2.1 What should I wear?
At Guardian Self-Defense, we encourage a plain white karate "gi" (uniform) without patches or logos. We have a small supply available for sale; however, these are widely available on-line (www.century.com or www.bujin.com) or at local sporting goods stores. However, for your first classes, you can wear a martial art uniform from any other style. You may also wear something loose such as a plain sweatshirt and sweatpants.
2.2 What classes can I attend?
Guardian Self-Defense does not have special "starting" classes. New students can start at any time, and can attend any fundamentals / beginning classes. The instructor in charge will make sure that the new student will receive any special instruction or attention needed to help integrate them into regular training. The advantage of this is that even in a student's first class, they will be introduced to other beginning students with a range of experience and skill levels.
We request that brand new students attend only the "fundamentals" courses. Currently, these are taught on days (morning and evening), days (morning and evening), and days.
2.3 Do I need to buy any weapons?
Eventually, you will be encouraged to purchase your own training weapons. About once per year, the Dojo makes a group order for supplies. However, training weapons are usually used only in regular / advanced classes, and there is a supply of Dojo training weapons for everybody to use.
2.4 What if I'm late for class?
Sometimes, it is unavoidable to arrive late for class. That is OK! If you arrive late, please walk around to the back side of the building and enter by the back door (so you don't have to cross the mat while class is in session). Go ahead and dress in, warm up and stretch out on your own; when you are ready, sit at attention ("seiza style") until the instructor in charge invites you onto the mat. Please wait until the class is finished doing warm up exercises before you wait for an invitation to join the class. If the back door is locked, please knock and somebody will promptly let you in.
2.5 What if I have rank or experience in another martial art?
Previous martial arts experience is encouraged and appreciated at Guardian Self-Defense. We have many students with senior rank in other styles, including Aiki-do, Iai-do, and Tai Chi instructors with very senior black belt ranks. While previous experience is not at all required, you will find that Guardian Self-Defense instruction can build well upon any instruction you already have.
As a rule of thumb, our school officially recognizes rank registered with (organization name). Practitioners of other styles and martial arts are asked to wear white belts and enroll as new students. This is not because we do not respect your previous instructors, but because our style is different enough to require the development of a "new base" of techniques and ability. If you have any questions, please speak to the instructor in charge
2.6 What do I need to know about etiquette?
Guardian Self-Defense is a traditional school, and practices fairly formal Dojo etiquette. This is done to ensure a constructive atmosphere that is focused on serious training. There are a few simple rules to keep in mind; you will pick up the rest quickly.
2.6.1. Entering the Dojo. Bow from the hip, facing the front of the Dojo, when you enter the door. This is to remind you that the Dojo is a special place, and to leave the "outside world" past the door. Remove your shoes, and place them facing inwards against the wall near the door. Bow when exiting the Dojo as well.
2.6.2. Entering the practice floor. Do not enter the practice floor while class is in session. If you are late for class, enter the back door, dress in and warm up, and wait for the instructor to invite you in. Make sure your feet are clean, especially if you are wearing sandals. When you step onto the floor, again, bow to the front of the Dojo. This is to remind you that you have now begun training, and should pay special attention and respect. Bow when exiting the practice floor as well.
2.6.3. Starting Class. Until class starts, you are welcome to stretch and visit with other students. Do not lean against the wall at any time. When students begin to line up in seiza (kneeling position), or the senior student claps his or her hands twice, this is a signal to line up at attention and wait for the instructor to begin class. The class will line up with the most senior people to the right, the most junior people to the left. Please line up in kneeling position - if your knees prevent you from doing this, kneel to the best of your ability, even if you can only "stand" on your knees.
When the instructor is ready to begin class, he or she will be in seiza facing the front of the Dojo. The instructor will raise his or her hands, then bow, then raise and clap twice. This is traditional and has no religious meaning; students will bow and clap at the same time as the instructor. Again, students and instructor will bow to the front. Then, the instructor will turn to face the students, and everybody will bow one final time while saying "onei gashimasu" (pronounced "oh - nye - gosh -e - mas"). This simply means "I hope to learn from you", and indicates respect and attention. Please note that the instructor says this as well!
