UNITED STATES 
Isshinryu Karate Association     

  

By Hanshi - Phil Little
Ju-Dan (10th Dan) Isshinryu Karate
RULES, REGULATIONS AND PROCEDURES 

"Karate begins and ends with courtesy and respect". This is, and should be evident throughout the Dojo for any student that takes notice. A student must first and always remember that they are being given the gift of knowledge of the martial arts. A student must also understand that there is no amount of money that can repay Sensei for this knowledge that will be passed to you. The fees are for your private personal membership to belong to the Dojo.  Fees are also for the space used, maintenance and utilities of the facility in which to train. Each student must be accepted by the Sensei as a candidate for membership to receive this gift of  Martial Arts, and may be asked to leave at any time if they show disrespect or misuse the knowledge they have been given. The student candidate is expected to come to class ready and eager to learn, with the proper equipment and attire. To quote Vince Lombardi, "The only place that success comes before work is in the dictionary".

 Arrival and Dismissal:

Parents agree to provide the transportation necessary for the non-driving or under legal age student.

Parents and all students are to come in to see Sensei at the first of each month and pay the necessary fees for the student. NO exceptions. NO PAY,  NO TRAIN! 

Upon arriving, all instructors and students should  rei or bow upon entering the Dojo and rei to Sensei.  Immediately sign in at the front desk, get dressed, and take their respective places according to rank on the floor.

Once you have entered the Dojo their is to be absolutely no horseplay, or joking around. If class has not yet begun, you may begin stretching or do some worm up on you own by practicing your Charts, Kata or Bag work. Kumite or sparring is not permitted without the permission of Sensei. Any activity prior to class starting that may be considered disturbing to the atmospheric conditions of the Dojo is not permitted or must be approved by Sensei.

You are here to work not to socialize or to become socially involved with other students. Maintain your respect for each other, in and out of  the Dojo and Sensei at all times and get the most out of the time you spend here. Students are to come to class and be ready to learn, not to talk and disturb others.

Shoes shall not be worn on the Dojo floor without the permission of Sensei.  If shoes are needed this is to be approved by Sensei only and these provisions will be for special needs to an injury only. Remove you shoes before taking your place in class.

Late entrance: Students should stand at the door and wait to be acknowledged by Sensei. Once acknowledged, rei and enter the dojo, sign in and take your respected place in class. Late entrance should not become a habit, Sensei would rather have you come late than choose not to come at all. This is a disruption to the entire class in progress. Be quick and quite and take you place as soon as possible.

At the conclusion of each class Instructors and students will rei and applaud with enthusiasm to display their acceptance for the class they have received.

Parents and other guests are welcome to observe class. However, Sensei would prefer that the student be dropped off and picked up for the benefit of the student for no less than the first 2 months.

Parents conduct should not at any time be distracting. Conversation and unrelated activity should be  taken outside the dojo or you will be asked to leave and return when class is over. This includes small children.

Upon dismissal of class, students should gather their belongings and await their rides in the lobby area, not outside the dojo. Spectating as a parent is a privilege not a necessity. We want you to always feel welcome but remember, the Dojo is for the training students and the parents that choose to be observers are also required to stay with in the Dojo guidelines herein of respect and etiquette . 

For safety and security reasons, parents are asked park and come into the dojo to pick up their children. Sensei may also need to discuss their training and progress from time to time. 

With permission, students when dismissed, may observe after-class activities such as sparring (Kumite) or weapons. Observation should be conducted quietly and respectfully in a manner that does not infringe on the activity being conducted.

 Proper Attire:

Full Gi, or Gi bottoms and T-shirt in summer months (shirts must be tucked into Gi bottoms).

Tank tops and cut off shirts are not appropriate.

No jewelry should be worn.

Long hair should be tied back out of the way.

Toe and finger nails trimmed close.

Males should always wear a groin cup as part of their uniform. Females should also have groin protective gear available and always should be worn. 

The student should always wear the appropriate belt tied correctly, as per Sensei. (The belt designates not only rank, but knowledge level in this dojo as well. Respect should always be given to a higher-ranking student, but the higher ranks should also be ready at any moment to share their knowledge and help the Jr. student.)

Feet should be bare during class.

If at any time, Sensei asks you to change the condition of your uniform, you are expected to comply. Any deviations from the uniform must have Sensei's direct approval. We learn  as individuals, but always manage our operation as a team.

 Equipment Required:

For the student's convenience, uniforms and equipment are available through the dojo, and students and parents are urged to support  the dojo and to keep other fees and cost increases down by using this resource that is provided. Please see Sensei for proper sizing and equipment options and purchase equipment and uniforms through Sensei.

