STUDENT CREED

1. I will avoid all things that are not good for me.

2. I will make myself strong and confident, and never use Karate in an offensive manner.

3. I will speak respectfully to my parents and teachers, and be courteous to everyone.

4. I will strive to bring out the best in myself and in others.

5. I will always try hard, never give up, and finish what I start.

6. Whenever I give my word, I promise to keep it.

SIX STEPS FOR SUCCESS IN KARATE

1. Train Everyday.

2. Get in Shape.

3. Use the promotion requirements as a guideline for your training.

4. Ask for assistance from your seniors.

5. Realize that making mistakes is inevitable.

6. Share your experience of the training with others.

PRECEPTS FOR THE MASTERY OF KARATE-DO

1. We are equal in that we are responsible for our own success or failure.

2. We cannot reach our full potential unless we overcome our self-imposed limitations.

3. Some techniques may require you to practice twice as much as the next person to accomplish the same thing.

4. Do not wait or depend on others to help you improve. Respect people and be grateful for their example, but take charge of your own training.

5. Develop an open mind as well as a strong body and believe in yourself.

6. Karate-Do may be referred to as the desire to improve yourself or a life-long marathon race, which can only be won through self-discipline, diligent training, and your own creative efforts.

DOJO CUSTOMS AND ETIQUETTE

   The Dojo is traditionally known among the oriental people as a school where students are instructed in any of the Martial Arts. The Dojo is treated with particular respect and veneration by all Karate students.

   Students remove their shoes and bow when entering or leaving the training area. We also bow before and after practicing with each other. If a student arrives at the Dojo after class has begun, they warm up on their own, wait patiently to be recognized by the instructor, and then bow before joining the class. If a student needs to leave early, they speak to the instructor before class begins, and then secure permission before leaving. We always bid farewell to our instructors and classmates before leaving the Dojo.

   The students refer to and address the Dojo owner or head instructor as "Sensei", meaning teacher. We speak up appropriately and answer "Yes Sir" and "No Sir" when spoken to. This is a sign of courtesy and respect, and it facilitates communication among ourselves.

   The Karate Dojo is no ordinary place of exercise. Its care and maintenance is not entrusted to outsiders and janitors. The Dojo is washed, cleaned, and kept spotless through the personal attention of every student who uses it. We do not leave personal belongings in the Dojo overnight.

   Students do not smoke in the Dojo or practice under the influence of alcohol or drugs. We do not chew gum or wear jewelry in the training area. Similarly, fingernails and toenails are kept short for safety's sake.

   Students learn katas only with the approval of Sensei and they do not teach or show karate techniques to non-members. We stay out of fights and do not provoke or threaten others, but rather communicate responsibly, or muster up the courage to leave the situation.

   Students practice good grooming and posture. Their uniforms are kept neat and clean. We maintain an appearance and presentation that supports our purpose.

   We try to see things from other person's point of view, and are respectful and courteous to others. We avoid gossip and do not speak ill of others. We strive to show initiative and to be a good example. We cultivate a positive mental attitude and develop ourselves to become physically strong.

   These customs set the stage for safe and productive training. They are the "ways of being" that can only be explained by the devotion which the teacher and serious students share towards Karate training. The Dojo is the place where the student strives to arrive at the high point of readiness and willingness to submit his body andd mind to the learning of the ancient discipline of Karate.

(Choose 10-12 rules, customs, or etiquette to recite.)

MAXIMS OF THE DOJO

Courtesy

I promise to be courteous and display humility in my interactions with others, and to conduct myself in a manner that supports the progress of everyone in class including myself.

Cleanliness

I promise to keep my body and uniform neat and clean, and to clear my mind of all pre-occupying thoughts, so I can concentrate on what I am practicing.

Diligence

I promise to pay attention to exert streneous effort, to workout hard in class, and to use my time diligently by practicing what was shown to me by my instructors and seniors.

Responsibility

I promise to adhere to the Dojo Customs, to live by the Student Creed, to assist my classmates when given an opportunity, to attend class at least twice a week, and to keep my Sensei informed when I cannot attend.

BLACK BELT PLEDGE

As a student of Shorin-Ryu

and a member of this Dojo,

I promise to be...

Attentive in my listening,

Courteous in my speaking,

Diligent in my training,

Positive in my thinking

and

Respectful to my seniors,

What is your goal?

BLACK BELT EXCELLENCE