We know as parents sometimes all of this can be overwhelming - not knowing what to expect and not knowing what we are instructing your children to do. So we wanted to try to help explain some of it to you and to help put you at ease.

During class you are welcome to stay and watch at any of our locations. It is required for students to wear a Gi (uniform). If you would like to order one, please see or email Nancy Cutrell.

At the beginning of each class we do the Pledge of Allegiance and our Student Oath. Introductions and announcements are made. At this time we have our students do basic warm ups.

If a student is late to class they must ask permission to join the class before entering the dojo.

You will see our members bowing before stepping on the dojo. This is showing respect and honor.

Please donít hesitate to ask questions about anything that you do not understand.

These are some of the terms you may hear us use in class:

Dojo: Training area (mat)
Yoi: Ready stance
Kata: Also called forms; a series of strikes, punches, kicks, turns, and other techniques. These reflect the ritual side of the Martial Arts.
Gi: Uniform
Obi: Belt
Sensei: (pronounced /sen-say/) Teacher
Hajime: (pronounced /ha-ji-may/) Begin
Dan: Degree of Black Belt
Kyu: Rank below Black Belt
Kiai: Spirit Yell
Sho: Relax
Goman: End
Seiza: Kneel, honorable bow
Anza: Sit, Indian-style, hands on knees
Dir-ro-do-rah: Turn around
Bok jang go cho: Straighten uniform
Parade rest: Stand with hands behind back

• Bow on entering and leaving the dojo
• Address instructors as Mr., Ms., or Mrs.
• Address Master Cutrell as such, or as "Sensei."
• Senior students are expected to set a good example to lower ranked students, protect them from harm, help them if they are having trouble in class, and treat them with respect. Remember: Respect is earned.
• Train at least once a week, twice a week is recommended.
• No one is to leave the class without first obtaining permission from the instructor.
• Parents needing to take their children off the floor early should notify the instructor before class and then at the designated time, the parent should get the attention of the instructor and he/she will get the student for the parent.
• Any student arriving late must wait at the edge of the training area and ask permission from the instructor before joining the class.
• Any interruptions to class should be for emergency only.
• Finger and toenails must be kept clean and short.
• Gi's must be kept clean and in good condition.
• A full uniform is expected at all times. If you forget part of your uniform you will be asked to line up in the back of class regardless of rank.
• Jewelry such as rings (wedding bands permitted), bracelets, neck chains etc. must not be worn during training. If you can't get a ring off, then tape must be wrapped around it.
• Students must not smoke, swear, chew, spit, or commit any other act likely to offend the etiquette of the dojo.
• No chewing gum or candy on the dojo floor.
• If you wear your Gi outside of the dojo remember that your behavior represents you, your fellow students, and your instructors.
• It is everyone's responsibility to ensure that the dojo is kept clean, tidy and safe at all times.
• No horseplay in the dojo at anytime. This is a training facility, not a playground.
• Students must not use their skills in any offensive way outside the dojo.