Purpose: The purpose of this policy is to ensure a safe, respectful, cohesive, and empowering environment that promotes growth for all students and instructors while upholding the values of our dojo.
Dojo Values and Code of Conduct
Respect: Show respect for instructors, peers, and the dojo space.
Sincerity: Communicate honestly and act with integrity in all interactions.
Effort: Commit to consistent and focused training.
Self-Control: Exercise discipline, patience, and emotional control.
Loyalty: Honor the dojo as a community and respect its leadership.
Respect & Dojo Guidance
Always refer to the senior instructor as "Sensei" (ex: Lilia Sensei / Sharp Sensei) and any other instructors and senior students as "Senpai", “Kohai” is a junior student.
Be attentive during class. Do not stand with hands on hips or with arms folded, and do not lean on anything (e.g. walls, mirrors, etc.). If you need to sit, kneel or sit with legs crossed.
If you need to leave class for any reason, seek the attention and permission of an instructor.
If you have to adjust your uniform, bow to the front, turn and fix yourself, and turn back to the front again.
Attendance and Commitment
Attend classes regularly to ensure continuous progress.
Consistent attendance is expected. Repeated unexplained absences may affect a student’s progress and participation in the program.
Inform the sensei if you are unable to attend a class.
Consistent participation is required to qualify for belt tests and competitions.
Training and Competitions
Focus on your own training during class. Do not correct other students or give unsolicited feedback; do not contradict instructors’ teaching. It is the role of the instructors to correct students' techniques and provide feedback.
During class, students should always pay full attention to the instructor. When advice is given, it should be acknowledged with the word "oss" and a bow when appropriate.
Warm-ups are directed by the instructor or senior instructors or anybody chosen just by them.
If you wish to train with other instructors, whether within or outside the organization, it is protocol to inform your instructor of your intentions prior to doing so.
Students must receive approval from the Sensei before representing another dojo in competitions.
Students wishing to compete must inform the sensei in advance.
Competitions are an opportunity to represent the dojo and its values with pride.
Students must wear the dojo’s uniform and logo during tournaments.
Participation will only be approved if the student demonstrates readiness and alignment with dojo principles.
Belt Exams and Technical Qualifications
Belt exam eligibility is determined based on attendance, effort, and progress in training.
Sensei will decide whether or not you are ready to test or attend a seminar or a tournament; the decision involves how often you train, your improvement, and the mandatory payment of all fees.
Students must demonstrate proficiency in kihon, kata, and kumite.
Exams are an opportunity to showcase skills and embody Dojo Kun values.
Technical qualifications (licenses) for an Instructor/Examiner/Judge can only be obtained following authorization from Sensei as JKA requirements need to be taken into consideration.
Parent and Guardian Guidelines
Parents are encouraged to support their child’s karate journey positively.
Avoid interfering with or coaching your child during classes.
Respectful participation is expected. Parents are expected to model respectful behavior at all times, including during classes and tournaments.
If considering additional training outside the dojo, discuss your plans with the sensei first.
Communication and Feedback
Open communication with the sensei is encouraged.
Unless prompted by the instructor, wait until after class to ask any questions. An emergency or illness is different.
Respectful and constructive dialogue is expected at all times.
Meetings with the sensei about individual progress should be scheduled outside of class time.
Behaviour and Etiquette
Always bow upon entering and exiting the dojo (training area), when you are bowed to, when joining or leaving class activities, before addressing an instructor, when addressed or summoned by any senior-ranked person, and upon meeting or leaving any student during partner practice.
Arrive early for class; lateness is disrespectful. If arriving late, kneel at the side of the class and wait for recognition from the instructor before bowing, then warm up if allowed by the instructor, and then join class activities.
Maintain proper hygiene and a clean uniform for every class.
Treat all members of the dojo with kindness and respect.
Before and after each class, everyone should help to keep the dojo clean by helping to sweep the floors.
Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.
For safety, do not wear jewelry, watches, or rings during training. Remove glasses for sparring. Finger and toe nails should be kept short to reduce possible injuries. Uniforms must be clean.
Maintaining Standards
The dojo adheres to JKA standards, and all students and parents are expected to uphold these principles.
Violations of these standards will result in appropriate consequences, which will be communicated respectfully and clearly.
Our goal is to create not only strong karateka but also strong individuals through discipline, respect, and community.
Dojo Policy
Full Refund: If a refund is requested at least one week before the start of the month, a full refund will be issued, minus a $25 administrative fee.
Partial Refund (Medical Only): Refunds requested within seven days of the start of the month or after the month has begun will only be granted for medical reasons, with a doctor’s note required. The refund will be prorated based on the number of remaining classes, minus the $25 administrative fee.
No Refunds for Missed Classes or Sick Days:
Missed classes will not be refunded, and make-up classes might be available at sensei’s discretion.
Members are responsible for their attendance and commitment.
Refund Policy
A student’s enrollment may be terminated at the instructor’s discretion under the following conditions:
If a student requires one-on-one supervision and is deemed “not ready” for group training.
If a student has difficulty following instructions and staying engaged in class.
If a student frequently wanders off during instruction or activities.
If a student engages in inappropriate behavior, such as but not limited to:
Hitting, pushing, or causing harm to others.
Yelling, harassment, or showing disrespect to instructors/assistants.
If a student’s behavior is disruptive to the learning environment and negatively impacts other students.
If a parent/guardian repeatedly questions or challenges the instructor’s curriculum in a disruptive manner or shows disrespect toward the instructors or assistants.
Students deemed “not ready” for participation may be invited to return at a later date, based on the instructor’s assessment (e.g., next session, or in six months).
Cancellation Policy
If a student is absent for three consecutive classes without prior notice, they may receive a warning notification and may be suspended from the dojo for one week without the opportunity to make up missed classes.
Repeated unexcused absences may result in expulsion from the dojo.
Late Arrivals: If a student arrives 15 minutes late without prior notice, they will not be allowed to join the class.
If a member is injured and unable to train, they are strongly encouraged to attend classes and observes what is taught; this avoids the need to apply for a leave of absence.
Attendance & Disciplinary Policy
Members must continue paying dues unless they formally withdraw or request a leave of absence.
The maximum allowable leave of absence is two months.
During this time, members must pay 50% of their monthly dues to maintain their membership.
Exceptions for medical leave may be granted on a case-by-case basis.
Students returning from an extended leave of absence may be subject to a reduction in rank based on skill retention and training consistency.
Vacation
We understand that students may need to take time off for travel or personal reasons. However, to ensure fairness and maintain dojo operations, the following policies apply:
Short-Term Absence (Up to 2 Weeks in a Month)
If a student will miss one or two weeks in a given month, the full monthly fee still applies.
Missed classes cannot be refunded or rescheduled, as class spots remain reserved.
One-Month Vacation
If a student takes a full month off, they may choose to:
Pause their membership and lose their reserved spot. Upon returning, they must re-register if space is available.
Hold their spot by paying a reduced fee of 50% of the monthly tuition. This ensures they can return without re-registering.
Extended Vacation (More than One Month)
If a student takes more than one month off, their membership is considered on hold, and they must:
Pay a 50% hold fee for the first month of absence.
After one month, membership will be paused, and re-registration will be required upon return.
Returning students may be subject to skill assessment to determine their readiness for grading or class placement.
Important Notes
Vacation holds must be requested in advance—failure to notify the dojo will result in automatic withdrawal.
Students who stop attending without prior notice will need to re-register as new students upon return, subject to space availability.
Extended absences may impact grading eligibility, as consistent training is necessary for progression.