Student Handbook We don t just teach karate. We teach life lessons Donald P Mathews, 8th Dan Chief Instructor 12/13/16 Student Handbook
Welcome It s a pleasure to have you on board. We know your decision to enroll is a serious commitment on your part, and everyone here at is eager to help you on your journey to Black Belt and beyond. If you have any questions, concerns or comments, please feel free to call me personally, or stop by my office. I look forward to seeing you in class. All my best, Donald P. Mathews, 8th Dan Chief Instructor Contact Us Phone: (888) 333-2638 Email: SenseiDon@warriorspiritkarate.com Web: www.warriorspiritkarate.com
Table of Contents Overview Mission Statement Dojo Etiquette The Five Dojo Kun Belt Levels Belt Level Requirements Black Belt Testing Fees Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started Overview Reasons Why Everyone Should Practice Karate Self-Defense Fitness Confidence Coordination Focus Discipline Family Values Respect Teamwork
Mission Statement We don't just teach karate. We teach life lessons. We provide training that encourages personal growth and development for each individual student at his or her own pace, emphasizing both physical and mental conditioning. We uphold standards of excellence that inspire students to see beyond their current potential and reach new levels of personal success by setting goals and achieving them, building character, and improving confidence and self-esteem. We instill traditional martial arts values of respect, discipline, honor, loyalty, family, and courage, building leadership skills and social accountability. We provide an environment that supports each student on their martial arts journey toward discovering and claiming their own personal power from within and teaching the discipline and self-control to take responsibility for that power.
Dojo Etiquette Before class, please sign the attendance sheet. Bowing is the customary greeting in Asian culture, the way a handshake is to us. It is also a sign of respect. Please bow upon entering and leaving the training mat of the Dojo and when instructed to do so at the beginning and end of class. During class, please address your Instructor as Sensei. Please be on time. If you are late, please remain by the mat until admitted by the Instructor leading the class. Safety is our first consideration. Please do not use any bags, blockers, or other equipment without the Instructor s approval. Unsafe behavior is unacceptable. Martial artists from this Dojo do not fight. Self-defense is only used outside of the Dojo in legitimate self-defense situations. Please do not smoke, chew gum, or eat inside the Dojo. All drinks must be in closed containers with the lid on, kept off the training floor. Please introduce yourself to any new people in class. If you have brought a guest or visitor, please introduce them to the Instructor at the earliest opportunity. Please do not wear watches or jewelry during workouts, and keep your fingernails and toenails cut short for the safety of all students. The Dojo is not responsible for personal property.
Please help keep the Dojo clean and orderly. Your shoes and belongings should be stored neatly off the training floor. Please keep your gi (uniform) and body clean. If you need to wait after class for a ride, please show respect by doing so quietly. All children will sit in the waiting area for their parents to come and get them. Always line up according to rank. Please do not wiggle, fall down, or otherwise display undisciplined body language in class. Please be respectful during class. Ask questions by raising your hand and waiting to be addressed
The Five Dojo Kun These remind us of the right attitude, frame of mind and virtues to strive for within the dojo and outside the dojo. Seek perfection of character. Be sincere. Put maximum effort into everything you do. Respect others. Develop self-control.
Belt Levels White Yellow 4 months at previous rank Orange 4 months at previous rank Green 4 months at previous rank Blue 4 months at previous rank Purple 4 months at previous rank Red 4 months at previous rank Brown 6 months at previous rank Brown - 1 tip 6 months at previous rank Brown - 2 tip 6 months at previous rank Black at discretion of instructor You must have attended at least 90% of the classes for each level to advance. These are only minimums and are not a guarantee for advancement to the next level. Belts tests will be given at the discretion of the Chief Instructor. There will be no make-up tests. There is no cost for belt testing.
Belt Level Requirements All the requirements for each belt level are in the student handbook. Each test contains several areas, including Terminology, Basics (Kihon), Blocks, Kicks, Punches, Stances, Kata, Bunkai and Kumite. Black belt testing fees:**** 1st Dan 2nd Dan 3rd Dan 4th Dan 5th Dan 6th Dan 7th Dan **** Belt Testing fees can be changed at any time.
Frequently Asked Questions Who is the Chief Instructor? Don Mathews is the Chief Instructor. He has over 35 years of experience in the martial arts and currently holds the rank of 8th Dan. He has been a competitor and referee for International and National events. What is the class schedule? Ages 4 7 Monday 5:30pm to 6:00pm Wednesday 6:00pm to 6:30pm Wednesday 6:30pm to 7:00pm Thursday 5:30pm to 6:00pm Ages 8 to Adult Monday 6:00pm to 7:00pm Thursday 6:00pm to 7:00pm What other equipment is needed? When sparring (kumite), gloves are required. All males are required to wear a groin cup. Other gear may include, Head Protection, Chest Protection, Foot Protection and mouthpiece. See Sensei to order equipment.
Are classes canceled for inclement weather? There could be times when classes are cancelled for inclement weather. You are encouraged to LIKE our FACEBOOK page to receive up-to-date information. How are payments made? Payments are due at the first of every month. Invoices can be emailed to you at your request. Please see our office manager for details. Payments can be made by Cash, Check or Credit Card. Payments not received by the 10th of each month will incur a late fee of $5.00. Checks that are returned from the bank will incur a fee of $25.00. Where is the student handbook? The student handbook is located on our website at www.warriorspiritkarate.com. We update the handbook periodically. Are there any training videos? Yes, training videos are located on the website at www.warriorspiritkarate.com. New videos are added periodically. What other information do I need to know? Please refer to the information located in the Student Handbook section of the website. Or see Sensei for any questions not answered in the handbook.