|
Keeping your contact information up to date.
One of the highlights or our dojo is our organization. We have a custom portal that allows you to check your attendance, find out your illegibility for the next rank test, and keep us updated instantly on address, email and phone numbers. It's important that you keep this information up to date because it's our way of contacting you when needed, and it will help you to stay on track with your training. You can log into the portal here, or find the link on the left side in our menu under the "Student Information" section.
Your log in will be the email you have provided for us. In order to receive your password please email us immediately and we will send you your password - since this is done manually (by a human) it may take a couple of days to receive your password. After you receive your password you should log in and change your password to something you'll remember. In order to update your information simply click the "profile" link and make any changes there.
Please remember to keep your important contact information up to date. Alternatively you can send us your information via email at any time and we will be happy to update your contact information for you.
How to find things on our web site.
Our web site is huge! It's designed to be your complete one stop resource to find anything and everything you need to know about our dojo and your lessons. Our web site is fully searchable; if you're looking for something simply type in what you're looking for in the search box at the top of any page.
How to find out what's going on.
In the student information section of this website are links for "Announcements" and "Calendar". We are constantly updating these sections (sometimes they even change from day to day) so make sure to check them frequently. These announcements are also cross posted at the dojos, but there is always lag time between the time they are posted here and printed and placed at the schools, therefore it's important that you check here as frequently as you can.
You should also get on our e-mail list. When there is something important we will notify you directly via your e-mail. To get on our list simply send an e-mail to us at martialartscenter.ohio@gmail.com and ask to be put on the list. When you update your portal information we will automatically use your email address to keep you up to date. We never share your e-mail with anyone, and will never send you spam.
You can also like our Facebook page by clicking the like button below. After you have "liked" our Facebook page all future updates and posts will become a part of your news stream.
With all of these options you can easily stay informed on what is happening from week to week at the dojo.
Only call the dojo phone before 4:45PM. We will be on the mats with others after five, but we make every effort to answer phones and return calls during the day, so as a courtesy to others who are in class please call before classes. Naturally you can call and leave a message at any time and we will make every effort to return your call as soon as possible. The very best way to reach us is by e-mail at martialartscenter.ohio@gmail.com and we will make every effort to respond as as soon as possible. (Usually within 24 hours)
Let Sensei or Sempai know if you will be absent for more than one week.
Often lessons are planned based on who is expected to be in class. Letting us know of an expected absence is the best way to show involvement and respect.
Maintain good personal hygiene.
- Keep yourself clean - check the bottoms of your feet especially during summer months
- Uniforms should be clean and neat. Shirt should be tucked in
- Keep your fingernails and toenails trimmed.
Always remove your shoes upon entering the dojo.
Please advise family members of this important rule. Removing your shoes indoors keeps our dojo clean of dust, dirt, and sometimes even invisible glass. It is also an Eastern custom that shows respect for your dojo and your practice.
Make every effort to keep speaking to an absolute minimum during class.
It's really an illusion to believe that when we are speaking we are learning. Learning always takes place in silence. Try not to ask questions during your practice but instead hold them until the end of class and ask then. During practice more often than not any questions you have will be answered by observing those around you, and you will begin to train your mind to stay present and listen "the first time" a technique is shown. Advanced students should also avoid doing very much explaining to newer students during practice; their will be plenty of time for explanation after the practice is finished.
Remove all Jewelry before you practice. This keeps both you and your partners safe.
Do your best to arrive on time. Punctuality shows enthusiasm for learning; minimizes disruption; and sets a good example for other students. If you do arrive after class has started, bow onto the mats and wait at the edge for your teacher to ask you to join the class.
Always bow when entering the dojo and when stepping on and off the mats.
Turn your cell phone off or to vibrate. Parents and spectators should take calls outside of the dojo area.
Participate in dojo activities whenever possible.
Do not bring food or drink into dojo. (except a water bottle if desired)
Check in on attendance sheet and read posted announcements daily. It's also helpful to visit the student section of our website frequently.
Always wear your uniform. Our uniform makes us unique; the uniform allows you to let go of all that is personal and makes you part of our group. By wearing a uniform what you are saying is that you are allowing yourself to be part of something bigger than just "you". In uniform your economic status, race, and even athleticism is left behind and you can feel free to be a student again and be treated equally. Remember to take this important part of our etiquette seriously by always being in uniform.
