The Sang Kim rules

A) Please always be aware of where your sword is. This is common sense

B) when facing a senior with a sword, do not point your sword directly at a senior

C) I do not really care for being called sensei, but in class it is a must. Otherwise, like stated below, anything outside of dojo matters you can call me by my name.

D) I don't like to hear excuses

E) When i say freeze, just freeze. Stop whatever you're doing

F) If a sword falls out, don't GRAB AT IT!!!! let it fall out...and step away!!!

G) Most of all, just enjoy what you do, this is a chance for all of us to practice that many don't have a chance nor a opportunity to do.

Ok on to the big stuff.....

Basic Etiquette

Bowing in the dojo has no religious connotations. The Japanese greet each other by bowing. Bowing can also have the functions of thanking and apologizing. Bowing may range from a small nod of the head to a long 90-degree formal bow. You are supposed to bow deeper and longer than your opposite if they are of higher status than you are. Your back and neck should be kept straight while bowing.

Students must face the shinza and respectfully bow when entering or leaving the dojo.

If the instructor arrives late or leaves early, the class should be brought to attention and bow as a group.

Students shall bow to each other prior to mutual exercise and upon completion of that exercise.

Absolutely no disrespect will be shown to any instructors or fellow students.

Students should follow the instructions of their sempai.

Respect your fellow students experience in other arts. As well, do not expound upon your experience to others during class, regardless of how it may relate to the techniques being taught.

Students shall refer to the dojo director as Kancho, the head instructor as sensei (Anyone running the class), and senior students as sempai at all times in the dojo and outside the dojo when the conversation relates to dojo and training matters, otherwise they should be referred to by name.

Students, who arrive late should enter the dojo and wait to be invited to join the class by the instructor.

If you have to leave early, please let the instructor know in a quiet manner.

There is no talking in class unless you have been recognized by the instructor by raising your hand or using the phrase "sumi-ma-sen sensei” (excuse me teacher).

Talking in the changing rooms should be minimal and restricted to matters concerning practice.

Students must learn and uphold the correct ways of sitting and the proper way of standing.

Always place your sword on the rack edge up, with the handle facing to the left as you face the rack. The upper spaces are reserved for
higher ranks.

Juniors should never walk in front of seated seniors without bowing and saying "sumi-ma-sen".

Safety(IMPORTANT)

The handling of swords in any capacity is potentially dangerous. Therefore, for the general safety and well being of the participants, certain rules must be in effect at all times during training class. It is the direct responsibility of every student to know and abide by these rules.

Always let the instructor know if you are suffering from any physical disability, restrictions, injury, illness, or require special assistance before class.

Do not come to class when suffering from a contagious illness. Rest and come back to class when you have fully recovered.

Try your best, but do not overdo it. You can take a break when needed. Just let the instructor know.

Do not run or act recklessly in the dojo. There will be no horseplay in the dojo or dressing rooms.

When the instructor says "FREEZE" do exactly that, FREEZE. Don't move to where you think he wants you to be, don't make any kind of adjustments, simply stop all movement and stand there until he tells you to move.

NEVER walk behind someone training with a sword. They cannot see you.

If your sword slips out of the saya, do not try to catch it. Step back and let it fall to the floor.

Check your sword's general condition before every class; pay special attention to the mekugi pin in the handle. If you have any doubts, ask your instructor immediately.

Always be aware of where you are and where everyone else is while training. Develop this awareness and keep your distance.

Control your sword at all times, keep your thumb on the Tsuba when bowing and moving about.

Never make wild or careless motions with an unsheathed or sheathed sword at any time.

Never place an unsheathed sword on the floor or on the rack.

When handing a sword out of its sheath to another person, hold the bottom of the handle with your little finger at the butt. The blade's cutting edge should face you.

When accepting a sword out of its saya, grasp the handle firmly at the guard with your left hand.

Wear your obi and hakama properly snug. Hakamas should never be overly long or short. They should just touch the tops of your feet.

Before cutting check the mekugi peg in your sword's handle. If it is missing or loose, inform sensei immediately.

When cutting, be aware of whether or not you have bent your sword's blade. Allow your instructor to straighten it if needed. Never attempt to sheath a bent sword.

During cleaning, keep sword blade pointed away from other students.

