- We provide you with a gi and a belt for your first class
- If you have some BJJ or grappling experience, you may attend the Beginner class as your first time.
- Please arrive 15 minutes before class.
- Bring a towel and toiletries if you would like to shower.
- Bring a pair of flip flops to get from the locker room to the mats
- We also have a vending machine with Gatorade and Aquafina waters
Zen Planner
Download the Zen Planner Member App to reserve your spot in class. If you have any questions about using the app, please speak with a staff member.
Bowing
Always bow when entering or exiting the mat of the Academy. Always bow to your instructor the first time you see them each day. A polite greeting such as “Yes Sensei/Sempai” is appropriate. It is also traditional to bow to your instructors outside of the school in such places as shopping centers or public events. This type of behavior exhibits respect, discipline, and humility… all important characteristics of a martial arts student. Your instructor will do the same, suggesting mutual respect between the student and the teacher.
“Yes Sensei”
Always respond with an enthusiastic “Yes Sensei/Sempai” when asked to do something. This positive response shows respect, humility, and a healthy attitude. The energy created by an enthusiastic student body makes for a terrific class.
SHHHH…..
When there is a class in session, respect the instructor, the students, and your Academy by lowering the volume of your voice. Children should be supervised until their class begins.
Personal Hygiene
Please shower or bathe before each class. Many of our drills require direct contact with another classmate. Your hair and body should smell clean and fresh, and you should wear deodorant to avoid body odor. Your finger nails and toe nails must be trimmed to avoid scratches and cuts. Maintaining personal hygiene is important because it is very uncomfortable to train with a partner who has dirty hands or feet. Coming to class directly from work or school is generally not a good idea.
Shoes in the Dojo
Shoes are not permitted on the mats. The ground outside of the school is filled with germs and bacteria that we do not want carried onto our mats. Additionally, be sure that you do not walk around the outside barefoot before class. Remember, it’s your Academy, let’s keep it clean.
Uniforms
In order to maintain a professional classroom environment, we must enforce regulations regarding school attire. The Academy Gi colors are white and royal blue. No other Gi colors are permitted. Uniforms purchased outside our Academy can only be worn if they have an official school patch on them. Modifying your uniform by rolling up the sleeves or adding non-official school patches or embroidery is not permitted. Appropriate undergarments must be worn under your uniform at all times. Colored t-shirts or sweat-clothes are not permitted. When you do receive patches from your instructor, get detailed directions on their appropriate placement to avoid having to remove and replace them. You must wash your uniform before each use. Your appearance not only reflects you, but also your Academy and classmates. Keep your uniform in good condition by removing any stains and repairing any tears which may occur. It is also important to make sure sleeves and pant legs are adjusted to an appropriate length; when either too long or too short, they can impede training and enjoyment of the class.
No Gi
Students must wear a rashguard and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu shorts. For class, students must wear at least one academy item (either the rashguard or the shorts). T-shirts, basketball shorts, or shorts with pockets/zippers are not permitted. Women can wear spats instead of shorts if they prefer. Men can only wear spats under their shorts, not as an alternative.
Karate / Muay Thai Equipment
Use only sparring equipment approved by the school so that everyone has an equal level of protection. By wearing the proper equipment, we can be assured that we have a safe training environment.
Mat Etiquette
When drilling a technique or live rolling, be mindful of your surroundings for the safety of your training partner as well as your own. If you are in the proximity of a higher belt, then you and your training partner need to relocate to another area on the mats.
Languages and Attitude
Please remember that a martial arts school is a sacred place where we must constantly monitor our language and attitude. Profanity, explicit language, or negative attitudes are not permitted. You must be polite and courteous to everyone in the school. Bow when beginning or ending a training session with a partner. Be encouraging and supporting of fellow students. Come to class each day with a desire to learn something new. PLEASE DO NOT USE CELL PHONES IN THE DOJO! IF YOU MUST, KINDLY DO SO OUTSIDE. ALSO, PLEASE KEEP ALL CELL PHONES ON VIBRATE.
Jewelry
All jewelry should be removed before coming to class.
Train Regularly
In order to truly benefit from your martial arts lessons, you must train regularly. To develop flexibility, strength speed, stamina, and self discipline, you need to train at least 2 to 3 days per week. Consistent training over time will yield awesome results!
We believe the study of martial arts helps us to become better people. In addition to physical fitness and learning to defend ourselves, we practice discipline, perseverance, compassion, and patience. Not only in the dojo but the rest of our lives.
Children who study martial arts learn lessons in the dojo that they carry with them to school, home, and throughout life. We take our responsibility to your children very seriously and work to maintain a respectful, family atmosphere.
Our Juniors program consists of Shotokan Karate and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). The ‘Tiny Tigers’ karate program accommodates children from ages 4 to 5. Children 6-12 can enroll in our BJJ program as well as Karate.