Help keep the dojo clean. A Martial Artist has a sense of reverence for their practice space. In the ancient translation, the word "dojo" literally meant: "Place of Enlightenment"; a dojo is literally considered a sacred space. Always leave the dojo better off than what it was when you entered. After class, stay and help clean - even if for only a few minutes. The basic rule in Martial Arts is "Leave everywhere you go better than when you arrived". This Martial attitude should be applied EVERYWHERE; (not only the dojo). Because of the attitude of reverence at our dojo, and our students habit of cleaning up after one another, we are blessed with one of the most beautiful practice spaces you will find anywhere.
Parents of younger students -. Please do not bring children to class more than a few minutes early. Our dojo atmosphere is designed to be focused, disciplined, and foster ettiquette. If a child enters the dojo and is allowed to treat it as a play area, it is difficult to get that same child back to a focused state when class starts.
First of all it's vital that you fully participate in the dojo. Learn how rank testing works and set a goal to get involved, participate in special events, read the announcements weekly, ask questions at the end of class. The simple truth is the vast majority of people who fail to succeed in Martial Arts do so because they never really get INVOLVED in the dojo. Get involved, be part of things, make the dojo a part of your world.
If your doing all the above then here is a little more solid advice that can be of tremendous benefit. There are two powerful pieces of advice that were given to me over thirty years ago that helped me more than anything else in my practice of Martial Arts.
Here they are for you:
First: Don't try and learn everything introduced to you in any give class, instead make up your mind to learn one new thing each night. The new thing could be a simple as remembering to touch your heels together when you bow, or as dramatic as learning to shift your hips when you punch, but pick one thing and consider a class a success if you can name it. It's that simple.
A great visualization that I often use is to imagine a great Martial Art Master waiting at the edges of the mat for you. He is going to look you in the eye and ask you to tell him one thing you learned today. Go into class with the mission of having a good answer for the Master. Each time as you bow off the mat at the end of class imagine telling him what it was that you learned that day. Your answer should be clear, concise and simple.
Secondly: Make a commitment to practice Martial Arts for a minimum of five minutes every single day (yes, even on Christmas, even on your birthday!). Don't practice for an hour one day and skip the next, practice for five minutes every day! In this way you will begin to make Martial Arts a way of life, you will begin to view yourself as a Martial Artist, and you will see profound changes.
As simplistic as these things sound I can't tell you how powerful they are. If you will simply do these two things, and show up for class regularly, you have everything you need to set the stage for becoming an excellent Martial Artist!
|
How to ask questions about your study.
At the end of most classes Sempai or Sensei will ask if there are any questions. This is the time to ask about your practice of the Martial Arts. There is no such thing as a bad question! Chances are if you have a question there are others in the room who don't know the answer either. Some of our best students even write their questions down before class so they will be remembered at the end.
Please do not go up to Sensei or Sempai after class is finished with your questions. This is considered bad etiquette for two reasons: First it deprives the rest of the student body with the answers to your question, so it doesn't give anyone else the opportunity to learn. Secondly, Sempai and Sensei want to be focused on the Martial Arts experience of all of the students; so when you speak to us individually our attention ends up focused on you and not students that may need help or may be too shy are deprived of our attention. Remember any financial questions must be handled in writing and the best way to do that is through e-mail. martialartscenter.ohio@gmail.com
Please understand that we love to talk about Martial Arts, we love to answer questions, it's just that the time and place for this type of questioning is at the end of class, on the mats, not at the counter or in the waiting areas. Thank you for your help in this important part of our culture.
Lessons in Mindfulness
Lessons in Mindfulness is a program available to our adult students only. Lessons in mindfulness is a comprehensive program designed to help you learn the internal and philosophical aspects of the Martial Arts. You will learn how to breathe and focus the mind, how to meditate, and how to bring your practice into a deeper understanding of how it affects everything in your life.
This program was written exclusively by my teacher of Kung Fu, Sifu Robert Brown. I know of no better tool that will help you transform into a real practitioner of the Martial Arts.
Lessons in Mindfulness is divided up into twenty-four individual lessons. Each lesson is designed to be studied and internalized before you move to the next. You should spend approximately one month on each packet. Discipline yourself to take the time to go through the exercises, the introspection and work with the material for thirty days before moving on to the next session. The time you spend doing this correctly will pay you huge dividends throughout your study.
Lessons in mindfulness is password protected and is only available to those involved in the serious study of Martial Arts at our dojo. For information on how to receive your personal password please contact us via e-mail at martialartscenter.ohio@gmail.com.
