Dojo Rules/Protocol/Etiquette

[NewEnglands_KyoSa]

I am trying to devise a manual for my school. In it, i want to include a rules page, spelling out what exactly is expected of the students so i can hold them more accountable for their actions. It's hard because there are so many, but in terms of rules/protocol/etiquette and if you were me what you you make sure you put in there?

[KarateEd]

It is probably best not to have too many rules. If you think about it you can probably put some of the smaller rules under a larger category. This way students are not having to remember a long list of rules.

One rule we have is to always greet new students or potential students before or after class. Higher ranking students are expected to be the first ones to do so.

I have noticed that this habit has made its way into my everyday life. I am much more comfortable meeting new people and it has helped in my development as a leader. Also, as I have said before, I have a tendency to judge a school on how friendly the instructors and students are to me as a visitor. Having this rule pretty much insures a good first impression.

Ed

[marmaduke]

In my sons Dojo, as a student progress's thru the ranks, they are expected to purchase weapons/training gear/protective gear. As they progress thru the ranks, they are given a one page sheet with all the requirements on it. How many times they loose it or if they don't have sparring gear, they they complain "no one told me". Or at worst, the parents refuse to buy it.

Having it in a permanent manual should correct the problem and make it the parents/students responsibility.

[ninjanurse]

It is a good idea...I had it once too! Unfortunately I was met with the same thing-no one ever read it or lost it, etc. As it was quite a time and money consuming expense I decided not to continue it this year but instead posted most of the info in our website and prepared a brochure for all new students highlighting the basic expectations of new students. Much cheaper and seems to get the job done!

[NewEnglands_KyoSa]

So if any of you were to have on or remember your old ones what would you put in there?

From an instructor point of view what do you find yourself catching people most on?

[bushido_man96]

A basic rundown of dojang ettiquete would be a good place to start: things like no horse-play, raise hands to ask questions, answer up yes sir/no sir when speaking, etc. Things like that would be a good place to start.

[Senseimurphy]

This is my first post on the site, so I hope it helps! I have been making a sort of curriculum guide the last few years also. I divided everything up by rank, one section for juniors and another section for adults. In each section I included everything the student needs to progress to the next rank, katas, drills, conditioning etc. I keep this book in my office and only give access to select students who help out on a regular basis and sometimes need a reference when I'm busy helping other students.

As for other students having a copy of the curriculum, I suggest that they keep a binder or a folder of everything that they have learned. Eventually this turns into the whole curriculum, right up through black belt. The students who decide to do this take great responsibility for it and are alwas refering back to it at home for their training.

[NewEnglands_KyoSa]

This is my first post on the site, so I hope it helps! I have been making a sort of curriculum guide the last few years also. I divided everything up by rank, one section for juniors and another section for adults. In each section I included everything the student needs to progress to the next rank, katas, drills, conditioning etc. I keep this book in my office and only give access to select students who help out on a regular basis and sometimes need a reference when I'm busy helping other students.

As for other students having a copy of the curriculum, I suggest that they keep a binder or a folder of everything that they have learned. Eventually this turns into the whole curriculum, right up through black belt. The students who decide to do this take great responsibility for it and are alwas refering back to it at home for their training.

Well first and foremost...Welcome!

That's very interesting Sensei. We plan on giving our manual to all of our students becasue firstly it's a way to make money so we can lower tuition prices for all students, and it's a way to hold all the students more accountable. Of course, by including the rules that makes studetns hugely accountable because they will be in the manual and on our website, and exemplified daily. So it's an easier way to sort of, clean the school up so to speak. But, i do like your ideas. It just happens that selling to to everyone works to our(the instructors) and they(the students) advantage. Good Luck and welcome. We are +1 more knowledgeable member!

[Tiger1962]

I would definitely include a paragraph or outline about rank requirements. I've seen parents of young kids get upset when their kids don't test when other children test. They need to know if their child doesn't meet the testing requirements, or is just not ready, then quite simply, they can not test.

Also, paying for your testing fee does not automatically mean you will pass your test. They should know that too or that should be put in the manual as well.

Edited November 6, 2008 by Tiger1962

[tori]

In our school, the most important 10 rules are actually posted above the door as you walk into the training area... clean, wrinkle free gi, no talking while instructor is talking, no profanity... You get the point. In our manual, the beginning does have the rules and responsibilities of the students listed. It is not too much. Then the manual is broken down by the different ranks and what is expected of them to achieve that and the next rank. It is quite nice. There are rules and if it is in the manual, the student or parent cannot come back to you later and tell you they were never told.