Students>Class procedures>Respect

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Respect

Intro

Martial artists always show respect for the martial art, the school, the instructor, higher-ranks, fellow students, and themselves. Bowing is the universal sign of respect in the martial arts community and is discussed in more detail in the next article.

Showing respect for art and for school

• Be on time for class.
• Be clean, well groomed, and have a clean uniform at each class.
• Bow when entering and leaving the training area.
• Everybody is responsible for the appearance and cleanliness of the school.
• Never laugh or make fun of a fellow student.
• •No food, candies, or gum in the training area.
• No weapons are permitted in the school except as specifically authorized by the instructor.
• No profanity, foul language, derogatory remarks are allowed or tolerated.
• Do not lounge in or about the training area.
• No smoking, alcoholic beverages, or illicit drugs are permitted in the school.
• No unnecessary noise. Don’t bother others with needless chatter.
• Don’t try any techniques until the instructor has shown them to you.
• Don’t teach any techniques without the instructor's permission.
• Don’t free-spar without permission of an authorized black belt who will directly supervise the sparring.
• Never misuse the techniques that are taught.
• Never practice techniques in the schoolyard.
• Techniques are not to be used outside the school, unless your safety or the safety of others is in jeopardy.
• Always treat other persons and their property with courtesy and respect, inside or outside the school.
• No horse-play (running or wrestling). Respect and order will be maintained at all times.
• Set a good example for the other students, especially for lower belts.

Showing respect for instructors

• Respond quickly to directions or questions from instructors, without question or hesitation.
• Never argue with your instructor.
• Concentrate totally on the instructor's directions.
• Keep quiet while the instructor is speaking or demonstrating techniques.
• Attend classes regularly. Notify the instructor if you are unable to attend for more than one week.
• Bow to instructors before addressing them and bow again when the conversation is finished.
• Address instructor as Mr./Ms. (last name) or sir/ma'am.
• If you are called upon or are told to do something by the instructor, answer with, "Yes sir/ma’am!"
• If you need to ask the instructor a question, say, "Excuse me sir/ma'am" and wait for a response.
• If you are having trouble learning a technique, first try to figure it out by watching others, and then ask the instructor for help.
• If expected in class and you will be absent or tardy, notify the instructor as soon as possible.
• Pay your tuition promptly. It is not polite or respectful to expect a school or instructor to wait for you to pay your tuition.
• Your conduct, in and out of class, reflects upon your martial art and the instructor.

Showing respect for higher ranks and fellow students

• Use control in free-sparring and step-sparring.
• Bow to partner when exchanging training equipment.
• Seek assistance from your seniors when the instructor is not present.
• Bow to your seniors before addressing them and bow again when the conversation is finished.
• When addressing higher rank students, use sir or ma'am.
• If you are called upon or are told to do something by a higher-rank belt, answer with "Yes sir/ma’am!"
• A higher ranked student may instruct you (although they are not black belts). When they are instructing you, give them the respect and attention you would to any instructor.
• When adjusting your uniform or belt, turn away from the instructor, ceremonial wall, higher rank student, or opponent 
• Never display a bad temper toward an instructor or fellow student.
• If a junior displays a lack of knowledge of a rule or technique, it is the responsibility of the senior to inform, clarify, or teach.

Showing respect for weapons and equipment

• All teaching aids must be treated with respect, whether they are real weapons, such as a sword or club; simulated weapons, such as wooden dowels or plastic knives; or equipment, such as targets, shields, sparring equipment, or mats.
• When giving any weapon or equipment to another student, hold it palm up in both hands or with the other hand supporting the wrist from below, and bow slightly.
• Always lay weapons or equipment on the mat by your right side.
• Never step over any weapon or equipment lying on the mat.

Visitors should also show respect

• Parents should not talk to their children in the training area during class time. Please leave the discipline and coaching to the instructors.
• Students are responsible for their guests.
• During class, visitors should observe quietly from the seats provided and leave during breaks or at the end of class.

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