Welcome to Musha Dojo! The dojo is a sanctuary in which we enrich our mind and body.  Observing dojo etiquette
helps preserve an environment conducive to learning.  Expressions of courtesy enrich our practice and show respect
and gratitude for teachers, students, and the study of martial arts in general.  The dojo flourishes on a spirit of mutual
support and positive attitude.  When you enter the dojo, leave preconceptions, anger, prejudice, attitude and ego at the
door.  They have no place here.

We are an informal school, so there's no need to worry about "messing up".  We welcome questions and are happy to
assist you in becoming familiar with our routines.  Students and teachers alike want you to succeed, feel comfortable,
and know you are welcomed here.

Dojo in General:
  • A standing bow is done when entering the dojo and when stepping on the mat for practice.
    Note:  A bow is simply a way we show respect for each other, current and past teachers, and the school itself.  
  • Never wear shoes on the mat.  (They carry dirt and someone may soon have their face on the mat.)
  • Avoid distracting students already practicing or in class on the mat.  Turn off cell phones.  If you must have a
    cell phone or pager on, notify the instructor before class begins.
  • Students are encouraged to remove their shoes either upon entering the dojo or upon entering the changing
    area.  Visitors usually don't remove shoes.
  • When the most senior instructors enters the dojo, stop your activity and do a brief standing bow. Then return to
    your training or conversation.  When the most senior instructor leaves the dojo, do the same.
  • Clean up after yourself.  If you are a student, it is your dojo.  It is tradition that students sweep the mat at the end
    of each class.  Additional cleaning is appropriate after the final class of the night.  Ask your teacher or a senior
    student what you an do to participate in this tradition.
  • Do not come to the dojo intoxicated.

Uniforms:
  • If you do not have a uniform, wear clothes appropriate for working out.  If you are not sure what uniform to wear,
    ask the instructor of the class.  
  • Wear the uniform approved for that class.   If you forget your uniform, notify the instructor.  
  • Keep uniforms clean and laundered.  They should be free from offensive odors.
  • Maintain personal hygiene, and keep finger nails and toenails short to avoid injuring others.
  • Remove rings, watches, and jewelry and secure them safely before class.  These items may cause injury to
    you or your partner as you train.  Discuss wearing medical alert items with the instructor before class.
  • Secure valuables before class beings.  Musha dojo is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
  • It is always acceptable to wear a white belt.  Colored belts should be worn only as they are earned.
  • Always treat your uniform with respect.  Fold it according to your teacher’s instructions.  When possible, offer to
    fold the instructor's uniform or hakama.  

While in Class:
  • Be on time.  Notify your instructor ahead of time if you will be late for a class.  If you arrive late, change clothes
    and stand respectfully at the edge of the mat and wait for the instructor to signal that you may enter the class.
  • Bow facing the front of the dojo each time you step on or off the mat.  This demonstrates respect for the place of
    learning.
  • Notify the instructor if you have an injury before class begins.  Discuss how and when you will participate in
    class.  When working with another student, notify him or her of your injury so practice can be safe.  If you are
    working with an injured person, take special care to prevent harm.
  • While in class refer to the instructor by their title or ‘sensei’ (teacher).
  • Line up at the start of the class facing the front of the dojo (where the pictures are).  The highest rank should be
    the furthest to the right with lower ranks in descending order to the left.  If you have no uniform, stand left of the
    lowest rank.
  • Follow the teacher’s instructions at all times.  Don't talk while the instructor is demonstrating a technique for the
    group.
  • Quickly select a training partner once instructed to do so.  Try to work with everyone in the dojo and every rank.  
    If you are new, try to work with experienced students.
  • When you pair up for practice, give you partner a brief standing bow.  At the end of your practice together, give
    your partner another brief bow and say thank you.  
  • During techniques, both partners should have equal (if possible) turns to practice.  Everyone deserves a
    chance to learn.
  • If you are having difficulty, seek help from the class instructor.  Do not shout.  Go where they are, and request
    help.  
  • Continue to practice as instructed until signaled to stop.  When the instructor tells students to stop, immediately
    stop, bow to your partner.  Then, return to the back of the room for additional instructions.
  • If you become injured, stop.  Notify your instructor.  Get first aid if needed.  The best way to prevent an injury is to
    go slowly and focus on form and control.
  • In  martial arts, it's considered rude to cross your arms across your chest or put your hands on your hips when
    listening to instructors.   Unless you are injured it's considered rude to sit with your feet straight out toward the
    front of the room when the instructor is teaching. Pay attention.  Avoid side talk.  Roughness or horse play has
    no place in the dojo.
  • If you are given permission to practice off to the side during a scheduled class, avoid interrupting the class or
    taking up excess room on the mat.  Remember the instructor’s primary obligation is to the scheduled class.  
    Hold questions until the end of the class.
  • In formal classes and during testing, avoid having your back to the instructor at anytime.
  • Do not assume you are testing.  Your instructor will notify you if you are selected to test for a higher rank.  
    Testing fees are due before the test.  

Financial Matters:
  • Tuition is due by the 1st of each month and may be paid in by credit card, cash or check at the office.  Please be
    prompt with payment.  If you have a challenge related to tuition, please be let us know so we can discuss your
    situation and find a solution.  Financial matters are private.  Please avoid discussing them in the work out area.
  • A contract agreement requires payment regardless of student attendance.  For those paying month-to month,
    attendance during any part of a month obligates the student to the entire month’s tuition unless other
    arrangements are made in advance.  
  • Payment for private lesson is due at the time of the training session. (Payments for private classes are
    separate from monthly tuition.)  Be on time for private classes.  You are responsible for payment for the full
    class time even if you are late.  If you cancel a private lesson at the last minute or if you miss a scheduled
    appointment you are still responsible for the class fee.
  • When ordering uniforms and supplies, a 50% of the cost is required as a holding fee.  When the order arrives,
    all of holding fee money is applied to your order.  Orders that have arrived but are not picked up in 30 days
    forfeit the holding fee.  If later purchased, the full cost of the item must be paid.
  • Orders are typically available within 3 weeks, but delays due to availability may occur.  You will be notified if a
    delay occurs.  If a delay is expected to be longer than 6 weeks, your holding fee will returned if requested.

Health Matters:
  • No medical condition automatically excludes a student from participating in classes.  Maintain information
    about medical history that may affect you during your practice, such as epilepsy or diabetes.  If appropriate,
    speak with your doctor before participating in class.
  • If you have a change in your medical status, please keep us updated for your own safety.  We are concerned
    about your privacy and will keep any personal health information private.
  • Please keep a current emergency contact phone number with the administrative office.


If you have any questions, you may speak directly to Grand Master Leo Velasquez privately in his office or by telephone
at (910) 578-1564.
Musha Dojo Etiquette
If you encounter problems with this page, contact mushado@ateminc.com.