Always arrive on time for class. Arrive the training hall/studio/school (dojo) a few minutes early so you have time to change into ju-jutsu uniform/suit (ju-jutsugi). The time before class should not be used as a social hour, don´t disturb previous class as they train.

Devotee of ju-jutsu (ju-jutsuka) must wear the full white ju-jutsu uniform and coloured belt (white, yellow, orange, green, blue, brown, black) which shows their level of ju-jutsu skills. Ju-jutsu black belts are allowed to use also black trousers. Black belt grades (dan) are marked as stripes on belts. Hokutoryu ju-jutsu badge must be worn on ju-jutsu uniform jacket´s chest, left side. Own club/school badge and national flag can be worn on left sleeve. Hokutoryu triangle can be stitched on the back of uniform jacket.

Uniforms must always be clean, neat, and in good repair. Soiled or torn uniforms are not allowed. Watches, rings, earrings, necklace etc. must be taken off. Also, fingernails and toenails must be clean and trimmed close so they will not cause injury to fellow classmates. Always wear toe shoes or socks when walking out of the mat (tatami). Shoes and socks are not allowed on the mat. Maintain your hygiene. No chewing gum, food or drink is allowed in the training area.

All green (3rd kyu) and higher belts should have their own boxing gloves, wooden stick and wooden knife with them when arriving for class.

Entering and leaving the training hall and the mat: Upon entering, students must stop at the door/edge of the mat and bow (rei). When exiting the training hall/ the mat, do the same thing only in reverse order. It shows respect to martial arts, the ju-jutsu training hall, instructor and fellow classmates.

If a student has some injury which might disturb training or some urgent reason to leave the mat before the normal schedule these must be informed to instructor before the class starts.

The class starts and ends with common bow (rei) at kneeling position (seiza) by ju-jutsu instructor´s command when the students are lined up. When the instructor is 3rd degree black belt or higher, or he/she is the highest black belt in the club, the outermost student will command the first bow for the instructor (”sensei ni rei”), then the instructor will command the second bow.

If student is late and the class is already started, he/she should kneel on the edge of the mat. When the instructor gives permission to attend, student bows at kneeling position and enter the mat. No leaving from the mat allowed without instructor´s permission.

If the Chief Instructor of hokutoryu ju-jutsu (soke) visits your school, you must stop what you are doing; Instructor or senior person must call the class to attention and by his command (“soke ni rei “) everyone must bow.

Every time when the instructor has shown or gave advice students must bow. Training with a partner starts by instructor´s command “hajime”. Partners must be faced and bow to each other’s. After instructor´s command “yame” (stop), partners will bow again to each other’s.

Always address the instructor as “sensei” (black belt) or “sempai” (senior coloured belt). If called upon by the instructor, immediately say: “sensei” or “sempai”. Always obey instructor´s instructions.

There should be no unnecessary noise in the training hall. Talking, yelling and laughing must be kept to a minimum. No arguing or mocking allowed. Never lose your temper in the training hall while practising. All conflicts are left outside the training hall. Advanced students should set a good example for lower belts and train with them gentle.

If your uniform or belt (obi) needs adjusting, turn away from instructor and then adjust.

Be loyal to your school and instructor. Work hard, have a serious attitude, think positively, and try your best.