Dragon Studios Rules for Conduct and Etiquette
While the instructors at Dragon Studios prefer a more laid-back approach to teaching, we've found that a few important rules of conduct and etiquette need to be followed for the benefit of everyone involved. These rules are common for most martial arts schools, and often more strictly enforced. It has been our experience that these few pieces from traditional martial arts instruction help to put both the teacher and the student in the proper frame of mind, and actually lead to a more enjoyable overall experience.
Rules of Conduct:
- Respect yourself.
- Respect the Kwoon. Bow out when you have to leave for any reason. Bow in when you return, or enter after class has started (see Kwoon Etiquette below for more information).
- Respect* your instructors & fellow students.
- Instructors are to be referred to as Sifu, not Master or Sensei (see Instructor Etiquette below for more information).
- Clean up after yourself.
- Stay focused during class.
- Always bow to your opponent when beginning hand pushing or sparring. Always bow out when finished.
- Do not intentionally hurt yourself or another student (try to avoid this accidentally too).
- NO street shoes allowed on the mat.
- Weapons, whether practice or real, are NOT toys. Please leave them on the wall unless you are learning them.
- Violation of the rules below are punishable by push-ups, please be aware of them:
*=Whereas some teasing is performed in the class, there is a pretty broad line you cross when you move into cruelty. If you are bothered by teasing, please speak with an instructor so we can curb any disrespectful behavior. Also, please refer to the etiquette rules below for additional information.
Punishments
The following violations will result in you having to perform push-ups. Push-ups are to all be in good form, with the back straight. Push-ups may be performed from the knees if the upper body is not adequately developed for push-ups from the toes. Large amounts of Push-ups can be broken up over the length of a class, but must be completed by the end of the night, or the number left owed will be doubled the following week.
The number listed is always multiplied by the number of instructors involved in the training at the time.
Violation |
# of Push-ups |
|---|---|
Use of the word CAN'T (during practice) |
10 |
Excessive Complaining |
10 |
Wasting Class Time |
10 |
Showing Disrespect* |
discretionary |
Arriving Late** |
10/5 mins |
Foul Language |
10 (20 if children are present) |
Cell Phone/Pager Ringing** |
10 |
Answering Cell Phone** |
20 |
* = Disrespect shown to fellow students, instructors, or to yourself. This can be for grevious behavior, or simply as a reminder to follow a rule of conduct or etiquette. An instructor will decide the number of push-ups required should a violation occur. Additional punishment may be added.
** = Instructors, new, and/or walk-in students are exempt from this rule. Please let us know if you're expecting a call.
Instructor Etiquette
The instructors at Dragon Studios never refer to themselves as Master. In China, anyone who knew something you didn't, and was willing to pass on that information would be called Master as a point of honor. Dragon Studios feels it takes a lifetime of work to become a master of a martial art, and to call ourselves such denigrates true masters.
Any reference you make to an instructor should be Sifu. Whether the person teaching has officially been named Sifu (i.e. been certified by Dragon Studios as an instructor), or not. If the person teaching is of a higher level than you are, or is teaching something for your benefit, they should be shown the respect deserved. It is an honor to have a good teacher who teaches you the martial way. If you feel the instructors at Dragon Studios do not deserve this honor, please find other instructors.
Kwoon Etiquette
Arriving late to class is a detriment to you, as you will miss the warm-up exercises and other opening activities. The class does not always follow the same structure, so don't think you are only missing one thing by coming late.
An explanation for being late shows respect to the instructor, but should not be announced as you walk in; drawing attention away from the instructor. Instead, you should respectfully stand quietly in the doorway until acknowledged by an instructor or senior student (with a bow). At which point you should immediately step into the group and begin where the class is. If this is during warm-ups, you may quickly do the entire warm-up set away from the rest of the class, then join the class for whatever is next. If you arrive during Yoga or Tai Chi practice, please step in wherever we are in the lesson.
Once the instructor breaks the group up for individual training, you may offer your explanation to him/her for being late. This explanation should be short and succinct and not be a lengthy story, which wastes everybody's time. If the instructor needs more information, wait for him/her to ask for it. The explanation, of course, is not necessary if you had already let the instructor(s) know you were going to be late prior to class starting.
If you have to leave early for any reason, please be polite and let us know the reason and when you will need to leave before class begins. Do not announce "I have to go," if the instructor is speaking. Instead, quietly rise (if seated), step to the doorway, and bow. Once an instructor has returned your bow, show respect to the kwoon by bowing again before departing.
If you leave the class for a moment, to go to the bathroom, get a drink, take a phone call, etc., bow out of class before departing. When you return, show the instructor respect and wait at the entrance until an instructor or senior student has bowed you in.
When class is over, you should thank the instructor(s) for the class by either bowing or shaking their hand(s). Then walk to the door and show respect for both the instructor and the kwoon by deeply bowing before departing. Please take any trash with you as you leave and throw it away in the nearest trash can. Do not leave it sitting in the kwoon for the instructor(s) to pick up. If you are asked to help clean the kwoon before class can begin, we are NOT punishing you. We all want to work out in a clean place and should all take part in maintaining that cleanliness. Consequently, if you make a mess you must clean it up immediately.
Clothing and Uniform Etiquette
Dragon Studios does not require a regular uniform be worn for class or practice, however, we have found that most Kung-Fu uniforms are more comfortable and durable for sparring practice and flexible for stretching and Yoga. The clothing you choose to wear should be loose-fitting enough to allow flexibility and should offer support where you need it. The clothing should be appropriate for the climate and comfortable for you to wear. We ask that clothing be clean and in good repair.
If you choose to wear a uniform, a black uniform symbolizes humility in Kung-Fu. If the jacket is worn, please have it buttoned to avoid catching it on things (or opponents). An undershirt should be worn underneath if you need to remove the jacket for any reason. Your sash (if earned) should be worn either around the waist outside or inside the jacket. The knot should be on the side.
Dragon Studios uniform patches and Dragon Studios t-shirts are available. Please ask your instructor.