The Way of the Dojo
Tips for students who want to get everything right
Uniform appearance
A clean, unwrinkled uniform is important for the student of the martial arts. The “student” (lightweight) uniforms that are initially presented as part of the Introductory program for beginners, are mostly wash and wear requiring very little maintenance (please do NOT wash the belt as stripes may fall off). The correct length of the pant leg is just ABOVE the ankle. Other uniform styles are available for the busy student who will probably want to have more than one uniform handy. “Logo” tops, v-neck (tuck in, pullover) and traditional (tie), can be combined with karate pants that are MIDDLE WEIGHT with an elastic waist. Heavyweight Gi’s can also be ordered.
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Keeping your sparring
equipment in good shapeSparring equipment will last longer if the following recommendations from the manufacturer are observed. Equipment should be wiped down after each use. Keep a small towel in your bag for that purpose. Wash gear, including straps, in warm, soapy water once a month. This will keep equipment free of odors. Store in a cool, dry place, do not leave in car or trunk. Gear is not intended for use on heavy bags or shields, or for grappling techniques. Long fingernails may tear the foam. When storing headgear, pack your gloves inside to prevent crushing or wrinkling. Pack all gear loosely with each strap folded back on itself (to keep its elasticity)
Taking the right class
In order to teach students what they need to learn for their belt level it is suggested that color belts, yellow and up, attend those classes that are marked on the schedule as appropriate for L2, L3, L4. Those classes marked L1, are targeted primarily for white belts. This is particularly the case on days when special classes have been set aside for color belt students only. We do understand, however that, in our busy world, it is often difficult for students and parents to fit into this schedule. Color belt students are welcome to attend L1 classes where necessary. They will usually be able to practice their own specific curriculum, although the Sensei will mainly attend to the beginners
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“Martial Arts and Courage”
Courage is largely a result of confidence. Becoming a Black Belt requires courage. There is no substitute for the confidence you gain from working out and training in martial arts everyday.
Be brave. You can develop courage if you acknowledge your fear and then press on with your purpose. Be bold and welcome challenges. It is said that “fortune favors the bold”. A failure to achieve a specific goal is only a defeat when we don’t learn from the experience.
There are no shortcuts to success in martial arts. Success in martial arts, as in life, comes only through hard work and dedication to achieving our goals. Worthwhile accomplishments in martial arts are difficult. It takes courage to avoid what may sometimes seem like a shortcut to success.
To be a good martial artist, you must be willing to give a 100% effort all of the time.
Welcome situations which provide opportunities to perform under pressure. Only under pressure can you really demonstrate courage. A true martial artist delivers when the pressure is on.
Remain calm in adverse or hostile circumstances, and your courage will grow. Courage and confidence will inspire you to a level of achievement you didn’t think possible as long as you stay calm.
Courage is a quality possessed by Black Belt martial artists. It’s the quality that drives us to give that something extra when it seems like we can’t give anymore. It allows us to perform at our best, even when, in our mind, only perfection will lead to success.
Courage is a measure of our heart, and inner strength. If we meet an opponent who may be bigger and stronger, our inner strength and our heart can combine as courage to give us the winning edge.
We do not need to be intimidated by the prospect of failure. Courage gives us the confidence to do what it takes to be a winner. When faced with difficult tasks in life, bring the power of a courageous attitude to bear and they will surely yield.
Courage is the quality that you can carry throughout your daily life that will give you the confidence to be compassionate.
Notes on the Junior Sparring Class
*Bring all your equipment to class with you, including mouthpiece, headgear, gloves, boots, shin guards. Boys should be wearing their cup and support when entering sparring class.
*Be on time. Class starts sharp at 5:15 pm on Wednesdays. Promptness is important because the Sensei organizes the class before it starts.
*Pick up your attendance card as usual and be sure to deliver it to the IN box on the Dojo door. Your card is important because the Instructor sets up each student’s matches using their card.
*The class may be split between the two rooms in various ways so that the instructor can teach each student the principles and techniques that they need to learn.
*Children are sometimes paired with older opponents, younger opponents, bigger opponents, smaller opponents, higher belts and lower belts. Each class is different and so the structure of sparring class may vary from week to week...
He who teaches often learns himself. ~ Italian proverb
He who is afraid to ask is ashamed of learning. ~ Danish proverb
He who overcomes others has force. He who overcomes himself is strong. ~ Lao Tzu
Learning makes a man fit company for himself. ~ Thomas Fuller (1608-1661)
No man was ever wise by chance. ~ Seneca
It is better to envy wisdom than riches. ~ Greek Proverb
It is what you learn after you know it all that counts. ~ John Wooden
Practice is how we turn information into knowledge over time ~ Sensei Robert Mason