WADO-RYU: Student Guide Book
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
- Always bow upon entering and leaving the dojo floor. When entering, the student should bow to the flags first, then if one is present on the dojo floor, should bow to the highest ranking Black Belt. When leaving the student should bow to the highest ranking Black Belt, if one is present on the dojo floor. Then bow to the flags.
- Imediatly before entering the dojo, students should pull their attendece card to get credit for the class.
- Students should arive 15 minutes early for class. This allows you enought time to get dresses in your gi and prepare for class.
- All students are expected to have proper personal hygiene, a clean uniform, and a properly tied belt.
- All students should take pride in the appearance of the school and assist in keeping it clean and neat at all times.
- The wearing of the DO-GI (uniform) outside of the dojo is strictly prohibited. The DO-GI may be worn at home for private practices.
- No jewelry, chewing gum, hands on walls or widows, during workouts, tournaments, or seminars.
- During class, students must work with a serious attitude and complete concentration. All students must be quiet, respectful and well behaved before, during, and after class. Therefore, laughing, talking, running around, and horseplaying are not permitted on the dojo floor. (These things disrupt others). Silence and seriousness during class are two rules that must be followed to sustain a high level of training through the entire class.
- When the instructor gives a command, the students should move rapidly. Whetherthe command is lining up or doing techniques up and down the floor. This is a good habit to form. It keeps the class running smoothly and timely.
- All Black Belts should be addressed with "Mr." and "Mrs." then their last name. (example: Mr. Terry) When responding to a Black Belts question, students should use "YES SIR", "NO SIR" or "YES MA"AM, "NO MA"AM".
- The head instructor of the Karate school is always refered to as "Sensei"
- When it is time for class to begin, if the Sensei (instructor) or the Senpai (senior Black Belt) is not present, then the senior student present will start the class. All students must follow the leader's instructions as if they were that of the Sensei.
- Senior involvement: No student should go directly to the Sensei with questions unless first gointg to obtain the answers from the senior students of the class. Each student should, however, make every effort to learn the answer through continued practice, work, and observing other students. If a problem can be solved by the student themself in this way, through his own effort, the answer will become permanent knowledge and will not be forgotten.
- If during a class a student must stop working out for any reason, the student must raise their hand and report to the instructor when temporarily discontinuing their lessons.
- Sparring, the use of weaponry or any other training equipment, must only take place under the direct supervision of a Black Belt. 1st kyu Brown Belt level can supervise if permission is given by the instructor.
- All students are expected to help promote the karate school and participate in the various extra-curricular activities, events, and social functions to the best of their ability.
- 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 are required at the age of 12 or by the Blue Belt level, weapons at the Brown Belt level. They can be purchaced through the instructor.
REQUIRED
- DoGi (unifor)
- Hand and Feet Pads
- Head Gear with face mask (under age 16)
- Mouth Piece
- Cup and Strap (male)
HIGHLY RECOMENDED
- Shin Pads
- Rib Pads
- Breast Protector (female)
- Elbow Pads
WEAPONS
- Foam Padded Bo Staff (beginer)
- Foam Padded Nunchaka (beginner)
- Wood Bo Staff (advanced)
- Wood, Corded Nunchaka (advanced)
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.