Our Mission Statement
To unselfishly give of our time, effort and experience in order to positively impact our students, 
their families and our community.
To raise the standard of the Martial Arts by giving our students and their families the most 
professional and consistent "Blue Ribbon" service possible.
To be dedicated to the constant and never-ending improvement of our teaching techniques in 
order to more effectively pass on the traditions of the Martial Arts.
 

Rules of the School
1. Upon entering or leaving the workout area, students should bow to show respect for the 
school and instructors. Students should also bow when leaving the training area for any reason 
during class.
2. Immediately after entering, students should pull their attendance card and stow all gear in 
the designated area.
3. Students and their parents (if students are 15 years old or younger) should arrive 15 minutes 
early for all classes.
4. All students must be quiet, respectful and well behaved before, during and after class, i.e., no 
running, no horse play, no loud talking (which might disrupt others), no gum chewing and no 
hands on the mirrors, walls or windows.
5. All students must follow the directions of their instructors at all times and respond appropriately 
with " YES SIR " or " NO SIR "(MA’AM should be used with female instructors).
6. No jewelry is to be worn during workouts, tournaments or seminars. (Instructors are permitted 
to wear watches for timing purposes.)
7. Sparring and the use of weaponry and other training equipment must only take place under the 
direct supervision of an instructor. (1st kyu Brown belt level can supervise if permission is given from 
and in sight of instructor.)
8. All students are expected to have proper personal hygiene, a clean uniform and a properly tied 
belt for every class.
9. Students must take pride in the appearance of the school and assist in keeping it clean and neat 
at all times.
10. All students are expected to promote the school and participate in the various extra-curricular 
activities, events and social functions to the best of their abilities.
11. A Martial arts student should demonstrate good citizenship, a strict regard for law and order and 
a respect for parents, teachers, friends, private property, businesses and social associates at all times. 
 

Policies and Procedures
 

Attendance
All students must attend 2 classes per week. Students should inform the school when they cannot 
be at their scheduled lessons.
 

Daily Practice
All students must practice everyday to retain and improve their material. White belts should practice
a minimum of 15 minutes on a daily basis. As new ranks are attained, gradually increase the amount 
of practice time. Students should consult with the head instructor on how much time to spend on 
home practice.
 

Appointments
When a student or the parents needs to see the head instructor anything, it is in their best interest 
that they make an appointment to ensure that personal, uninterrupted time is available to them. 
The school has an " open door " policy, i.e., the willingness to talk with anyone at anytime; 
however, it is always best to make an appointment to guarantee quality time. Appointments may 
be made either in person or by phone. 
Report Cards
All students who are in school (regardless of age) must bring their report cards to the head 
instructor for review. Outstanding report cards will be publicly displayed. Students who have any 
lower than a "C" average in any subject will not be allowed to test for their next rank (unless 
extenuating circumstances exist). Grades of "D" or "F" must be brought up in order to test, subject 
to the discretion of the head instructor.
"The Prime Directive"
All students should test on time, when scheduled. Any missed testing will result in getting behind 
because the student will have to wait for the next testing period. (Testing period is every 3 months).
There is a $20 fee for belt exams (paid only if student passes). This covers the belt and exam itself. 
 
Financial Responsibilities
Students (or their parents) must keep their tuition account current at all times. However, if 
difficulties arise, immediately contact the head instructor. Students will not be allowed to test 
when their account is delinquent.

Bowing Procedures The karate bow (rei) is the most important move you will learn in your karate training. It is the outward showing of respect you should be developing for yourself, instructors and fellow students. This attitude, if taken out of the dojo and applied to your life, is more important than any technique you could learn.

 You are studying a system of karate that believes very much in the basic dignity and worth of the 
individual. Showing respect to others and to tradition not only leads to respect of ourselves, but also 
reminds us of our own humanness and need to better ourselves. 
 

The standing bow (tachi rei) is made from musubi-dachi, with the body erect, heels together, feet 
at a 45-degree angle and hands relaxed at your side. The body bends forward at the waist 
approximately 45 degrees and then returns. This bow is made when: -- you enter or leave the office 
of a school, that is the area of your chief instructor -- any black belt enters or leaves the room where 
you are or you enter the room where a black belt is present (if more than one black belt is in the area 
bow to the highest ranking only). This is a mark of respect to the black belt, not to the individual. 
It takes years of sacrifice and hard work to attain that rank and it is worthy of respect. NOTE: If the 
black belt is in the training area you are entering the correct procedure is to bow to the dojo first and 
then the black belt, if you are leaving the procedure is reversed. -- At the beginning and end of 
practice with a partner of any rank. You are working in fellowship with a partner and both of you 
are trying to learn, so you deserve each other’s respect for what you are trying to learn together. 
The kneeling bow (seiza) is a very formal bow and is normally only used to begin and end a class, 
however, the instructor may choose to use tachi-rei, which is equally correct -- go down on your 
right knee, bring your left knee to it, sit back on your feet, hands relaxed on your thighs, on 
command to bow place hands in front of you on the floor and bow from the waist placing your 
head between your hands (the index finger and thumb from each hand should touch forming a 
triangle) then return to a sitting up position. To stand back up bring left leg out in front of you, 
then bring back to right foot, while you are starting to stand up, in musubi-dachi. 
 

The three bows normally used to begin and end a class are: bow to the front (Shomen-ni-rei) 
respect to the flags (American and Japanese), our grandmaster of the style and the dojo -- bow 
to the instructor (Sensei-ni-rei) -- bow to each other (Otagai-ni-rei). 
 

