Kyokushin Karate of Florida - KKFL

"The Martial Way begins and ends with courtesy." - Sosai Mas Oyama

Students of Kyokushin Karate shall observe the following rules of conduct at all times. Remember that students earn the privilege to train "Kyokushin Karate" with good spirit and discipline. Students who do not observe these rules of conduct will be refused the privilege to train.

1. Students will bow and say "Osu" upon entering the school itself and the "Dojo" training hall. Upon entering the "Dojo", students shall bow and say "Osu" towards the front of the room or "Shizen" area, also an additional bow towards the students already in the room is appropriate.
2. Students should do their best to be on time for class. Those who are late for class will bow to the front of the "Dojo", say "Osu" then kneel in "Seiza" (formal, knees down, seated position) with eyes closed, head lowered in "Mokuso" and wait to be invited to join the class. Once being instructed to join the class, bow and say "Osu" or "Shitsurei shimasu" ("excuse me for disturbing") while still in "Seiza". Then join the class at the back of the class, being careful not to walk in front of others training, especially your seniors.
3. Students shall maintain themselves and their equipment: "Do-Gi" (uniform), shin pads, gloves, etc. in a clean, well kept and odor free manner and encourage others to do as well. Only clean white "Do-Gis" are to be worn. Official "Kyokushin" logo chest patches are permitted on the left chest pocket are of the uniform. Rips or tears on the "Do-Gi" must be mended promptly. Consistency disheveled uniforms and equipment reflect a lackadaisical attitude towards fellow members and the "Dojo".
4. Do not remove any part of your "Do-Gi" during training without being told to do so. Also, if you must adjust your "Gi" at any time during training, do so quickly and quietly while facing the rear of the room.
5. Appropriate respect will be shown to all senior ranks and elder members. All students shall stand up and say "Osu" when their senior or any Black Belt enters the room.
6. Prior to addressing or greeting a senior sutdent or instructor, students shall say "Osu" and bow accordingly and do the same upon departing. This protocol should be maintained outside of the "Dojo" as well, as we must always appreciate our "Senpai". If a member's rank is unclear, always address as if the member is senior to yourself.
7. When the occasion marks a time to shake hands with one another, use two hands to show trust and humility and say "Osu". This applies when outside the "Dojo" as well and especially to senior ranks.
8. Students shall answer their instructor's or senior's questions or instructions with a loud "Osu" and proceed with an immediate reaction to his/her command. A slow or indifferent response is discourteous.
9. During class, students shall maintain focus on the techniques at hand and not allow their minds or eyes to wander. The utmost respect and sincere appreciation shall be given to the instructor and fellow students at all times. Do not enter upon "Kyokushin" training without the seriousness it deserves.
10. At times during class, students will be permitted to sit and relax, meaning relax from "Seiza" (formal position) and sit in "Anza" (Indian style), relaxed position. During these times, refrain from fidgeting, chatting or otherwise disturbing an ongoing class or lecture.
11. Students shall not leave class unless permission is granted. If an emergency arises and you must leave immediately, do so in a respectful manner and explain your exit to the instructor as soon as possible.
12. To prevent possible injury, students shall not wear jewelry, watches or other sharp adornments during class. Prescription eyeglasses are permitted, however, during "Kumite" (free fighting), their removal or use of contact lenses, is strongly recommended, as are the use of shin pads, gloves, and breast or groin cups.
13. Traditionally, the training hall is a revered place, therefore students shall not wear hats or caps or use foul language on the school premises. Also, shoes are not permitted on the "Dojo" training floor. No food, gum, or beverages will be permitted on training floor. No smoking is permitted anywhere on the premises.
14. All students shall assist in the daily clean up after class. In general, students should care for their training hall as a cherished and special place.
15. Students should respect the camaraderie shared at the "Dojo" and not undermine the true way of "Kyokushin" with unsupportive, discouraging or malicious behavior nor should they bring negative feelings into free fighting where an atmosphere for injury could be inadvertently created.
16. All members shall refrain from idle gossip and disparaging remarks about other students, schools, or styles of martial arts.
17. Students wishing to participate in Kyokushin tournaments and events should consult with the instructors and "Dojo" operator prior to application.
18. Students wishing to visit other "Kyokushin" schools shall request permission from their instructors and "Dojo" operator. Students wishing to train at an affliated "Kyokushin" school must have a valid International Karate Organization (IKO) membership card and obtain a letter of recommendation from their instructors to bring along with them. Once at the affiliate school, students will show utmost respect, courtesy and humility to the affiliate members and instructors.
19. All students shall conduct themselves, inside and outside of the "Dojo", in such a way as to not reflect poorly on the "IKO Kyokushinkaikan". Most assuredly, students shall not use the techniques studied in class to intentionally injure any person, except where their life or the lives of their loved ones are immediately in danger.
20. Students shall strive to be gentle and poised in daily life, maintain reserve, good judgement and ethical behavior in all they pursue. Never forget the "Kyokushin" spirit: Keep your head low (modesty), eyes high (ambition), mouth shut (serenity); base yourself on filial piety (serve your parents well) and benefit others.

" The ultimate aim of the art of Kyokushin Karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participants." - Sosai Mas Oyama