Welcome
As a new student to the martial arts you will begin a fulfilling journey into a greater way of life that will benefit you immensely. How much you benefit from your training depends on your commitment to serious training, attending classes in the way of Karate Do. This beginners guide is designed to help you get started in the proper direction. By choosing to begin, you have made the firs step. Now you will need patience, humility and the discipline not to quit.

THE RYU - FRIENDSHIP AND FAMILY OF A DOJO
One of the most important parts of your training is promoting friendship among your fellow dojo members. No student is better than another at any time. Only through mutual cooperation and partnership will you be able to achieve. You must train with an open and empty mind while being humble in the process.

The First Step...When to Bow
Bowing is a deep sign of respect, much like a firm handshake is to most Americans. It is one of the most confusing part of a new student's training. You may either bow too little, or not enough in the beginning. The best way to learn is watch your Sempai (senior students). Here is a list of "when you must bow" to help you begin:

*  When entering or leaving the dojo floor (training area)
*  At the beginning and end of a training session or class
*  To the Sensei when they offer you instruction during class
*  To your Sempai after receiving instruction
*  Before and after performing a Kata
*  To your training partner before and after training exercises
*  To all black belts at the dojo when you arrive and leave at night

In order to keep track of your consistency in training we use a digital membership card scanning device located by the office entrance. All students are required to scan in before being allowed to participate in classes.

Care of the Dojo
A dojo is not a commercial business, so don't expect to see hired help cleaning up, sweeping the floor or emptying the trash. There is more to your training (budo) than just learning some cool moves. You are part of the dojo and everyone is expected to help out. A dojo is considered our home. Things need fixing and cleaned all the time. If you arrive early, look around for something that needs to be done. After class, everyone will pitch in and clean up. The changing rooms and bathrooms must be cleaner than you found them. Don't wait to be asked to help, or leave without doing your share. There are many time you can help out in extra things based on your special talents or occupation.

Paying Dues
All students are obligated to pay your agreed upon dues in a timely manner. Being sick or injured does not excuse you from your commitment. If you are having temporary financial problems, you should schedule a time with Sensei and let him know when you can plan on returning to pay your fair share. If he wants you to continue training you will be given duties to help offset the cost of your membership that must be done, but do not assume or expect his cooperation. In the event that you have to leave temporarily, continue training on your own so that you are prepared when you return.

The Aiki Te Ryu Karate System
Aiki Te Ryu Karate is the specific style of Karate that we study, and is identified by the patches on your uniform. The ATRKK patch is to be place on the left breast area of your gi (uniform) and must be straight up and down after the jacket is tied and your obi (belt) is on. As you progress within our system you will have chances to earn membership in to our Black Belt Club or the Sempai Program.

Basic Techniques
Beginning students will need to become familiar with the following techniques:

Basic Stances
·    Attention stance
·    Zazen / Kneeling stance
·    Back stance
·    Horse stance
·    Front stance
·    Cat stance
·    Kumite stance

Basic Blocks
·    Rising block
·    Outside block
·    Inside block
·    Low block

Basic Punches & Strikes
·    Front punch
·    Reverse punch
·    Back fist strike
·    Knife hand strike

Basic Kicks
·    Front snap kick
·    Side kick
·    Roundhouse kick
·    Back thrust kick
·    Hook kick

Dojo Manners & Rules
The dojo is a place of great honor and closeness with the Sensei and students, both physically and mentally. Students (and Parents) must respect each other, then Sensei and the dojo by observing the following manners and rules at all times:

  1.   Always show honor, courtesy, politeness, respect and care to all. 

  2.   Observe the training schedule by arriving early and being prepared for class. If
        you are late, change quickly and then wait for permission from the Sensei
        before entering the training area.

  3.   Shoes are to be removed when entering the dojo and placed neatly in the
       area provided. 

  4.   Pay your respects by bowing every time you enter or leave the dojo.

  5.   Your gi must be clean and neat. Sleeves are not permitted to be farther than
       the wrist on the arm. Pant legs must be hemmed above the ankle bone. Do not
       wear jewelry for classes. Your fingernails and toenails must kept short to avoid
       injury to the other students and yourself.

  6.   When the Sensei calls for class to begin, line up quickly, facing the Shomen
       (front of the dojo) by rank with the highest rank of each line to the right.

  7.   Bow to the Sensei, Senior students and each other with appreciation and
       respect.

  8.   Training with cuts or open sores is strictly prohibited unless properly covered.
        If you are injured while training, stop immediately and ask permission to obtain
        first aid supplies or for medical assistance.

  9.   When tying the belt, adjusting your clothing or clearing perspiration from your
        face, always turn away from the Sensei.

 10.   During class, kata is to be performed with kime (focused power). If you
        become tired, rather than proceed weakly, rest for a short period of time then
        continue.

 11.   Never leave the dojo floor for water, or early dismissal without getting
        permission from your Sensei.

 12.  Listen carefully to the advice that Sensei give you. Do not forget to thank the
       Sensei and Sempai by saying "Hai" (yes) to show that you have heard and
       understand the instructions. 

 13.  Sempai (senior students) are responsible for setting the example of respect,
       honor and cooperation within their conduct in the dojo. Kohai (junior students)
       should observe closely the actions of the Sempai to correctly further their
       learning.

 14.    Never talk during training except to ask a question. While observing training
         always stand, kneel or sit in the proper and respectful manner and do not
         bother others by talking.

 15.   No sparring is allowed below 1st kyu rank without permission. Fooling around
        can result in serious injuries and is absolutely prohibited.

 16.   Any outside activities (fighting, etc.) that bring discredit to Sensei, the dojo,
        karate do or the student are sufficient reason for disciplinary action which
        can lead to dismissal of the student. Any incident that occurs must be
        brought to the Sensei's attention immediately.

 17.   If you are injured it is recommended that you still come to the dojo and learn
        by observing training.

 18.   If, for any reason, you can not continue your training you must advise
        Sensei. Students are obligated to complete the length of their agreement and
        no credit will be given for a student's failure to do so, or simply quitting.