  "Karate begins and ends with respect " Gichin Funakoshi 
U.S.E.W.R.K.D.
The United States Eastern Wado Ryu Karate Do organization.
This is an organization which Grandmaster Hironori Otsuka asked Cecil T. Patterson to set up and 
monitor out of Nashville , TN.
 
By being a member of this organization, your rank and subsequent 
advancements are on file with the All Japan Karate Federation. This will be important as a student 
approaches black belt testing. You will also be able to attend Federation seminars. All students 




 
should join this federation by the gold belt rank. The membership fee is $12. Members receive a 




 
patch, belt rank certificate and membership card with each advancement. Membership applications 




 
can be picked up in the office from the instructor.
 

Attitude of Gratitude
Junior students must regularly thank their parents for: Bringing them to class Being involved with 
their training, Staying and watching their class, Paying for their karate lessons and keeping their 
tuition accounts current every month, Supporting their commitment to becoming black belts and 
continuing their training to even higher levels. 
 

Parental Involvement
If a student is 15 years old or younger, that student’s parents must: Enforce class attendance and 
punctuality, Enforce daily home practice, Assist their children in understanding the tenants of the 
Student Creed and the Black Belt Virtues, Call studio when absences occur (if possible, it is even 
better to have the child call the studio in his/her parent’s presence. This is a great way to promote 
accountability! Stay with the child to watch class, if possible. Besides having a great time, parents 
will know exactly what is being taught! Communicate with the head instructor on a regular basis 
concerning their child’s progress and goals, as well as any areas of challenge or concern.
 

How do I get approval from my Instructor?
 
Attendance (makes every scheduled class and is never late for class, unless extenuating circumstances 
arise) 
Makes good grades on all belt reviews 
Maintains a "C" average in all academics 
Demonstrates a high interest in karate
Demonstrates a good attitude in class, at home and towards others
Has a good report on conduct and attitude from parents and teachers
Supports school functions
Refers and sponsors a new student
Is practicing goal setting and has set a long term goal to be a black belt
Is current with tuition payments 
Has full support from parents 
Asking for Help
Students must communicate with the head instructor when they are experiencing any difficulties 
with their material, their attendance or practice, their interest level, or any other area that might 
affect their journey towards Black Belt.

Student Creed Students must memorize, strive to understand and live out the tenants of the STUDENT CREED on a daily basis. (Parents should help them understand it, especially the younger students).

I intend to develop myself in a positive manner and avoid anything that would reduce my mental 
growth or physical health. I intend to develop self-discipline in order to bring out the best in myself 
and others. I intend to use what skills I learn in class constructively and defensively ; to help myself 
and my fellow man and never be abusive or offensive. 
 

Instructor’s Creed
I will teach this class as if it is the most important class I will ever teach. I am patient, enthusiastic 
and I lead by example. 
S.W.A.T. Creed
We are the Special Winning Attitude Team, highly motivated Martial Artists dedicated to achieving 
Black Belt excellence in ourselves and others, developing the mind, body and spirit in unity together. 
 
"Special Winning Attitude Team"
At this Wado Ryu Karate Do school we have a very special group of people - the S.W.A.T. team. 
As you can see, S.W.A.T. stands for SPECIAL WINNING ATTITUDE TEAM, and that is exactly 
what makes this group so special; they all have a desire to help others become winners!
 

 S.W.A.T. Training
Our S.W.A.T. program is for people who are interested in Wado Ryu. The S.W.A.T. group acts as 
assistant instructors in various classes. They aid the head instructor as he runs the class, and will
sometimes be asked to work with a group of students during class. Students considered for S.W.A.T. 
positions must be green belt or above, have excellent class attendance (twice a week) and attitudes, 
be at least 12 years old, and set Black Belt as their goal.
S.W.A.T. Requirements
Minimum rank of green belt 
A good working knowledge of all material up to your current level
Good attendance and practice record
If in school, an A/B average in all subjects (unless extenuating circumstances exist)
A strong desire to help others 
A good team spirit and a showing of support for the karate school
Leadership skills and qualities (we will help develop these)
All tuition current
 
Bringing gear to class 
Students must come to every class fully prepared:
Clean uniform
Properly tied belt
With all safety equipment and weapons
Safety / Training Equipment 
The following safety/ training equipment is required in at the blue belt level, weapons at brown 
belt level and can be purchased through the Karate school. 
"REQUIRED" "HIGHLY RECOMMENDED"
Hand and feet pads Shin pads
Head gear w/ face mask Rib pads
Mouth piece Breast Protector (Female Students) 
Cup and strap (male students) 
 

"WEAPONS" 
Foam padded bo staff Rib pads
Foam padded nunchaku Elbow pads
Head gear w/ face mask Shin Pads
 

Sparring Rules
Sparring and the use of weaponry must only take place under the direct supervision of an 
instructor. (1st kyu brown belt level can supervise if permission is given from and in sight 
of instructor.)
 

Students must follow their instructor’s commands during sparring immediately and without 
hesitation or question. 
 

All sparring gear/equipment (appropriate for rank) must be worn while participating in sparring 
drills or free sparring.
Sparring gear requirements are as follows: hand pads, feet pads, headgear, mouthpiece and men 
must have groin protector.
Students without the appropriate gear will not be allowed to participate in sparring activities. 
This also applies to weapons training, i.e., no gear, no train!
 

 The following areas are the only acceptable (legal) targets for light or no contact during sparring: 
The headgear (NEVER THE FACE!)
The ribs, stomach and chest 
All other targets are unacceptable and students must refrain from striking them, unless specific 
drills are being done.
Students from blue belt to green belt: no contact whatsoever is allowed. Students from brown 
belt or higher: light contact to the body is allowed but no contact to the head.