mind in a state of non-dissension, which is necessary for the right training.

When to Bow:

• Upon entering and exiting the dojo.
  
• When stepping on or off the training mat.
  
• Before each training session, bow to the shomen, and then to the instructor, saying "onegai shimasu," which translates as "I place myself under your teaching."
  
• After each training session, bow again to the shomen, and to the instructor, saying: "Thank you, Sensei," then bow to your partner or partners.
  
• Bow whenever requesting help from an instructor.
  

• The instructor is treated with respect at all times.
• The instructor is referred to as "Sensei."
• Please do not interrupt the class to question unnecessarily. If you must ask a question, wait until an appropriate moment.
• Please do not call out to or interrupt the instructor while he or she is teaching.
• Please do not leave the mat during class without first obtaining the permission of the instructor.
• There should not be conversation of any kind while the instructor is demonstrating. When training with your partner, speak only as absolutely necessary.
• If you are in the dojo, but not on the training mat, respect the teaching, stay quiet, and pay attention. Guests should also be informed of this policy.
• Please do not argue about a technique. If there is a problem that cannot be resolved, ask the instructor for help.
• Please do not interrupt another student's training to ask assistance. Wait until the instructor is available to help.
• When receiving personal instruction, remain quiet until the instructor has completed his explanation. Then bow.
• It is inappropriate for a student (including black belts) to offer instruction when he or she is not formally teaching the class, or has not been specifically requested to assist by the instructor. This is an essential point of your personal development, and should be followed carefully, particularly among those who assist or teach in other classes.
• When an instructor is teaching a point, do not attempt to move ahead to another point, thinking you know what is next.
• Do not compare one instructor with another. Every Sensei has something unique to share with you. Your job is to discover it.
• A black belt should not have to fold his/her own hakama after class. You will learn the proper method of folding as you progress.
• Arrive at the dojo with plenty of time to sign in, change into your gi, and report to the mat at least 15 minutes before class is to begin.
• If you are late for class, wait at the side of the mat until the instructor signals that you may join the class.
• All participants should be sitting in attentive meditation when the instructor steps onto the mat to begin class.
• The formal sitting position on the mat is seiza. If you have an injury, check with the instructor, and/or if the instructor suggests, you may sit cross-legged (agura or "half-lotus"), but do not sit with legs outstretched or lean against posts or walls, or lie down during class. Once in the dojo, you are here to train.
• Please do not be idle during practice. You should be training or, if necessary, seated formally awaiting your turn.
• A place of martial arts training should be kept spotless. If you see something that indicates otherwise, for example, rubbish or dirt on the floor, don't wait for someone else to correct it. This is part of your training. Please see that toilets, showers, and dressing areas are kept clean. Do not use showers as a public bath. Shower at home whenever possible. Remember - the cleanliness of the toilets reflects the character of the students in the dojo and the chief instructor.
• When approaching or leaving the dojo, check to make sure that the outside area is clean and plants are watered. Take care of your dojo.
• The office area is for instructors only and is so marked. If you need something from that area, ask an instructor to assist you, or get permission to enter.
• Treat your training tools with respect. Your gi should always be clean and mended. Your ken, jo, and tanto, should be in good condition, and in their appropriate place when not in use.
• A pair of slippers is part of your training outfit. Shoes are clumsy and inappropriate when steeping on and off the mat, and barefoot is out of the question. Slippers must always be left neatly facing away from the mat. If someone's slippers are not in order, correct it immediately.
• Your body and, in particular, your feet, must be very clean before you step onto the mat.
• Please enter the dojo with and "empty mind" and with plus Ki. If you think you know already, it will be difficult for you to learn.
• Please do not come to train when you have ingested any type of drug or alcohol unless it has been prescribed for your health.
• Please enter the dojo with a positive attitude (plus Ki). There is no place for negativity in the training hall.
• No rings, watches, or jewelry of any kind should be worn during practice. These items can injure yourself and others.
• If you are ill or over-tired, do not attempt to train in the dojo. Ki breathing and Ki meditation will help you to restore your Ki.
• No gum chewing or eating is allowed on the mat during training.
• There will be no smoking in the dojo.
• Do not wear heavily scented perfume or cologne in the dojo.
• Please do not speak ill of another form of martial art.

  "The mountain does not speak ill of the river because it is lowly, nor does the river speak ill of the mountain because it cannot move about. Speak ill of others an it shall soon come back to you."