RULES OF CONDUCT.
All Judoka
All members are expected to embody the highest standards of good sportsmanship, courtesy, and ethics both on and off the mat.
There is absolutely no smoking on the premises at any time.
Be on time for class, as proper stretching before a workout is crucial for injury prevention. If you are late, you are expected to warm up and stretch on your own, and ask permission from the instructor before joining the class.
All judoka are expected to perform a standing bow when entering or exiting both the dojo and the mat area.
Instructors should be addressed as “Sensei” and should receive your careful attention, as they are sharing their time and experience on a volunteer basis.
Ask permission from the instructor if you need to leave the mat during practice outside of permitted water breaks.
No unnecessary talking during practice. Coaching from the sidelines by family or friends is prohibited for reasons of both safety and courtesy.
All judoka and spectators should be respectful of each other’s classes and should keep voices low to avoid distracting those on the mat. During the quiet meditation at the end of each practice, please be silent.
When students are on the side of the mat waiting their turn, they should remain standing and face into the mat so that collisions can be avoided. Students currently on the mat should be cautious of obstacles and other players.
Judo players are expected to exercise control when applying techniques and to take into account their opponent’s relative size, experience level, and any injury or health concerns.
All students are responsible for helping keep the dojo clean and running smoothly. If you are not sure where to help, please ask – there are always things that can be done!
Juniors
Parents are responsible for supervising all of their children before, during, and after junior class. The junior classes are not drop-off classes; a parent or caregiver is expected to be present at all times.
Juniors are responsible for learning dojo etiquette as outlined above and should learn to tie their obi (belt) on their own as soon as possible. The older juniors will be glad to help the younger students until they can learn.
Students should be able to dress themselves by the time they start judo.
Juniors should not drop their gis or belts on the floor in the locker room, and should be responsible for helping with washing their own gis at home.
There is absolutely no horseplay in the dressing room or the hall.
Juniors are not permitted in the weight room.
A parent or caregiver must accompany all juniors who attend tournaments. Coaches are not available to provide transportation or supervision before, during, or after the tournament.
The Head Instructor strongly encourages all juniors to complete their homework before class and to consider their academic studies their first priority.
Please let the Head Instructor know of any special academic or other accomplishments so that everyone can offer congratulations!
Health and Hygiene
Judo is a contact sport. Please make sure to pay attention to your personal hygiene before stepping on the mat.
Please avoid applying any strong scents before a workout. Wearing nail polish is discouraged as it can and does come off on the mat.
Shoes must be worn at all times while off of the mat and removed when stepping on to the mat.
Long hair must be pulled back and secured with an elastic hair tie. No jewelry of any kind is permitted.
If you are ill or think you might be ill, please do not come to class until you are feeling better.
If you must wear a brace or other supporter, please try to use one that does not have any hard pieces. If that is not possible for medical reasons, please inform your training partners before beginning a match.
Report any injuries to the head instructor immediately.
If at any time you should notice that you are bleeding, excuse yourself from the mat and bandage/tape the area. The mat and judogi should be inspected for any other traces of blood and sprayed with the disinfectant spray provided.
The contents of the medical box are available to all; please be considerate of the next user and keep the contents orderly.
Judo Uniforms (Judogi)
It is inappropriate to wear a judogi on the street. Please carry it in a bag and change from street clothes in the dressing rooms provided (not the bathroom).
Ask the instructor if you need a loaner gi (however, there is no guarantee loaner gis will be available). If you use a loaner gi, please take it home, wash it, and then return it to the instructor at your next class.
Students should receive a club patch with their registration. Please sew it on the left side of the chest, avoiding the gi lapel, and ensuring that the characters are facing the correct direction.
Always keep your gi clean and in good repair. If there are holes, loose threads, or tears, please fix them before practicing.
Judogis can start to develop an odor over time. This can be reduced by including a half-cup of vinegar in the wash once a month or so. Bleach should not be used.
Belts should not be washed, but allowed to dry after each practice.
Tournaments
Please let the Head Instructor know if you plan to attend a tournament. If a student plans to compete as a member of Tohkon Judo Academy, the Head Instructor will determine if they are currently in possession of the technique, temperament, and/or physical readiness to do so. The Head Instructor’s decision is final and refusal to comply may jeopardize a student’s standing as a member of the club.
As representatives of Tohkon Judo Academy, all competitors are expected to show the highest standards of courtesy both on and off the mat. All competitors must shake hands with their opponents after the match is over regardless of the result.
The player’s coach should initiate challenges to a referee’s call, not the player.
While it is understood that students will take time to learn correct dojo etiquette, consistent disregard for the principles and rules outlined here may be considered grounds for the cancellation of a student’s membership at the sole discretion of the Head Instructor and the Board.