Our Dojo

Cleanliness and Order

A dojo is a place where many people come together to train and to learn with each other. Martial Arts are physical arts that often require students to train closely with each other, or require the head instructor to demonstrate a particular technique to others using a training partner. For this reason and others, cleanliness is important for martial arts practitioners.

    • Keep your uniform clean. Make sure it is washed regularly and hung up after washing so that it isn’t wrinkled. Some people iron their uniform, while this is not necessary it should not look as though it has been balled up wet and thrown into the bottom of your bag.
    • Keep yourself clean. This means keeping your fingernails and toenails clean and trimmed. Your hair should be off your face, and if you have long hair it should be tied back.
    • Be respectful of the space you train in. If you use weights or any other equipment, put them back where you got them. Help keep the dojo clean.
    • Be aware of your surroundings when you are practicing a particular technique. Do it in such a way that you are not a danger to yourself, to the dojo, or to others. This is particularly important in classes that are very full. Be mindful of the fact that some of the walls have breakable mirrors on them.

      Your personal safety begins and ends with you

      There are many websites and chain e-mails out there that offer what they refer to as ‘top safety tips’. Unfortunately, most of the advice on those e-mails and websites are over-sensationalized and frightening. Being scared doesn’t make anyone safer. There are many things we can do to live a safer life.

      • Accept that violence exists and that you may be faced with it during your lifetime. Know that you can handle it.
      • Learn about the power of intuition and start trusting it. While some of us have a hard time believing it, our intuition is the best survival instinct we’ve got.  When people make us uncomfortable (or give us the “no” feeling), it is important to speak up or remove yourself from the situation.
      • Assess your body language and make changes where necessary. Have you ever seen a person walking down the street, who won’t make eye contact, stares at the ground, has slouched posture and doesn’t seem to be paying attention to their surroundings? Or maybe you have seen someone who is lost in the conversation on their cell phone? Don’t be that person! Predators look for easy prey or people who don’t appear ready or willing to fight back. Non-verbal communication is actually more powerful than verbal communication. Take a look at what your body language is saying. Assess your posture, eye contact and confidence level and make changes where necessary. Be a bad victim!
      • Don’t assume other people will save you. One of our favorite mottos is “Your personal safety begins and ends with you.” Become your own best protector.
      • Take self-defense classes.  No safety tips or checklist can replace the value of learning to defend yourself.

      Dojo Code of Conduct

      • Bow
        Bowing is an Eastern tradition typical of many martial arts systems. Bowing is used to bow into and out of the dojo entrance (where the mat begins), and at the opening and closing of class to acknowledge the head Sensei and other students. (If bowing is prohibited for you for religious or other reasons, we ask that you use the Chinese way to recognize your partner/the class. To do this your left hand will be open, palm facing your right hand at chin level.  Your right hand makes a fist. You circle with the right fist and then place your knuckles of that hand into the palm of the left hand.)
      • Train in bare feet or indoor martial arts shoes
        Unless otherwise recommended by a physician or physiotherapist, we train in bare feet for Karate. Indoor training shoes/boots may be used for our other
        programs.
      • Be on time
        Arrive to class on time. It is recommended that students arrive at least ten minutes prior to the start of class in order to be ready when class starts. Classes will start on time and finish on time. (Note: Students may be asked to stay after class from time to time to test for the next stripe on their belt.)
      • Be respectful
        Be respectful of all living things. This includes being respectful towards other forms of life that may ‘participate’ in class from time to time – such as the occasional dojo fly!When waiting to start a class, be respectful of the class already in session and be quiet. 

        If you are late, bow onto the mat, then stand in a strong Hachiji position until the head instructor invites you into class.

        Have a friendly relationship with everyone.

      • Bring sparring gear to Karate classes
      • You must have your sparring gear in order to participate in class from orange belt up. You must have your equipment with you for every class.
      • Be positive
        Always be cheerful and positive during your training.

      Dont’s

      • Do not teach your martial arts outside of the dojo.
      • Do not wear jewelry of any kind to class.
      • Do not chew gum in class.
      • Do not lose your temper or use profanity in class.
      • Do not walk in front of the head instructor during a class.
      • Do not leave your equipment behind.
      • Do not wear a hat in the club.
      • Never talk out loud without first raising your hand.
      • Do not  talk about non-school topics in class.
      • DO NOT GIVE OR ASK OTHER STUDENTS ADVICE, OR TELL THEM “HOW IT’S DONE”.   IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION OR PROBLEM ASK THE INSTRUCTOR IN CHARGE.  ALWAYS GET INFORMATION FROM THE TOP SOURCE.