Membership and other fees

If you are interested in joining the school, contact us for an appointment to visit. If you do not have prior martial arts experience, you will have the chance to watch the classes, and meet the instructors and students. On your second visit, you may try a class without obligation. If you have prior experience in martial arts, you may choose to step on the mat and try a class on your first visit.

Expectations

In some respects, our school is unique. We do not conform to most stereotypes (especially Hollywood portrayals) of martial arts schools. The following is an introduction to our methods and attitudes.

What to Expect

Newcomers attend "basics" classes, up to approximately three hours per week, until they are familiar with the fundamentals and the array of techniques. Instruction in basics is accessible to people from all walks of life and physical conditions, although people who are not physically active should expect to work very hard. To keep things simple, most people initially wear sweatpants and an old T-shirt or perhaps a uniform from a previous martial arts school.

Upon approval from the instructor, students may also attend "regular" empty hand classes, and, subsequent to that, weapons. We do not hold people back indiscriminately, but it is important for everyone's development that students attend these more advanced classes only when they are ready. Most students who reach this stage will have decided to make a stronger personal commitment, and so it makes sense to purchase their uniform and any other training equipment at this time.

For students with little martial arts experience, acquiring basic fundamentals typically takes one or two months. As a student, the frequency of your attendance is up to you. All students balance their training with other priorities in their lives. Of course, your progress will be directly tied to how often you attend.

You are entering into a mentor-student relationship. Your mentor will gradually pass on to you a body of knowledge, with the hope that someday, the arts become part of who you are. We take our students seriously, and class sizes are small.

What NOT to Expect

Although we are a classical tradition, do not expect a strong emphasis on formality. Straightforward shows of respect, such as bowing to fellow students and when one is getting on and off the mat, and acknowledgement of the instructor with "hai, sensei," are pretty representative of the protocols. You do not need to know all the protocols right away, it is fine for you to pick them up over time. Students are on a first name basis. We believe that formality can be overemphasized, to the point where it detracts from what's really important, which is learning the techniques. Likewise, we practice in a modest location, being more concerned about what happens on the mat than the room in which it is located.

Enrollment in the school and payment of dues does not represent a purchase, nor does it imply any special treatment, rights or privileges. You are neither entering into a commercial nor quid pro quo transaction. There are no guaranteed ranks, no money back guarantees. There are no contracts. If you train with us for any amount of time and then decide to leave, you may do so without prejudice.

What is Expected of You

Of primary importance is your relationship with the instructor. This includes having a good attitude towards exploring, learning and doing what may be entirely new things. We do not mandate how frequently you should come to class, but we expect that when you do, you train sincerely and with purpose.

You will be asked to sign a Statement of Assurance, which indicates your understanding that martial arts practice is an athletic activity, that risks exist, and that injuries may occur. Without exception, you will be expected to disclose any emotional, mental, or physical conditions that exist.

Although not a requirement, we usually expect that students will be interested in studying the complete tradition. Empty hand and weapons arts are parts of a greater whole. For example, there may be an aspect of aiki jujutsu training that cannot be appreciated without cross-reference to concepts of tantojutsu (knife fighting).

While training, all students must make prompt payment of dues, without reminder, by the first of each month. Full payment is due each month no matter how often you attend. In some cases of uncontrollable events, such as financial hardship, or relocation which make it hard to attend classes, special arrangements can be requested. But such requests must be initiated by the student. On the other hand, students with the desire and the means may make additional contributions, entirely at their own discretion, as the school does not operate at a profit. Quite simply, your dues are collected as part of your responsibility to help pay the rent.

If, at some point in your practice, you need to be away for a while, let us know and keep in touch. For example, a brief email is sufficient. Out of respect for the school, we ask that you do not simply disappear. Should you wish to return, let the instructor know in advance, and you will be welcome to resume your training.

Recognize that we are a classical tradition, and our arts are complete. They represent a unique opportunity not available to many. The tradition is complicated an very hard to master, but the journey is filled with reward. And, lastly, although the training is hard, there is room for the lightheartedness that brings laughter to the dojo. Enjoy your training.