2.6.4. During class. In between each technique, the class will watch silently while the instructor demonstrates techniques. When the instructor announces the technique, all students bow to the instructor quickly, and find a partner to practice the technique. Usually students try to find a different partner for every technique. With your partner, find an open space, make a standing bow to each other, and begin practice. Usually, each partner practices each technique four times (twice on each side, right and left), and then trades places. The senior-most student usually begins as the person performing the technique.
2.6.5. Ending class. At the end of class, the instructor will tell the class to line up. Students should line up in seiza, in no particular order. The instructor will raise hands, bow, clap twice, and bow, just as at the beginning of class. The instructor will face the students and bow again; this time, everybody will say "domo arigato gozaimashita" (pronounced "domo aree-gah-toe goe-zai-mash"), which simply means "thank you very much!" Finally, the instructor will ask the class to sit in a circle, where everyone will bow to each other.
2.7 Are there any special personal appearance or hygiene requirements?
All students are expected to keep good hygiene. Uniforms should be washed regularly, and fingernails and toenails should be trimmed neatly and closely. This is to prevent injury to yourself and others. If you have long hair, you are encouraged to keep it tied (in a ponytail for example)
2.8 Is it a problem if I wear jewelry?
Students are requested to remove all jewelry before class. This is partially to maintain a clean, uniform training environment. Most importantly, however, this is to prevent injury. Karate practice includes close physical contact with others. All of this can result in rings, earrings, watches, bracelets and necklaces catching fingers and skin on yourself and others, creating unpleasant injuries. Although students occasionally wear tight fitting, smooth wedding rings, students are encouraged to remove rings as well, or place tape over them.
2.9 I wear glasses. Is this a problem?
Many students have vision problems. It is perfectly acceptable to wear regular glasses to practice, though of course protective "sports" glasses are even safer. The nature of karate practice is such that with a little care, glasses will not be damaged or cause injury. Contact lenses work very well.
2.10 What if I have to leave the practice floor during class?
Sometimes, due to injury, emergency, or other need, you may have to leave the practice floor while class is in session; this is OK. Please do not leave while the instructor is demonstrating a technique; however, if you need to step off the floor, it's best to get the instructor's attention or permission first so they know what is happening. Once you have addressed the problem, you may step back on the mat. As always, be sure to bow when stepping on or off the floor, and do not interrupt the instructor when they are demonstrating a technique. Please don't leave the floor unless you have a reason.
2.11 What do I do if I get an injury?
Our school has a very good record with injuries; very few injuries occur, and none of them have been very serious to date. All students are taught to look out for themselves and their surroundings at all times. Further, we encourage an atmosphere where the goal is to help each other learn, and not hurt other students. However, we practice serious martial arts, and accidents can happen.
If you have a minor cut or scrape, please get the instructor's attention and leave the floor and attend to it quickly. The Dojo policy is for the injured student to clean, disinfect, and cover even minor wounds, to maintain a safe and sanitary environment. Bandages, a first aid kit, and disinfectants are available in the desk (a senior student can show you). When you are done, take diluted hydrogen peroxide and some Q-tips (in the desk drawers) and scrub any places on the mat where you may have bled. Please note, you may have to cover the injury with duct tape to keep the bandage in place!
If you have a sprain or strain, we have ice packs. Even if you think you might have injured yourself, please tell your partner, and take a break for a couple minutes to rest and recuperate. Very often, minor injuries are unnecessarily made more serious by "toughing it out". Remember, a neglected injury can keep you from training!
Follow the advice of your doctor. If you have a more serious injury (whether received in class or not), be careful about attending class until you are sure the injury has sufficiently healed.
2.12 What if Karate seems too difficult for me?
Beginning the study of karate can be very daunting. You must learn new ways of moving, which can make you feel clumsy. You will probably be surrounded by people who make the things you have difficulty with look effortless and graceful. You may generate a wealth of bruises and stiff joints until you become comfortable.
We want all new students to know that is natural. Even more importantly, every single person in the Dojo has gone through the exact same experience! In fact, just about any senior student can probably share humorous stories of when they were beginners too. It takes a lot of guts to enter a new school, filled with strangers, and commit to the long process of training in a martial art.
So hang in there! We all know how discouraging it can be, but before you realize it you will be helping others!