Sensei
|
|
Most of the items you will need are available in our store. You should purchase a pair of hand pads (hand pads are like mini boxing gloves). These come in two varieties, there are ones that are foam and cloth that can be used for most sparring and these sell for 30.00 plus tax. You can also purchase an MMA style glove that is also excellent for grappling as well as stand up work. The MMA glove will give you more protection and versatility over the long run, however they sell for 60.00. Our basic advice is that if you can afford it go with the more expensive pair as you will never grow beyond them, on the other hand if budget is an issue then the foam will still be of service to you for a good many years.
After you purchase your hand equipment bring them to class every time. We might go for weeks without using them, and one night get them out. Put them in your bag and bring them every time.
While your putting things in your bag, also put an old pair of tennis shoes in your bag and keep them there. When the weather breaks we love to take the class outside to get a chance to practice on different surfaces and in a different environment. Since you never know when we will go outside just keep the shoes in your bag for every class, you'll be glad you did
Also you should plan on buying either a gi jacket (for teens and kids at 20.00) or a frog button jacket (for adults at 30.00) This will complete a formal uniform and will be worn for formal events and of course when you test for a rank.
All students participating in "Lessons in Mindfulness" should pick up the book "Zen in the Martial Arts" (8.00) but it really is a recommended book for all ages. (We no longer stock this item, but it is available through Amazon or Barnes and Noble.)
Pretty much that's all you need but of course there are other items that will be required as you become more advanced and more types of training become available to you. Items that will support your practice are available in the dojo equipment rack and in our store that can support your practice. It's easy to make a purchase for anything you need or want. If you don't already know how to make a purchase scroll to the next section below.
Because you have an account with us, you do not need to bring your wallet or checkbook with you into the dojo. If there is something that you would like to purchase, you can simply request to have it put on your account. At that time we will simply charge your purchase to your tuition account.
There are two easy ways to make purchases to support your practice.
1. Order your equipment directly from our web site.
This is probably the best and easiest way for you to make a purchase. You can simply click the link below and pick out what you need and you can then specify which dojo you would like to pick it up in. By using our store it allows us to have the time to get you the right item in the right size without at a time of day that does not interfere with the the teaching of a regularly scheduled class.
To order from our store click here.
2. You can select items directly at either dojo.
There is a wooden box located over the water container. Most merchandise is sold on the “honor’ system (especially if we are busy helping students). Any merchandise that you take home with you can be written on a card or slip of paper and dropped in the box with your name and what you took; just be as specific as possible and please print your name, the item, and the price. We will then charge your tuition account, or you can simply put the money or check into the box with your note.
This is also true when we have special events or seminars. If you want to attend all you need do is sign up and let us know you want to put it on your account and we will take care of the rest.
|
We have one of the most aggressive family plans ever!
If you have two family members practicing in the dojo then you are on a family plan and that means anyone else in the immediate family is INCLUDED at no extra charge!
Jiu-Jitsu Class and Fees
Our style is a mixed art, and therefore you will learn ground technique as part of your regular curriculum. No separate grappling class is needed for you to get full benefit from our program. However, available for our adult students only, we do offer a solid block of time to work specifically on ground technique. There is an extra fee for this class that is held on Tuesdays at 8:00PM at our Fallen Timbers location. The additional monthly fee for this class is 25.00 for students who are currently enrolled on an "unlimited" program. The fee is 40.00 for students enrolled on our "limited" program. If you would like to join the class a Judo Gi is required and can be ordered for 99.00.
|
Any changes in your program, questions about billing, or payment requests must be made in writing. The easiest way to do that is to e-mail us at martialartscenter.ohio@gmail.com. It is our goal to respond to all e-mail within 48 hours of your request.
Senior students of our dojo have also formed a non-profit organization called MAAM that was designed to provide tuition assistance to students and families who want to practice but have found themselves in financial need. To get information about MAAM click this link. In the MAAM area you will find information on how to apply for tuition assistance, how to make donations to MAAM, or how you can become a part of MAAM as a volunteer.
|
|
When is the best time to call?
We strongly encourage you to e-mail when possible instead of calling, however if you need to talk to us over the phone, we are available Monday – Friday from 10am to 4:45pm, and most of the day on Saturday before 12 noon and after 4pm. Please do not call us after 4:45 PM weeknights, or between 12:45 PM and 4:15 PM on Saturdays as we are focused on teaching classes during those times. If you do call, you can leave a message and someone will get back with you usually the following day. You can e-mail us any time at martialartscenter.ohio@gmail.com and we will generally respond the same day.
|
|
