Traditional codes of warrior etiquette have always been a part of martial arts training in asia. Generaly, you will want to conduct yourself with cheerful dignity and apprec-iation for the art you study and the instructors who share their secrets with you. The following suggestions will help you feel more at home as a new member, and aid in facilitating a respectful friendly atmosphere amongst the club.

1. The bow is a sign of respect. To assist you in appreciating safe training, it is customary to bow to the instructor and to the training space when you enter or leave the training envirorment. The bow when we enter or leave the trainig area is a physical reminder that we are entering (or leaving) a place of learning. It also helps us shift gears from our "Outside Dojo Mode ", To our "Inside Dojo Mode". We leave the trials of our daily lives at the door. As we enter the training area, we clear our minds and focus on the lessons for the day.

2. You may address any instructor or assistant as "sir" or "ma'am," or by family name ( example: Mr. B'Yas, or Miss. Browne ). If the instructor prefers, by their given name ( Serge, Bart, Uli ) -But ask first.

3. Use time before class to warm up, stretch, and focus on what is to come.

4. As a new member, you will wear the official black uniform of the Godai Ninpo Club only. A solid Black; T-shirt, turtle kneck, or tank top is to be worn under the uniform Gi jacket. Black socks, wrestling shoes or Tabi are to be worn as footwear only. No bear feet!

5. Be alert. Keep safety in mind. Do not chew gum or eat candy while training as to prevent accidentaly biteing your tongue or choking. Do not wear rings, watches earrings, necklaces or other articles of jewelry while training. Tie back long hair for safety. When not actively training in class, please sit with your legs folded in front or beneath you. Or stand in the ready position.

6. Be very mindful not to distract yourself or others with unnecessary talking or laughter. Please extend the same courtesy when the instructor is addressing the group collectively. Please extend the same courtesy when durring a collective huddle, a student is asking a question or an instructor is answering a question. Concentrate on what you are learning . Train diligently to develop your abilities. You are encouraged to ask questions as you are compelled to, however avoid using up class time telling stories or diverting the lesson with unrelated "... Yeah but what if ..." scenarios. "What if" questions are encouraged in context to the lesson of the day.

7. Keep effective learning and safety in mind when trainig with other students. The Godai Ninpo Club is a place for practice and study, not competition. Never force a technique on your partner beyond safe training limits. Never resist a technique beyond reasonable limits. There is absolutely no need to injure yourself or others in order to get ahead. You can and will progress in a healthy manner only when "Safet is #1." All forms of horseplay is discouraged before, durring and after class.

8. Hygiene: All members are expected to excercise a high degree of personal hygiene.

Examples:
a. Shower before class. The Martial Arts is a physical activity that produces persperation and requires close interaction among it's participants. It is courteous to be neat, clean and fresh when training with others.
b. Wash hands before and after class or when taking restroom breaks.
c. Keep fingernails clean and at a reasonable length. We strive to maintain a sterile and safe training experience.
d. Keep uniforms, footwear and training gear clean, fresh and neat.
e. Keep breath smelling clean and fresh.

9. Use considerate judgement when ill. If you are suffering from colds, flus, or other contagious illnesses, inform the instructor before engaging in training. If the Instructor allows you to train (this is at his or her discretion) inform each training partner of your conditions prior to engaging in training with them. Your training partner has the right to decline training with you as to prevent contraction of your illness. We respect all limits of each member with regard to their personal comfort. Be advised that the Instructor may allow you to stay and watch the session or assign individualized activities for you to work on durring the course of your illness. Be aware that much can be learned by mearly watching our training sessions.

10. Remember to be respectful and sensitive to the limitations or boundaries of the other members. We are all here to learn and improve ourselves. We are all working to become our personal best, at our own respective paces.