When does my student get the next belt?
With each belt, new techniques, as well as new responsibilities, are expected. Like our own unique personalities, we all learn at different paces. Some students have greater coordination, some learn defensive techniques and forms more easily, some are more disciplined.The total outlook the student exhibits in their behavior and demonstration of skills determines when they are ready to test.
How do I tie my student’s belt?
One of the Sensei’s can teach a parent if desired. Belts are put on while kneeling once inside the workout area. Teens and adults should wait until the instructor tells them to tie their belt.Learn to tie your belt with our blog, here.
Why do we bow before entering/leaving workout area?
Bowing signifies respect to our instructors, to the generations of instructors who passed down their knowledge to us, to our fellow students, and to ourselves. The dojo is considered a sacred place of learning, and we bow as a sign of respect for that space.
How will I know when my student has been invited to test?
The Chief Instructor will provide you with a test form. The form will have the date, time, test fee, and belt rank. Students testing must wear their full uniform (gi) and of course their belt.
Why are other children testing faster and/or with a different skill level?
Sr. Masters Steve and Lisa closely evaluate every student’s skill level, discipline, and effort to decide when testing is appropriate. Testing is a very personal experience, and students are evaluated on their own attributes rather than as compared to other students.
Parents are encouraged to talk with Sr. Master Steve if there are questions regarding the approach for evaluating rank promotion.
Why are stripes given out at the end of each class?
The stripes recognize the efforts of junior students in each class, and help the Chief Instructor understand when a student is ready to test. There is no set number of stripes required to test, but generally, the higher the belt, the more stripes, as the material is more complex. Once the student achieves blue stripe belt, they receive only one stripe for proper demonstration of their defensive techniques, kempos, jiu jitsus and forms. At this more advanced rank, students are expected to have more patience and discipline.
What if my student has their whole belt full of stripes?
A student with lots of stripes can mean several things. If a student desires to move up faster, there are solutions discussed later. It also may be an indication that the student attends fewer classes per week and therefore takes longer to remember all of their material. An interruption in regular lessons due to sickness, vacation, behavior issues, etc. may also mean that the student will progress more slowly; but that is part of learning.
What can I do to help my student?
Simply put, “practice makes perfect.” Students can practice at home, increase the frequency of lessons (two group lessons per week are recommended), take a private or semi-private lesson and, most importantly, reinforce the dojo rules at home: Self Control, Respect, Honesty, Patience, and Discipline.
Why can’t my student remember his/her techniques and forms?
In most cases, additional practice will build memory. This is where discipline and patience are needed. Is the student actually listening to their instructors and practicing while in class?
How often does the student come to class?
It is recommended that all students participate in at least 2 classes per week, as this will help the learning process. We offer flexible schedules and semi private / private lessons for those students/parents who have challenges in making 2 group classes per week.
During class, how do they use their time?
Classes at all levels include a portion of class that includes cardiovascular and strength work, stretching, drills, and basics (punches, kicks and blocks). The other part of class is spent practicing each students’ responsible material including defensive techniques, forms (depending on rank) and jiu jitsus. Exercises are geared toward the age level and physical abilities of each student group. Yes – you’ll work hard, but you will have fun! We continually discuss how to practice and maximize results: put in good effort, repetition, good technique, and ask for help.
A dojo is a Japanese term that literally means “place of the way.” It’s also known as “Kwoon” in Chinese.
It is tradition to treat your dojo with respect, to protect the integrity of the martial arts and to provide a safe, enjoyable experience for all who enter our doors.
- Be on time.
- Please be kind to our workout mats. Remove your street shoes and wear clean martial arts shoes or socks. Bare feet are okay if feet are clean.
- Keep your dojo clean. Please pick up any litter (even if it’s not yours) and keep the bathroom neat for the next person.
- Always bow when entering or leaving the workout area as a sign of respect.
- Wear clean uniform pants and a gi top or SDSS t-shirt. You may want to have extras just in case.
- Behave respectfully in the dojo. Speak quietly and maintain an attitude appropriate for serious practice. Refrain from eating, drinking, chewing gum, and using cell phones.
- Treat students in training with respect. If you arrive early, quietly wait in the lobby or back hallway. If you arrive late, please take a place in the back row until asked to join your place by rank.
- Junior students are expected to look to higher rank students for guidance and treat them with respect and consideration. Always kneel when a Black Belt is tying their belt, out of respect for their work.
- Senior students are expected to set a good example for juniors, protect them from injury, help them learn, and treat them with respect and consideration.
- Wear your full uniform (gi pants and top) when testing.
- Uniform etiquette: students wear the white gi from white belt through orange belt. Students may choose to wear the black gi from purple belt up. Only Black Belts may mix black and white uniforms (pants/top).
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