Dojo Information

How We Train

Train full contact karate not only for the mat, but for life. Our classes are designed to develop the entire martial artist by focusing on three main aspects: kihons (basics), kata (forms) and kumite (sparring).

In addition to kihons, kata and kumite; we focus on developing the athleticism through conditioning the mind and body.

Be prepared to workout and sweat. Although each person’s needs will be taken into consideration, we design the classes to be rigorous and push you towards your physical and mental goals. Expect bruises and soreness. We fight full contact, using light pads for conditioning during training and practice functional self defense, if it doesn’t work, we won’t teach it.

Whether you want a good workout, to feel stronger or train to be a fighter; our classes are designed to help you discover you have what it takes.

Dojo Rules

• The dojo is a place for training. Maintain respect for the dojo, the equipment and your fellow students by focusing on your training.
• Report all injuries immediately.
• Do not use any equipment that you have not received instruction upon, including weapons, strike pads and makiwara.
• Foul language and disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated.
• No one under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be allowed to train. This is for your and your fellow student’s safety.
• Cell phones and pagers must be turned off prior to training. If there is an emergency requiring it to be turned on, please let the instructor know beforehand.
• Always dress and groom appropriately for a workout. All jewelry/accessories must be removed prior to training.
• No shoes or socks will be allowed during training. Exceptions may be made while training outdoors.
• No food, gum or beverage may be allowed during training. If necessary, the instructor will stop for a water break at which point, you may drink water off the mat.
• Work hard and have fun.

Beginning Class

When class is ready to begin we will have either a formal or informal bow in. Students will be asked to line up by the instructor/ senior student. Every student should line up immediately. The instructor/senior student will lead the class through a bow before training.

• “Seiza” – Everyone should assume the formal kneeling position.
• “Shinza ni rei” – Bow to show respect the shrine or organization.
• “Oyama ni rei” – Bow to show respect to Mas Oyama.
• “Mokusu” – Concentrate your breathing, close your eyes, and prepare for training.
• “Mokusu yame” – Stop and open your eyes.
• “Shihan ni rei” – Bow to show respect to the teacher of instructors.
• “Sensei ni rei” – Bow to show respect to the instructor.
• “Senpai ni rei” – Bow to show respect to senior students.
• “Otagi ni rei” – Bow to show respect to your fellow students.
• “Geiko hajime, tatte kudasai” – Stand up and wait at attention.

Ending Class

When class ready to end the insctructor will call the class to line up and lead either a formal or informal bow out. The formal bow out is essentially the same as the bow in, except that the Dojo Oath may be recited after everyone is in “Seiza”. The final command will be “Geiko yame, tatte kudasai”, which indicates that everyone should stand up and class is over. From there the instructor will talk about any pertinent announcements and then dismiss class. then dismiss class.