When you arrive at the studio, please remove your shoes and place your belongings neatly on the shelves provided. This signifies that you have left the outside world behind you as you enter the dojo.

When you meet a fellow student or an instructor, be friendly and greet them.

If there is no class in progress, you should proceed to the changing rooms and change into your uniform. Student discussions are encouraged, but should always be done in low tones. Always keep your eye on the time, so that you are on the mats at least five minutes before the start of class.

If there is a class in progress, you should proceed quickly and quietly to the changing rooms. Change into your uniform with a minimum of noise. Please do not hold conversations in the training area while another class is being conducted, so as not to interrupt other students' training.

It is important to be on the training floor five minutes before the start of your class. Take this time to prepare your mind for your training and release any outside influences or interference.

The most senior student on the mats will call students to line up, or will instruct another student to do so. You will be lining up according to your rank: the person to your right should be of equal or higher rank, and the person to your left should be of equal or lower rank.

If you arrive late for your class - a practice that is not encouraged - do not act in any way that would be disruptive to the instructor or to the class. After you have changed, quickly and quietly move to the edge of the mats until the instructor allows you to join the class.

Always keep your attention focused on your instructor and to the senior black belts, and move quickly when instructed to do so. Talking on the mats during class is considered impolite, as it interferes with your fellow students' concentration. When discussion is necessary (and this will be rare), keep your conversation brief and your voices low.

Never shout, curse or become angry while on the mats.

Always begin partner work by bowing (a standing bow, or rei) to your partner.

When you receive individual correction or instruction from an instructor, a "thank you" or "yes sir / ma'am" is appropriate. At times, the instructor may appoint a senior student to lead your instruction, and again, a thank you is appropriate when you receive individual correction or instruction from the senior student.

Teaching is the instructor's responsibility, and the responsibility of any student he appoints to instruct during any portion of the class. Even if you are working with a partner who is less experienced than you, you should not try to teach them. Rather, your role is to be a role model to more junior students by showing them what to do through your actions and your focus on the performance of your movements and your overall technique.

It is extremely poor etiquette to question the instructor or a senior student's authority or technical knowledge, especially during a class. Do not interrupt the instructor or a senior student. If you are confused about something, it is always appropriate to raise your hand or approach them, and wait quietly to the side until you have his or her attention.

Always be aware of and pay attention to where you and your fellow students are while training. When doing any technique, you must always ensure that neither you nor your partner will collide or hit other students while practicing.

In partner work, the senior student is always responsible for the junior student while training.

If you need to leave the mats during training, it is proper to show your respect to your instructor, your fellow students, and your training by first asking the instructor's permission.

If there are any studio-related matters needing your attention, the senior instructor will address students on the mats.

The instructor will signal the end of class. You will again line up in order of your rank. The instructor will then "bow out" the class, or ask a black belt to bow out the class.

After class, you are expected to take part in a short (five to ten minutes) traditional after-class clean-up. Often this will involve a quick wash of the mats. If you are not sure what to do, ask a senior student.

If there is no class after your class ends and you wish to practice after class, please check with the instructor first. After the after-class clean-up, you should change as quickly as possible. If another class is beginning, you should keep conversations with fellow students to a minimum until you have left the dojo, in order not to disturb the students on the mats.

While we encourage students to discuss classes and get to know each other outside of class time, try not to get involved in long discussions with other students after class. Instead, students will often arrange to meet after class in the family room or another location in order to continue their discussions.

At Atlanta Kick, our community of students is very important to us. We offer many social activities, and many of our students (and students' parents) have developed enduring friendships as a result of their training at our school. If you are new to the dojo and feeling a little hesitant about attending a dojo event, don't worry - come out and have fun. Getting to know your fellow students is a great way to participate in our community and will enhance your training on the mats.