The first thing to know is why we courtesy, the answer is out of respect. We respect our dojo brothers and dojo sisters (fellow students) because they are helping us achieve greater heights in our martial arts training - and, sometimes, in life itself. They are the ones who are willing to hold a body shield or target mitts for you while punch and kick as fast and as hard as you can; they are the ones who offer their self for you to practice your self-defense skills; they are the ones willing to put on sparring gear and help you improve your fighting skills; they are the ones who hold the wood that you break in order to test your power and technique. In short, they are the people who are lifting you up. If you don't or can't respect that, you're in the martial arts for the wrong reasons.

    The second thing to know is when we courtesy. There are several events which prompt a student and/or instructor to courtesy. First, we courtesy when entering or leaving the dojo (school.) This is a sign of respect towards your school. We also courtesy when we walk onto the mat area, be sure to courtesy towards the mat area. This is a symbolic courtesy. We courtesy here to symbolize the leaving behind of our outside lives - our work, our homes, all of the stress and issues of everyday life. We courtesy onto the mat and leave all those things behind, focusing only on our training while we're on the mat. We courtesy specifically towards the patch and the flag to symbolize our respect for the school and the land we live in. We also courtesy (again, towards the mat) when we leave the mat. This is an obvious reversal of when we courtesy off of the mat; we courtesy to symbolize the end of our training and the continuation of our everyday lives. Of course, our training doesn't end ONLY because we've left that mat. That's why it's symbolic, not literal.

    Finally, it's important to know how to courtesy. This may seem overly simplistic, but it's worth knowing. Very simply, you would stand at attention (feet together, hands at your sides, back straight) and then make a fist with your RIGHT hand and cover it with your LEFT hand. Your eyes should stay focused on the person toward which you are showing courtesy; never look at the floor when you courtesy. The courtesy shouldn't last longer than it takes to say "Chin."

2. What does "chin" mean and why do we say it?

    "Chin" is a word heard quite often in the dojo. Like the Hawaiian word "aloha", "chin" can mean a variety of things. Generally speaking, "chin" is a greeting, an acknowledgement, and a parting gesture. As a greeting, it is usually spoken with the title of the person you are greeting - for example, "Chin, Sensei" when greeting an instructor. This basically means "Hello, Sensei". Similarly, when leaving the school you may also use it as a parting gesture - "Chin, Sensei" would then basically mean "Goodbye, Sensei". As an acknowledgement, "chin" is used quite a bit on the mat. When an instructor gives you a training drill, corrects your technique, or even just asks you a question, you would respond with "Chin, Sensei" (or Sempai - or even just a plain "chin" - depending on the person you are addressing). This basically means "I understand" or, more simply, "Yes", and it tells the person you are speaking with that you understand the instructions given and are ready to proceed.

    So why do we say "chin" when we all know what the words "hello", "goodbye", "yes", and "I understand" mean? Simply put, to maintain proper discipline. Imagine you're an instructor teaching a class of 25 students. You are explaining a technique to your class; you demonstrate it, and then ask if they understand. If 25 people respond with a loud "Chin!" then you know that everyone gets it and is ready to proceed. No time is wasted, and class becomes more dynamic and effective. Now imagine that clumps of people say "yeah", 'uh-huh", "sure", "okay", "yup", or just nod and say nothing at all. You would have to spend additional time making sure that everyone really understands the concept you're trying to teach, and that takes time away from their training. Additionally, this lack of focus from the class would take away from the energy that the class has. Anyone who has been training for any length of time will tell you how some classes are generally better than others. They may not be able to explain exactly how they're better, but there's a definite feel there. When the class has focus and discipline, there's energy in the class that makes the class better. When that focus and discipline are gone, the energy in the class diminishes. By having the entire class respond with a loud "chin", focus and discipline are maintained and the class energy is raised.

3. What are the Dojo Rules?

    Following these simple house rules will make your training experience far more pleasant and effective for everyone.

    • Please arrive 10-15 min. prior to class time.
    • Remove all jewelry prior to class.
    • Place shoes in waiting room.
    • Small children should be supervised and not allowed to climb, run or play loudly.
    • No gum chewing or candy in the dojo.
    • Come to class with a level 10 energy and enthusiasm.
    • Don't let anyone try harder than you.
    • Enter each class with spirit and energy for learning.
    • Remember: "He who is afraid to do too much...always does too little."
    • Work hard and encourage your teammates to work hard as well.
    • Notify staff if you will be away for more than 3 days.
    • As a member of our team we're counting on your enthusiasm and contribution each and every day, train at least twice a week and make up missed classes immediately.
    • Never miss belt exams, get extra help to stay on schedule.
    • Never forget your goal; Black Belt Excellence!

Do's

    • Arrive 10-15 minutes before your class begins.
    • Remember to pull your attendance card before entering to receive credit for class.
    • Be responsible, call to let us know if you will be late or absent from class.
    • Remember to schedule any makeup classes to ensure we have a place for you.
    • Keep all clothing (shoes, jackets, etc) neatly in the waiting room.
    • Quietly prepare for your class.
    • Remain off the mat until your class begins.
    • Keep your uniform/work-out apparel clean and wrinkle free.
    • Practice good hygiene, bathe before each class.
    • Courtesy when entering and exiting the dojo.
    • Courtesy when entering and exiting the mat.
    • Always make it a point to greet and courtesy to your instructors as soon as you enter the dojo.
    • Wear a complete and approved school uniform. No exceptions please.
    • Come to classes designated to your belt color only.
    • Take one class per day only. No double classes please. If you need to make up missed classes, schedule them with the program director.
    • Sparring gear is required for sparring classes.
    • Learn to tie your belt properly.
    • Inform your instructor, before class begins, if you have an injury.
    • Treat everyone in the dojo with respect.
    • Introduce yourself to fellow students whom you do not know and make them feel welcome.
    • If you bring a guest, introduce them to your instructor and dojo brothers and sisters.
    • Help out whenever possible (sweeping up, putting equipment away, reminding young students to keep their things neat).

Don'ts

    • Do not enter or exit the mat without permission from an instructor while a class is in progress.
    • Do not talk, practice, or daydream when an instructor is speaking.
    • Do not wear shoes on the mat at any time.
    • Do not wear jewelry of any kind on the mat during class. This includes earrings, necklaces, rings, toe rings, watches, etc.
    • No smoking is allowed anywhere in the school. (We also appreciate it if you didn't smoke outside of the school, either.)
    • Don't leave any personal belongings in the dojo. When in doubt, we throw it out.

"highly appreciated"

    • Uniforms should be neat and clean for class. (Wash your uniform every time you wear it.) We highly recommend having two uniforms (wash and wear).
    • Fingernails and toenails should be clipped and hands and feet should be clean.
    • Ladies, wearing a t-shirt or sports bra under your gi is most comfortable.

Parents

    • If your child is ill, please keep him/her at home.
    • Call in advance if your child will not be attending class.
    • Do not change your child in the waiting area.
    • Have your child go to the bathroom before class begins.
    • Please don't try to communicate with your child while class is in session.
    • Keep younger siblings supervised at all times.
    • Please pick your child up promptly after class.
    • If someone else is picking up your child, let us know in advance.

4. What is the Student Creed?     (Student Creed Page)

The New Generation Karate student creed encompasses everything that we teach and believe in. Students are encouraged to memorize it and, more importantly, to live by it. The creed is as follows: