ETHICS AND ETIQUETTE Dojo etiquette is the same for everyone, children and adults, beginners and instructors. It reflects traditional Japanese values. As such, respect for partners and instructors is demanded. We also honor the memory of the Founder and past shihans. When entering or leaving the tatami (training mats), we do a kneeling bow (two knees on the mat, sitting on our knees, toes flat, back straight), then bending at the waist until our torso is horizontal, hands flat on the mat in front of us. When the instructor is ready to start the class, students line up for bows to the Sensei (instructor) and the Kamiza (shrine). If children arrive late, they must stand at the edge of the tatami and wait for the Sensei’s permission before entering. During the class, children are not permitted to leave or enter the tatami without asking the Sensei’s permission. Children will be told not to request such permission for trivial reasons. After the instructor demonstrates a technique, children should bow quickly to a child nearby without being selective about practice partners. Children must practice with everyone without discrimination. Children should bow to each practice partner before and after their practice together. Other rules apply, such as the following: It is important to have clean feet and short nails, to wear nothing which could harm them or their partners, and to have long hair tied back. Silence is requested during bowing and at all times children should not raise their voices so as not to disturb others. Children will be asked to care for their own equipment including folding their gis after class. Off the mat and throughout the dojo respect must be shown. We believe that a respectful attitude enhances relationships between the child and others. AFTER THE AGE OF 12 Until the age of 12, children may only attend youth program classes. After this age, and until the age of 14, students may ask about attending one (select) class for adults without additional costs. The instructor must be convinced that the child is ready (mentally and physically) to integrate well into the adult classes and the dojo chief instructor must agree. The following conditions must be met: (1) the child must continue to attend at least 1 youth class per week and (2) one of the youth instructors must be at the first few classes the child attends with the adults. If the child does not behave responsibly or is at risk of being injured, the child will be asked to stop attending adult classes. Once the child turns 14 years of age, he may join the full adult programme one year ahead of the regular 15 year standard with the authorization of a parent or guardian. The teenager rate applies.