Textbook: Isshinryu Karate - The Ultimate Fighting Art. Can be purchased here at the Dojo.

Dojo Etiquette handbook Given to you by Sensei when you join and become a member, if in stock.

Clean neat uniform.

Sparring Gear: headgear, mouthpiece, hand pads, shin guards, footpads (male students are required to wear a groin cup and supporter.  Females also should have groin protective gear available and always should be worn. ).

All equipment and uniforms are to be approved by Sensei. 

 The Dojo:

Always fulfill the agreement you have made with your Sensei, to be "On Time" with attendance and payment of scheduled classes that you enrolled for.

Notify Sensei if you plan to miss any or all scheduled classes.

Before entering the dojo (area to obtain knowledge) the student should rei (bow) at the entrance. If at any time they are leaving the workout area they should turn, face the dojo, and rei (bow out).

Students from time to time will be asked to help clean the dojo floor in preparation for class as need. Also to get the mats out which will be done by the adults only. Cleaning of the mats will also be included in this duty from time to time and or as needed. This is a great help to Sensei and shows humility and respect for the Dojo and for Sensei. Sensei will never ask you to do anything he has not already done many times before you.

Questions: When questions are appropriate, Sensei will usually ask for them. If an immediate question arises, the student may raise his/her hand. When Sensei acknowledges your hand in the air and say "Student has a question Sensei", and wait for him to reply, "what is it".  If the Sensei ignores it, take the hint and wait until after class to ask the question unless it is an emergency.

To Sensei or any Black Belt:   Student should stop face this Instructor, rei before asking the question and after receiving the answer showing proper respect. 

Before leaving class early, the student should ask the Sensei or the highest-ranking instructor that has been designated for permission to leave class early.

When class begins and at any time "Ki-O-Tsuke" or "line up" is called, the students should form lines according to rank, or stand at attention if class is in progress with hands at sides with heels together, toes forming a 45 degree angle (Mitsubi-Dachi). This position should be maintained until the instructor gives the command "Rei." (bow) At this point the students should rei (bow) appropriately. The Sensei will rei (bow) in return showing respect for the student's desire to learn.

Any time the Sensei is speaking, all students should listen attentively. Stand with feet shoulder width apart, hands together behind the body (Kiba-Dachi). No slouching, or crossed legs or arms.

You should look at the Sensei and pay attention when class is being taught.

Speaking while the Sensei is talking or demonstrating is considered very rude. Fidgeting is also rude, and is not tolerated even in the very young student. A yawn can quickly earn pushups or some other form of discipline. Learn to swallow your yawn!,.. or do push ups if seen by Sensei.

If unsure what to do, you should watch the higher-ranking student, or black belts, and follow their example

Any time your Sensei or a higher rank offers to help you, always accept and listen closely with  great enthusiasm and proper respect.

Any time you have a question about what you have been taught by an assigned Black Belt or Assistant Instructor, the Chief Instructor or Sensei of the dojo should confirm all discrepancies for the final clarification.

If at any time you are disciplined for an error, quickly follow through with the assignment (usually pushups or leg kicks), do it correctly and without argument. If you feel you have been accused unfairly be respectful to the higher rank and never argue. Ask to see Sensei after class or at an appropriate time.

Always respect others and keep your hands to yourself NO horseplay allowed.

When you work with someone else, use your best physical and emotional concentration control.

Remember always that you are here to learn and perfect your skills, not to hurt a fellow student. Those that deliberately try to hurt another student will be dealt with directly by Sensei. Respect is a two-way street. Bullies will always get what they deserve. Count on it!

 Breaks:

This is the time to get a drink of water or go to the restroom. Restroom breaks at other times are not appropriate unless a true emergency. You should go to the restroom only before class, on break and after class.

Snacks should be eaten before or after class, and not during a class break.

During breaks, students are expected to manage themselves as if they were still in formal class, no roughhousing, running, or playing is acceptable. 

The facilities at the Dojo (restrooms, drink machine, locker room, etc.) should be left in the same if not better condition as they were found upon arriving.

 Kata and Kumite:

Before beginning a Kumite match it is proper to rei (bow) to your opponent. Before the match begins the student should bow to the referee first, then to the opponent. When the match is over the student should bow to the opponent first then the referee.

Your Kata assignment should always come directly from Sensei. Before advancing on to the next part of a Kata or starting a new Kata you should always be reviewed. Sensei or an Instructor that he has designated in part or whole should conduct the Kata review.

When performing a Kata, before a judge or your Sensei, you should ask permission to begin and wait for their acknowledgement, bow before performing and begin your Kata.

It is never appropriate to look a higher ranking judge or your Sensei in the eye in a threatening manner, even in Kata performance. This is very rude, remember your Sensei's skill level and strength. This is not someone you want to threaten but always treat with the utmost respect.

