New Student Center - Dojo Rules and Etiquette

Call us at 513-770-0834 with any questions.



Dojo Rules


Note: The Dojo reserves the right to expel any student from training at any time.

Dojo Courtesy, Professionalism and General Training Etiquette

Honor your martial education just like college.

If you are going on a vacation or are out for an extended period of time due to injury, please do the common courtesy of calling or emailing to let the dojo know when you will be gone.  As the school has a family atmosphere, you are looked for and missed by everyone when not present.

Please do not 'disappear like a ninja' with no communication for weeks at a time. That is disrespectful to everyone.

Respectfully check-in with your Sensei and dojo, periodically.

If you miss your classes, please make them up when you get back.  There are several classes per week to choose from that will work with everyone's schedule.

Just like any other service industry, students will continue to be billed each month for tuition notwithstanding personal vacations, illness, injury, etc.

Unlike most dojos, The Dojo does not have signed, long-term contracts.

However, training is a serious commitment and should be taken as such.  Do not quit and you won't regret anything.  

Success does not come knocking on your door. 
One must develop the good habit of attending classes at a minimum of 2 times per week.


Facility Rules:

Respecting the space.

Students: Please remove shoes at the door

Please do not touch the weapons without permission.

Do not be late for classes.

Do not leave belongings in walkways,
on benches, etc.

No smoking or alcohol in the dojo.

Keep the changing rooms and bathroom clean.

No food in the dojo (see instructor for snack exceptions - ex: yogurt, granola bars, etc. are okay)

For children's safety:
No running on the wood floors.

Entering and exiting the dojo

Optional bow, standing at the entrance, facing the dojo or towards the front of the dojo, whether you are entering or exiting the dojo.  Remove shoes and carry them to a cubby in the back.  Change into soft indoor tabi or wear socks.

Tardiness

Come in early to stretch before class.  
If you are late, do your push-ups.

Do not be late. (Once in a while is of course ok for traffic, etc). If you are late, bow in, do your push-ups and ask the instructor to join the class.

A few minutes before the bell, line up according to rank.  If you have the same rank, line up as to who was at the dojo first. Lead student will bring the class to attention.  "Sensei ni Rei" means, please salute the teacher.  "Onegaishimasu" means "please assist me".
"Domo arigato" means "thank you".

Memorize and say the student creed, loudly and proudly.

Know a mindul action tenet for each colored belt rank. 

Do not wear jewelry, watches, Fitbit, etc. while training.

Keep your curriculum and notebooks at the edge of the mats.  Take good notes after class.

If you ever need to leave a class early, let the instructor know beforehand.

Do not hesitate to ask senior students (Senpai) and Instructors (Sensei) for help before or after class. This is your dojo family.

Treat everyone and everything with respect and dignity.




The Tori and Uke Relationship


In many Japanese martial art systems, the "Tori" is the person who completes the technique.

The training partner/receiver is called the "Uke".

Always train slowly for safety and better muscle memory.  

Take good care of your training partners.
They are sacrificing their time and body to help you improve.

Alert your instructor or training partner if you have any injuries.  

Always bow (to show respect) and shake hands with your training partners.

Never pick your 'favorite training partner' and overlook others.

Train with everyone: all ages, shapes and sizes, to broaden your martial experience.

Listen for your uke's "tap out", to ensure their safety.

Know your surroundings. Watch where you throw your partner.

Do not distract others by working on your demos during busy classes. Schedule an open mat time.

Saying "yes, sir" or "yes, ma'am" shows awareness and respect.  

Always bow in respect when you move on to a new partner.





The Dojo Martial Arts.

Copyright 2024



Keep it Clean

If you have visited any other dojos, you will appreciate that this Dojo is by far one of the nicest and cleanest training hall in the area. This achieved with everyone's help.

Always wash your hands before and after class.  

Wash your uniform (gi) teeth and body before coming to class.

No need to wash your belt (obi) unless it gets dirty over time.

Wear your full uniform and belt at all times.

For cleanliness, no bare feet are allowed on the mats.

Please wear socks or indoor cotton Tabi Shoes.

Hydrate at the water cooler before class to avoid headaches.

Hand Sanitizer is available, everywhere.

No eating in the dojo, except for energy bars. Sport drinks are okay.





© Copyright 2006-2024 The Dojo Martial Arts  - All Rights Reserved

The Dojo Martial Arts
7936 Mason Montgomery Road
Mason, Ohio 45040


Call 513-770-0834 to book your first class