Dojo Policy
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.
Attendance and Commitment
Attend classes regularly to ensure continuous progress.
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
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.
Representing another dojo in tournaments without prior approval is not permitted.
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
Belt exam eligibility is determined based on attendance, effort, and progress in training.
Students must demonstrate proficiency in kihon, kata, and kumite.
Exams are an opportunity to showcase skills and embody Dojo Kun values.
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 must avoid confrontations with other parents at tournaments or speaking over the sensei during classes.
If considering additional training outside the dojo, discuss your plans with the sensei first.
Communication and Feedback
Open communication with the sensei is encouraged.
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
Bow when entering and leaving the dojo as a sign of respect.
Arrive on time and ready to train.
Maintain proper hygiene and a clean uniform for every class.
Treat all members of the dojo with kindness and respect.
Disruptive behaviour will not be tolerated.
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.
Refund 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.
Cancellation 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).
Attendance & Disciplinary 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.
Leave Of Absence & Withdrawal 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.