Frequently Asked Questions

All Students:

• It is courteous to ensure you are showered before attending class.
• Place importance on finger and toenail hygiene as students will be making contact with each other during class.
• Long hair should be tied up, and any jewelry and piercings should be removed before the class begins.
• Please bring a bottle of water or refillable vessel.

New Students: Please come dressed in modest athletic attire.

Returning Students: Please bring your gi and belt and use the nearby restrooms to change into uniform.

First, welcome to the dojo!

1. If not in gi uniform or althletic wear, please use the bathrooms next to the dojo entrance to change.
2. When entering the dojo, please sign in at the front desk using the laptop.
3. To your right will be the training area marked by the gray floor. Please look to the far end of the room towards the photographs of senseis and give a short, respectful bow.
4. Please remove your shoes, socks, jewelry, and piercings before entering the training area.

Then you are free to socialize or begin your warm-ups on the training area floor.

Certainly, we are happy to accommodate your schedule.

• If you anticipate a need to arrive late or leave early, as courtesy, please let the senior instructor know ahead of time.
• You may modify your once a week/twice a week schedule within reason to accommodate a personal alternating schedule.
• If you will be absent for more than two classes in a row, please inform the senior instructor.

Asking a sensei or instructor when you will receive a new belt is considered disrespectful because it shifts the focus from learning and self-improvement to entitlement and rank chasing.

Why is this disrespectful?

• Implies the Sensei is Unaware or Careless
• Shows a Lack of Humility
• Prioritizes Ego over Technique
• Shows Lack of Trust in the Teacher
• Rushes the Process of Growth

Our senseis are happy to provide feedback regarding areas of improvement and where more attention and focus is needed.

Yes. [Insert concise info here about the amount, frequency, and importance of kata in the dojo]

Yes, we have comprehensive training for traditional weapons including:

• Bo staff - [brief description]
• Nunchucks - [brief description]
• Tonfa - [brief description]
• Sai - [brief description]
• [weapon] - [brief description]

1. Bowing: A sign of respect that is not just reserved for instructors. When training alongside other students, it is expected that you show respect regardless of rank relative to yours.
2. Punctuality: Showing up early and physically prepared signifies dedication and respect.
3. Focus: Students should remain focused and quiet while an instructor or higher ranking student is speaking or demonstrating. We do encourage inquiries and curiosity during training as long as it is not impacting the overall flow of class.
4. Hygiene: Training of requires close contact with other students and equipment. Please ensure all parts of the body - especially the hands and feet - are clean. Trimmed fingernails and toenails are especially important to reduce likelihood of injury.
5. Safety: Training often includes partner drills. Keep in mind the overall size, sex, and rank of the student you are training with. Use common sense to determine the speed and force of your contact. If unsure or uncomfortable, it is extremely important to communicate with your drill partner or lead instructor.