Philly Shaolin - Rules and Courtesies

Respect and Attitude

Please have proper respect for your teachers, for your fellow students, and for yourself.
Your teacher should be referred to as "Sifu", which basically means "teacher".
Never ask an instructor for new material. When you are ready for new material, it will be given to you. Likewise, never inform your instructor that you are ready to test. You will be invited to test when you are ready.

It is customary to bow when entering and leaving the Dojo¹ (school or training room).
Each class begins and ends with a formal kneeling bow. After the bow, the Sifu (instructor) will call each rank to stand in turn. Do not rise until your rank has been called.
Each sparring match that you engage in will both begin and end with a standing bow to your opponent.

The first and foremost rule of sparring is to KEEP YOUR OPPONENT'S SAFETY IN MIND. We spar to learn, NOT to prove that we are better fighters than anyone else. Do not throw any attacks to the knee or elbow, as these attacks can permanently cripple.
As a general rule, you should not spar unsupervised until you have reached the rank of third degree Brown.
Each sparring match begins and ends with a standing bow to your opponent.
Do not ask a higher belt rank to spar with you, as that constitutes a challenge. If a higher belt rank asks to spar with you, do not turn them down. By sparring with you, they are sharing their knowledge with you.
When sparring with a classmate of a lower belt rank, "spar down" to their level. Your job is not to show them that you can beat them, but to help them learn more about sparring and about fighting.
If you wish to spar in class, please keep your fingernails and toenails trimmed short and even.
You may be required to purchase sparring gear which will include mitts and boots. Men should wear a cup, and everyone is welcome to wear mouthguards, head gear and/or shin guards as they see fit.

Do not teach any material in class unless expressly directed to do so (at that time) by your teacher.
Do not teach material outside of class, and do not lend, give, or sell videos of your forms to people who have not been properly taught these forms already.

Please treat the classroom with respect.
Remember to bow when entering and leaving the classroom.
Do not wear shoes on the mats.
Please keep your personal items gathered together, preferably in a duffel bag or backpack
Do not eat in the classroom. Empty drink containers and other litter should be cleaned up or taken with you when you leave.
If you damage any part of the room or equipment, please do your best to repair or replace it.

Once you have decided to attend classes, you should buy a uniform (or a "gi"). This uniform should be worn in full to each class unless otherwise stated.
For trial classes, wear clothes that are comfortable, loose fitting, and that you don't mind sweating in. Any clothes that you wear to class should be clean and free of holes.
Do not wear jewelry or watches to class. A simple wedding band is alright, but anything more elaborate may be damaged, or worse, injure you or your opponent during push-hands or sparring.