It is not polite to ask your Sensei to fight you (unless otherwise announced) in a Kumite match. It is a great honor for the Sensei to choose to work with you, work hard and your turn will come. You may ask your Sensei to watch your Kata or perform a technique.

 Promotions:

"Do not ever!" ask when you will be promoted to a higher (belt) level. This shows great disrespect and can only add time to the length of your next promotion.

Remember that you are constantly being tested. When you are ready you will receive your reward and be advanced forward only by your individual efforts and merit when your Sensei sees you are ready. No one takes greater pleasure in presenting you with your deserved promotion to a higher level than that of your Sensei. This also assures that you are ready to grow into this rank and obtain additional knowledge that goes with the level of achievement.

Student ( Kyu ) and Color Belt Ranking

Beginner - White Belt, (Kyu-Kyu) Yellow Belt (Hachi Kyu), Orange Belt (Shichi-Kyu)

Intermediate - Green Belt (Go-Kyu)

Advanced - Brown Belt (Ik-Kyu)

Black Belt (Yudansha) Ranking

Jr. Black Belt - jr. Sho-Dan if under the age of 16 years

Black Belt - Sho-Dan 1st Degree, one red bar

Black Belt - Ni-Dan  2nd Degree, two red bars

Black Belt - San-Dan  3rd Degree, three red bars

Black Belt - Yon- Dan  4th Degree, four red bars

Black Belt - Go- Dan  5th Degree, five red bars

Black Belt - Roku-Dan 6th Degree Master (Red and White Belt)

Black Belt - Shichi-Dan 7th Degree Master (Red and White Belt)

Black Belt - Hachi-Dan 8th Degree Master (Red and White Belt)

Black Belt - Ku-Dan 9th Degree Grandmaster (Red Belt)

Black Belt - Ju-Dan 10th Degree Grandmaster (Red Belt)

Titles and Designations

These titles are not guaranteed to everyone but appointed by the Chief Instructor, Dojo Master or Grandmaster for outstanding accomplishments and a superlative level of action within the rank and file of (Yudansha) Black Belts.

Sensei - Teacher, Black Belt Instructor -  Must be at least the rank of San-Dan (3rd Degree Black Belt) and is only designated by the Chief instructor of higher rank.

Sempai - Senior Student and should be the highest ranking  person to his Sensei, Master or Grandmaster

Renshi-Go - Polished Instructor first level (5th to 6th Dan) and is only designated by the Chief instructor of higher rank.

Kyoshi-Go  - Master Instructor Second level (7th to 8th Dan) and is only designated by the Chief instructor of higher rank.

Hanshi- Go - Means one who sets example. Third level Master Instructor (9th to10th Dan) This designation should only be given by the 10th Dan Grandmaster of your Martial Art.  

Hanshi-Sei - Highest level Master. Must have obtained Ju-Dan, 10th Dan Grandmaster. 

Payments:

"Your word is your bond." Make your payments on time at the first workout of every month for the agreed amount, and not to be later than the 5^th of each month if you go past the 10th of the month including weekends or holidays,  you will incur a late charge of $10.00 that will be added to your regular monthly fee. Don't ask for this late charge to be waived, pay it and don't be late.

Conclusion:

In order to excel in the complex art of Isshinryu Karate and maintain your level of proficiency, the student must employ Commitment to their training, Loyalty and Responsibility to their Sensei, and the Dojo.

Refer to the first paragraph under Dojo Etiquette.

 Revised 2-12-2004

 

   An Isshinryu Martial Artist’s Golden Creed
                      "Respect"
                                         By: Grandmaster Phil Little 08-01-05

Within the Isshinryu family, we should pledge to treat each other with dignity and respect.  Isshinryu Karate is a major team made up of thousands of components from Associations to individuals in a Dojo.  Therefore, there must be a connection with common ground rules so that when one Karate-Ka approaches another, there is an immediate unquestionable cooperation and respect.  Respect is what allows us to expect and appreciate the best in others instead of distrusting what is different.  Respect is the essential component for the development of disciplined and effective Dojo’s.  Lack of respect on any level destroys trust and erodes the Dojo’s cohesion.  The Isshinryu community should not tolerate any level of disrespect.  Respect also includes the broader issue of civility, i.e. the way people treat those they come in contact with.  Tact and courtesy are demonstrations of respect and should therefore always characterize and define anyone who claims to be a member of the Isshinryu family.

Putting this in to words where as there is no misinterpretation. In Short:  
Follow the Golden Rule: 
“Do unto to others as you would have them do unto  you”

                    May God bless you each and every one! 
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