Schedules, Fees, Test Results and Registration Forms

Dojo etIquette as set forth by the S.K.I.F. are to be carefully followed. These rules have been handed down from ancient times and are continued as part of the Karate-do.   

• Whenever entering or leaving the dojo, stand in the doorway, face the front, bow and say "oss".      
•  Remove shoes upon entering the dojo. Shoes are NEVER worn on the training floor. Shoes will be neatly placed on the shelf, not scattered about on the floor.   
• Late arrivals should make themselves known to the Instructor by kneeling at the side of the Dojo floor, bowing to the Shrine or Shomen and then to the Instructor where the student must wait for permission to join the class.
• When sitting, always sit cross-legged or in seiza position. (If you have a knee problem, please speak to the Sempai.)    
• While a class is in session, karate-ka should not lean against the wall or lie down on the mats. Rather, they should conduct themselves in a more acceptable manner paying strict attention to the instructions being given or the class being taught.   
• The Karate student must show courtesy and respect to all instructors and fellow students.   Always address the instructors by their proper title, Sensei or Sempai (senior student), inside the dojo. THIS INCLUDES PARENTS AND ADULTS.   
• Acknowledge the Sensei or Sempai with a loud "Oss" when they speak to you or say "Hai (yes) Sensei" or "Hai Sempai". Always acknowledge criticism given by the instructor or any other person.   
• Be on time so you will not interrupt classes or instructors by being late. It is proper to ask the instructor for permission to practice when arriving late for class, or if you need to leave early.   
• Every time you get a new partner for any exercise, bow. Every time you're about to switch partners, bow to your old partner before moving on to the next.   
• Treat your partner courteously and with proper etiquette. Always challenge your partner to a degree that is beneficial to his/her learning. 
• Junior students must look to seniors for guidance and treat them with respect.    
• Senior belts must set an example for the junior belts. You must lead junior belts by example.   
• Talking back to the instructor or senior in a condescending manner is strictly forbidden, whether you think that you are right or wrong the only acceptable answer is OSS. One must be willing to obey the rules and learn self-discipline.   
• Your GI must be NEAT and WASHED CLEAN at all times. Cleanliness will eliminate the possibility of offending others and a clean mind is a necessity for dedicating yourself to your training. Your belt should NEVER be washed, only air-dried. It symbolizes the spirit of your effort.   
• When adjusting your GI or re-tying your belt it is proper etiquette to turn away from the front (shomen) and away from your partner. (It is improper behavior to dress or adjust your GI while facing someone.)   
• Toenails and fingernails are to be kept short to prevent injury. Long hair is to be tied back during training.   
• Makeup and jewelry are not to be worn during training sessions. ◦It is everyone's responsibility to ensure the Dojo is clean, tidy and safe at all times.    
• Dojo fees must always be paid on time. This is also Karate, it is disrespectful to expect an instructor or club secretary to remind you of such matters.

   Peak Performance Shotokan Karate-Do is affiliated with Shotokan Karate International Federation (SKIF) and Shotokan karate International Federation –USA.   We are dedicated to the teachings and curriculum as put forth by Kancho Kanazawa.    

What is testing in Shotokan Karate and why is it important:    

   Testing is an opportunity for a student to demonstrate how s/he has grown in his or her knowledge and skills in the fundamentals of Shotokan Karate.  It allows the student to demonstrate his or her skills to the chief instructor, other instructors and other students in the Dojo.  This is done in the presence of the entire dojo.  The chief instructor acknowledges that a student has reached the new level of growth by passing them to the next kyu or black belt ranks.  Higher rank is recognized by a change in belt color or titles within the kyu and black belt levels.  These principles are focusing on the kyu ranks.  Remember that testing is like a road marker, it is a way for you to check to see how far you have come and find out what you need to continue.       

   As a student begins their journey in learning Shotokan Karate, there are fundamental or basic techniques, applications of these techniques and a philosophy of what these techniques mean and why are they essential to the study of karate for the student to explore.  With each step the student demonstrates their growth and knowledge.  Each progression is symbolized by a belt color and rank.  Each student should understand the ranks….as these provide the framework for teaching and learning within the dojo.   Each level has a new responsibility and respect and it takes time to move up through the ranks.  Details on the test specifics are described in the “Testing Requirements” section of this website.         

