Dojo Rules

Parents & Carers

• Punctuality: Arrive 5-10 minutes before class; let us know in advance of extended absences where possible.

• Uniform & belt: Ensure your child wears a clean, correctly-fitted gi and removes jewellery (earrings, necklaces, bangles, watches, etc) before class.

• Shoes: Remove shoes before entering the dojo (socks are fine) and place them neatly by the door.

• Communication: Direct questions or concerns to instructors before or after class, or via the dojo's official contact channels - not during class.

• Spectating: Watch quietly from the designated area; avoid coaching, correcting, or calling out to your child during class.

• Photography & social media: Follow the dojo's photography policy - no unauthorised photos or videos of other members' children.

• Respect: Treat instructors, staff, and other families with courtesy; keep the waiting area tidy.

• Health & safety: Let instructors know of any injuries, medical conditions, or allergies affecting your child's participation.

• Support at home: Reinforce dojo values - love, respect, obedience - outside of class.

Students

Follow the principles of Seido Karate - love, respect, obedience - keep strong Seido Spirit, and practice Seido Etiquette at all times.

General

• Attend regularly and arrive on time, in full, clean uniform.

• If you are late to class, enter and sit in seiza quietly until you are invited to join. Do not enter during the formal bow-in - wait for it to conclude, then enter.

• Keep fingernails and toenails trimmed; remove or cover all jewellery before training.

• Let the instructor know before class if you are managing any injuries/conditions. Adapt exercises that may aggravate the condition, and always inform your partners.

• Treat all students, instructors, parents and carers with respect. This extends outside of the dojo as well.

• Respect any and all boundaries set by another student, parent or carer.

Seido Etiquette

• Bow, "OSU," when entering or exiting the dojo. Use the moment to clear your mind and prepare for training.

• Bow to senior black belts (Sandan and above) whenever you or they enter or exit the dojo (e.g. "OSU, OSU Sensei, OSU Senpai"). Assist others around you to do the same.

• Line up promptly when called, in correct order of rank, and give way to your seniors (move aside to let them through).

• Don't stand in front of a senior - look to them and stay behind the line they're standing on; the senior takes the position on the right (facing the Shinzen) or closest to the Shinzen (facing the wall).

• Respond with a strong "OSU" when the instructor addresses the group.

• Always use the correct title when addressed by, or greeting, a black belt (e.g. "OSU Sensei").

• No talking during instruction - listen fully before asking questions.

• Show respect and control at all times - no horseplay, rough contact, or unsafe behaviour.

• Support and encourage fellow students, especially juniors and new students.

• Have fun and enjoy your training, but don't become casual or complacent.

• Do not use any language, gestures, or behaviour which may be considered offensive or disrespectful.

• Treat the dojo and equipment with respect: use two hands when passing items to another person, and place equipment down carefully - don't drop, throw, drag, or slide it.

• Bow, "OSU," when passing the Shinzen.