For the safety and health of each student, we have a set of rules to follow within the Dojo:
- Any student coming in with prior martial arts experience (even in Aikido, Judo, Kendo or other related styles) must begin at lowest belt level (White). After an evaluation period, the person may be raised to a higher belt.
- Do not talk while Sensei or Sempai is lecturing or teaching a technique. During practice, keep talking to a minimum and only when necessary.
- Cell phones should be silenced during class. Recording or photographing instruction requires permission from Sensei.
- Never interrupt Sensei or Sempai if they are speaking to someone else. (Unless it’s an emergency.)
- Students who are sick, contagious, or have open wounds should not attend class until medically safe.
- Never walk onto the training floor if Sensei and / or Sempai are training. Wait until you are told it is okay.
- Bow to instructors and black belts.
- Treat guest speakers or demonstrators, regardless of age, with the same respect as if they were instructors.
- Attending class while intoxicated, high, or otherwise under the influence of any drugs, including prescription or OTC drugs, can result in expulsion.
- When you are told to line-up or move to another location of the dojo, move quickly and respectfully.
- Follow warm-up exercises very carefully. They are meant to both deepen general concepts and to prevent injury.
- Always warm up with stretching and basic exercises before practice.
- Keep your toe and finger nails trimmed short.
- You must immediately report injuries, unsafe conditions, or equipment problems to Sensei or Sempai.
- Never use foul or inappropriate language in the dojo.
- Never engage in loud chatter or foolish behavior.
- Your uniform must be clean, unwrinkled and free of stains and tears.
- Never bring food, gum or drink into the dojo.
- Do not wear jewelry.
- If you should stay off the mat to watch (or any other reason), do not talk loudly or do anything to disturb the class while it is in session. Do not shout out questions or comments to anyone in practice, especially Sensei. Wait until practice is over to address your point or question.
- If you are tardy for class, quickly change into gi. Sit quietly at the edge of the mat in the seiza position until Sensei gives you permission to join the class.
- Your partner is trying to learn as well as yourself, so please try to cooperate and learn from each other. Practice within the limits of your partner’s ability.
- Avoid sitting on the mat with your back to Sensei. Also, you should not sit leaning against the wall or with your legs stretched out.
- Mouth guards, approved sparring gear, and protective cups (for male students) are mandatory during sparring and should be brought to every class and all tests by Yellow Belt and higher-level students.
- Respect all, especially yourself.
- No live blades, firearms, or personal weapons are permitted in the dojo without direct authorization from Sensei.
- Circular Wind Ryu is a family. Help each other in and out of the Dojo. Shihan Bell will always be there for you (whether it is Martial Arts related or not). If you are having any problems, feel free to speak with him and he will be glad to help if he can.
- Students of Circular Wind Ryu are expected to avoid conflict whenever possible and to use Martial Arts only in defense of themselves or others.
- Students are expected to represent Circular Wind Ryu with honor and respect both inside and outside the Dojo.
