• Each student will bow upon entering or leaving the Dojo.
  • Bowing will be addressed to the Butokukan Crest or the Sensei.
  • Each student will bow to the Crest before entering or leaving the actual work out area.
  • During a formal class period, all students will be quiet, giving the Sensei complete freedom to teach.
  • During a formal class period, the student must ask the Sensei’s permission to leave the work out area (for any reason).
  • If a student has a question, he/she should raise a hand and wait to be recognized by the Sensei.
  • During a formal class period all questions should be directed to the Sensei (unless the Sensei has made other arrangements).
  • Profanity will not be tolerated in the Dojo.
  • The Obi (belt) is an extension of its wearer's inner spirit and represents their karate ability. It should be treated with respect, never touching the floor except when worn.
  • The instructor will be addressed as Sensei whenever inside the dojo (whether formal work-out or not).
  • Street shoes are not to be worn on the dojo floor.
  • Respect others personal property as you would your own. (Stealing, would be grounds for expulsion).
  • When weights are available for your use, never lift alone! Always have a spotter.
  • It is everyone’s responsibility to help keep the Dojo clean and the work-out area free of debris that could cause an injury.
  • The violation of any of the above rules will be punishable by the violators compliance with the Sensei’s penalty (mainly, lots of push-ups).
  • The Head Instructor has the power to expel any student under any circumstances or activities occurring in or outside the Dojo that he deems unfitting of a student of Butokukan Karate.

I. Black Belts

Black Belts can wear either white or black colored GIs (Traditional Japanese style) or any combination. Dan ranks may personalize their belt with their name and wear stripes (red) to Indicate rank.

II. Students

All students below Black Belt will wear white Traditional Japanese style Gis. Ranks beginning with Jukyu and higher can wear the crest, carry the Butokukan bag and wear the Butokukan jacket. Ni-kumi and San-kumi ranks have the right to wear the crest on their GIs but not carry the bag or wear an official jacket.

III. T-shirts

Approved T-shirts consist of:

  • Plain White or black (black for Dan ranks only).
  • Other adornments are permitted If done in a respectful and tasteful manner and reflect a proper Butokukan Image.

T-shirts can be worn outside of class or to Informal classes as designated by the student's Sensei. Tournaments are not considered informal.

IV. Jackets

There are now two styles of jackets. The first is the traditional "Golf" type Navy blue and the second is a baseball style of nylon material but Is black. The lettering and embroidering will be the same for both coats. Students should order through their Sensei.

V. Miscellaneous

  • No adornments, other than the crest, will be worn on the gi, regardless of rank.
  • A student begins to fall under dress code guide lines  when he/she tests for their first rank. (Kumi or Kyu). Anyone from another system who decides to study Butokukan must conform to the dress code for their rank.