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I have seen dojangs and dojos with lists of rules that go on for multiple pages, and that bothers me.  Partially because they feel like they need to lay out all the details and foibles.  Attorneys do not belong in the martial arts because of their need to create complexity where simplicity is better.  As Albert Einstein said, things should be as simple as possible, but no simpler.

Based upon this principle I really have Four Rules that my children and students are taught, because they can apply them in all situations that they encounter.  They are not immutable laws like physics, but guiding ideals to use whenever they need help in figuring out what to do and what not to do.

The first is simply “Listen”.  Obviously with a toddler it is tough, but if they learn to listen it really can prevent bad things from happening.  It is also fundamental to building relationships whether on a personal or business level.  And it definitely applies to a martial arts classroom.

The second is “Obey”.  Maybe it comes from my Catholic and military upbringing, but every martial arts student needs to learn to follow orders from their higher ranks.  And as individuals climb ranks they learn to accept the burden and responsibility of power over lower ranks.

Third is “Do Good”.  This covers everything from teaching three year olds that “hands are for helping, not for hurting” to assisting old ladies across the street.  Almost every major religion in the world has this component prominently in it, so it makes sense to have the moral principles reinforced early and often in children and beginning students.  Modeling this behavior is critical to maintaining respect in the training hall and outside of it.

Last is “Practice”.  This really should go without explanation for the martial arts, but it goes beyond the dojo’s walls.  Practice your math and spelling as a child so you can get good at it.  Practice your presentations in a business setting.  Practice doing good by just keeping an eye out for others that are struggling in some way.  Practice listening to your spouse, and obeying the moral teachings of whomever you follow.  Continuously work at being a better everything and you will do so, and if you are being guided by the other principles then your practice will really drive you to success however you care to measure it.

I do have these rules written on the wall of my training hall.  They are also on the wall of my office, to continuously reinforce the basic principles for excellence in all things.  And if I ever forget I have a three year old to remind me “Dai, do good today!”

I have seen some pretty remarkable things in my life, and not all of them good.  So as a warning to those that are relatively new to the martial arts, here is a list of things never to do in a dojang, dojo, training hall, or what have you.  It is obviously not all inclusive, but a decent starting guideline until you figure it out on your own just like the rest of us did.  As a matter of course I have these as broad guidelines, essentially a “Code of Ethics” for the training facility.

The first is “Never Disrespect the School”.  This means all of the following:

1. Do not do anything to embarrass your Master.
2. Do not disrespect higher ranks.
3. Do not bring shame upon your School through your actions or inactions.
4. Do not knowingly cause harm to the facility or anyone associated with it.
5. Remember that you are an ambassador for your Master and School.

The second tenet is “Be Your Best”.  This includes:

1. Be physically prepared for class.  Clean uniform, trimmed nails, proper equipment.
2. Never enter the training hall in an altered state.
3. Do the best that you can at the time given your physical, mental, and emotional condition.
4. Train on your own so that time in the class is best utilized.  Be ready to always learn.
5. Carry your teachings beyond the training hall walls and into your life wherever possible.  Be disciplined and respectful.  Be thorough and attentive.

The third is “Don’t Be Dumb”.  This is more a list of things like:

1. Don’t needlessly endanger anyone, including yourself.
2. Know your limits.  Yes, we constantly push ourselves, but you won’t go from 2 boards to 5 boards broken overnight.
3. Ask questions, but use your brain before your mouth.
4. Don’t expect kids to have more than a five-minute attention span.
5. Fight full contact a few nights before your wedding (spoken from experience).

As I said, these are not set in stone inflexible commandments as every style and school is different, but more universally applicable principles like the Golden Rule and gravity.  Understand and apply them and you’ll never get in serious trouble anywhere.