Introduction

When In Rome...

If we are a guest in someone else's house, we do things their way. Thus, if they bow with hands to their sides, so do we. If they bow with double fists out front, so do we. If they bow with left palm covering right fist, so do we. If we do not wish to follow their style while in their house, the only honorable thing to do is leave their house.

There are some bows and/or salutes that we will not do. Unacceptable bows and/or salutes might be made known in the future.

In our own house, we do not bow. But we do salute. Our salute is discussed later, below.

We only do our salute in class, and nowhere else. Everywhere else, we do whatever the established norm is for that situation, including whatever salutation is normally appropriate for that situation. This class does not try to change established norms for situations outside of the class. We do not say "Master John", or "Master Pratt", and we do not salute our class instructors outside of class. Outside of class, we do things as they should otherwise be done. Our class does not change that.

Our Salute

A harmless man is not a good man. A good man is a dangerous man that has the self control and self discipline to control his dangerous side, as well as the wisdom to know when to bring it out. In contrast, a bad man is a dangerous man without that self control. Therefore, control is more important than developing the ability to be dangerous. Control comes first.

The fist represents being dangerous, and the covering over the fist represents control. Because the right side is the more prominent side in our society, and control is the more important attribute, the right hand covers the left fist. We also keep our eyes on the person we are saluting. A slight head nod is acceptable during the salute, but not necessary.

The person being saluted should reciprocate by saluting back.

Answering

Respond to an instructor or a fellow student with “Yes, Sir,” or “Yes, Ma’am.” Each time you say “Yes, Sir,” you are teaching your mind to immediately respond in a positive way.

This verbal reply also demonstrates that you understand what you have just told you.

Attention

Some styles have the attention stance with feet together (e.g., Tang Soo Do, Shotokan Karate). Some styles have the attention stance with feet apart (e.g., Moo Lim Do, Kenpo). Taekwondo does it with feet together, and hands to the side.

Class Etiquette

You must obey your instructor(s).
When speaking to your instructors, you will conclude with “Sir”... e.g., “Yes Sir” or “No Sir”.
No jewelry, watches, shoes, or socks allowed during class. Exceptions will be made at the instructor's discretion, especially for medical monitoring devices, or wearing shoes to protect an injury of the foot. The instructor(s) may also need to wear a watch to keep track of time or as a stopwatch.
No gum is allowed.
Wear a uniform as approved by the instructor.

We do not require, however we highly suggest the following:

Bring a water bottle. We will periodically allow short water breaks.
Drink plenty of water throughout the entire day before class.
Eat little to no food in last few hours before class. You likely won't enjoy working out on a full stomach.

Distance & Ranges

There are five "ranges". Sorted by distance, they are:

1 Weapons range
2. Kicking range
3. Punching range
4. Grappling on your feet
5. Grappling on the mat or ground

Notice there are two grappling ranges. When you are grappling on your feet, there is typically a little less of your body in contact with their body than when you are grappling on the ground. Thus, grappling on the ground is a "closer" range than grappling on your feet.

Each thing taught is for a specific range, and is generally not well suited for a different range.