Dojo Restrictions

Absolutely no shoes on the dojo floor. Shoes should be neatly arranged by the front door. Students must wear shoes or sandals outside the
dojo.

Do not wear rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, anklets, nose/ear studs, watches, neck chains, or any metallic articles during class. Wedding bands are okay.

Do not smoke, chew gum or eat candy or food during practice.

Do not come to class when intoxicated. Do not consume any alcohol before class.

Do not misuse any equipment in the dojo.

Do not use profanity or abusive language in the dojo.

Use a quiet voice in the dojo (except when leading the count).

Do not talk to someone who is not in class or who is just watching.

Do not stand around idle in class. This is your time to train.

Equipment

Beginners must have an oak bokken for their second class.

All students must have a keiko gi top, obi (belt), and hakama within one month of starting class.

All students must have an iaito (metal practice sword) within 3 months of starting class.

Women and girls should wear a plain T-shirt under their gi top.

Your uniform should be put on after arrival to the dojo and removed before departing the dojo.

Your uniform must be folded properly after class and should always be mended and clean.

Teaching and Demonstrations

If you need extra stretching or warm-ups, do them before class begins.

There is only ever one instructor teaching class. Don’t offer advice to your fellow students.

Sempai will assist lower ranked belts in their training, but only upon the request of the instructor.

Whenever the instructor is explaining or demonstrating all students should give him their full attention.

Never contradict or attempt to correct the instructor. Discuss such matters with sensei privately.

No interrupting while the instructor is teaching in class. If you have a question, wait until the instructor is done speaking and raise your hand.

Students should question what they do not understand but answers are not debatable.

Students must not practice any technique that has not been formally taught to them by sensei.

Respect other styles but practice your own. Knowing "a little of this" and "a little of that" usually ends up being "a lot of nothing." If you practice more than one style or art, keep them separate.

You must have explicit permission from your instructor to demonstrate any aspect of Batto Do.

You must have explicit permission from the US Federation of Batto Do before teaching anyone outside of class or opening a dojo.

An expression such as “hai, hai” does not mean yes when requesting permission and “that is difficult or we’ll see" usually means no. In the
absence of a positive "yes," the answer is no. Usually, a non-answer means no.

Attitude

Your family and work comes first. Come to class after you have fulfilled these obligations.

As you advance, ego is a constant enemy. Remain humble.

Always accept correction positively and with an open mind.

Always be courteous in demeanor and be helpful to juniors and each other.

Always maintain a beginner's attitude. You can't learn if you think you already know it.

Pay close attention to what your instructor has to say at all times.

Come to class to learn. Practice at home.

Do not become angry or upset in the dojo.

It is far better to know one kata well than dozens of kata poorly.

Never criticize other schools or styles of the martial arts.

Dojo Duties

All students share in the responsibility for keeping the dojo safe and clean.

Please arrive at least a half of an hour earlier to prepare targets and get changed so that training can begin on time.

Every student should help clean the dojo floor and mirrors after each class.

Never let a student with higher seniority work harder than you.

Never leave clothing or valuables of any type in the dojo. We will not be responsible for these articles if lost or stolen.

Rank

Dan rank testing is not a formality. Students must be prepared to not pass.

Promotions and promotion dates are at the discretion of sensei.

There are minimum time periods between dan rankings. However, training for the minimum time period does not entitle the student to promotion. Many factors are involved in promotions such as time in rank, attendance, technique, teaching ability, helpfulness, attitude, courtesy, effort, contributions to the art, etc.

Accept a promotion with a sense of increased responsibility to your fellow students.

Dojo Membership Fees and Dues

Toyama Ryu class is open to both regular students and visiting students.

All students are required to be members of US Federation of Batto Do.

All regular students must keep a steady attendance of class.

If a student withdraws from the dojo temporarily or permanently let sensei know immediately in person or by phone.

Any payments should be given to sensei in an envelope marked with your name and the month or what the payment it is for.

You are responsible for keeping your dojo and federation dues up to date.

Dojo dues are due at the beginning of the month and must be paid on time.

Batto Federation dues are due on the 1st of February and must be paid on time.

Class Fees are non-refundable and are not prorated.

(most of this is from the St Petersburg Toyama Dojo Website, thanks Mike!!)