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Martial Art Training Disciplines the Mind to Empower The Body
Dojo Rules
Rules governing student behaviour and conduct in the Dojo have been implemented since ancient times. These rules are a continued part of martial arts training and are relevant today, as they were thousands of years before.
The diligent study of martial arts leads to the cultivation of virtues which affirm the strength of the mind, body and soul. To achieve this, students must conduct themselves in a disciplined manner inside and outside the Dojo.
The regulations prescribed by UMAA below are to be followed strictly.
1
There is no place for egotistical behavior in a Dojo; conduct yourself with humility, respect all equally
2
Discipline yourself to attend classes regularly, always practice to the best of your ability
3
After your first grading, it is compulsory to attend class in either full gi or club shirt with belt and comfortable lower body clothing
4
Students are to train barefoot or with martial arts shoes/plimsolls; trainers and other footwear destroy training equipment
5
Never wear your gi for any other activity besides martial arts, this is a uniform of discipline
6
Whenever entering or leaving the Dojo, stand in the doorway, face the front, and say "OSU
7
Late arrivals should make themselves known to an instructor by assuming seiza position at the side of the Dojo floor. Once an instructor gives the signal to join the class, do 25 press ups, say “OSU” and join the back of the class.
8
Ensure your phone is on silent before class begins
9
Jewelry is to be removed prior to training
10
. When walking to or from your position in class during a lined formation, never cut through a line, rather walk around your fellow students on the outside of the class.
11
Sit cross-legged or in seiza position. (if you have a knee problem, please speak to your instructor)
12
When you are asked to do something in class, always move as quickly as possible
13
If you need to adjust your gi, face away from the group or your partner and be quick
14
Students should never lean against walls, lie-down or exhibit any other such behavior which is unbefitting and indicative of weakness, regardless of how tired they become
15
When an instructor is explaining a technique, drill or principle students should stand to attention with fists clenched and elbows bent at 45 degrees
16
Inside the Dojo, always address instructors by their proper title, Sir or Ma’am, not by their personal name
17
Every time you have a new partner for any exercise, cross arms and say “OSU”
18
Describe the item and include any Cleanliness is paramount; students must ensure their gi’s are neat and clean at all times, your belt should NEVER be washed as it symbolizes the spirit of your effortdetails. Click to edit the text.
19
Toenails and fingernails are to be kept short to prevent injury, long hair is to be tied back during training
20
It is everyone's responsibility to ensure the Dojo is clean, tidy and safe at all times; senior students may designate tasks to juniors such as bringing out and packing up equipment at the start and end of each class
OSU! (押忍)
What does this mean?
The UMAA salute is “OSU” (Japanese), its rough contextual translation is simply YES! However, its linguistic meaning refers to pushing and suffering whilst hiding pain. It means to stand strong in the face of adversity, overcome all obstacles, persevere with tireless resiliency and never give up.
This one word symbolizes and encapsulates our fighting spirit.
“We fight not to lavish in victory, but so we may know that we will not succumb to defeat”
- Shabaaz Ali UMAA Founder and Chief Instructor
UMAA Code Of Conduct
Martial arts training is not limited to the confines of the Dojo.
Although there is a clear sporting element, the practice is anchored in deep philosophical roots.
The UMAA code of conduct is based on the principles of Bushido (way of the warrior); its intention is to guide its student on an unending journey to strive for victory over one’s self.
1. Respect all, never use your strength to chastise others
2. Always speak truthfully and maintain justice, even if the truth goes against yourself
3. Do not make promises you cannot fulfill, stand true to your commitments and honor your word
4. Do not center your words and actions around seeking personal gain, endeavor to strive for the needs and betterment of the many
5. Walk with humility, forgive those who anger you, always remain patient
6. Show compassion and benevolence to those who are weaker than yourself, speak for the voiceless, stand for the beleaguered
7. Be courageous, not with blind emotion, but with intelligence and strength, seize opportunities which will promote positivity
8. Show constraint and self-discipline, but if you need to defend yourself, do so resolutely, administer your response with irrefutable ferocity
9. Acquire knowledge in all its manifestations
10. Reflect often on knowing who you are, search for this on the furthest horizons and within the deepest abyss of your being