Remember:  

   There is a minimum of 3 months training between each kyu rank up until you reach 3rd kyu (or first level of brown belt).  After 3rd kyu there is a minimum of 6 month between tests.         

How do you know when you are ready to test?     

   Students will work with your instructors to determine if you are ready to test.  An instructor’s verbal permission is required to test at all levels.  The skills you will demonstrate in the test are specific for each level and defined in the “Testing Requirements” section of this website.       

   Each time you test you will be tested on the basics, kata and kumite required for that level.   And you will be asked to perform any kata that you previously learned…..’which one’ is selected by the Chief Instructor.  Each kata is a building block in your training.  And as you grow in your understanding of kata, how you perform the kata will show an increased understanding of its applications or ‘bunkai’ and its technique.     Seeking this permission allows a student and instructor to agree that the student is ready to move to the next level.  It does not guarantee that the student will pass, but if a student decides to test without discussing it with their instructor the results will be mixed.    

The Testing Process              

• It is Peak Performance’s goal is to provide a test every 6-8 weeks to encourage students test. 
• Testing schedules will be posted in the dojo and on the website.             
• Testing fees are also posted in the dojo and on the website.                     
• Your test is not just the day of testing but includes how you have trained in classes leading up to the test.  Hence the saying:  “Train like you test and test like you train!”                     
• All elements of the test must be done with full speed and spirit.  No move should be done in slow motions or without intent.                     
• During the test you must show ultimate respect for your Sensei, Instructor, fellow testing students, other students and yourself.                       
• Bowing and Kia’s are important…don’t forget them.                       
• When not on the floor testing, please sit or stand quietly at the back of the room.              
• Watch the test…you will learn something with each test.                        
• The test is a part of your journey and a cause for celebration and a sense of humility.                 
• The test is a time to experience a communal dojo sense of pride and support for each other.         

 Who are the instructors that administer the test?        

 Sensei Chris Johnson has the title of Chief Instructor which is the highest position in the dojo.  She is a sixth degree black belt and the owner of the Peak Performance dojo.  Sensei Chris administers the test for the kyu ranks and has other high ranking Masters in the organization administering black belt tests.  (There are separate guidelines for black belts).  When Sensei Chris administers the kyu tests another instructor or instructors who have helped train the students may also sit at the testing table, and provide input into the student’s test and how the student has demonstrated their karate knowledge and skills during training and during the test.  It is the Chief Instructor, Sensei Chris, who decides whether a student is ready to move to the next level.          

Test Results               

• Test results will be posted at the dojo and on the website one week after the test.  This one week waiting period is important to teach the student that there is no instant gratification in the dojo.  Karate is about training and the achievements that this training leads to.                    
• If you pass you have succeeded to meet the requirements of that kyu or rank.  This is something you and fellow students and instructors can take pride in.  But humility is always part of the process and it is just a step forward in the journey.                    
• If you pass to a semi rank you have not failed…it merely means you are not quite ready for a full kyu rank.  You should plan to test at the next test (no 3 month minimum required) to try and complete a full kyu advancement.  There is no additional testing fee if you test at the next test.  However, if you wait longer than the next test there will be an additional testing fee.                    
• If you do not pass you also have not failed… it merely means you are not quite ready for a semi or full kyu rank.  You should plan to test at the next test (no 3 month minimum required) to try and complete a semi or full kyu advancement.  There is no additional testing fee if you test at the next test.  However, if you wait longer than the next test there will be an additional testing fee.                    
• One of the instructors will provide verbal feedback on your test and call out things you did well, and what areas they need to work on.                    
• Once you pass to a higher rank you can wear a different color belt or you will have a new rank recognized within the same color.  It will be noted in your dojo profile, in your SKIF passport and on the photo wall.   Results will also be posted on our website.       

   My objective at Perk Performance is to provide a safe and supportive learning environment for all ranks of Karate-ka.   I look forward to guiding you-- along with the other dedicated instructors-- on this fulfilling journey to train, learn, and ultimately teach Shotokan Karate.   

 My mission and the Dojo’s mission is to train, grow and teach following the principles of our leader Kancho Kanazawa.  Through this journey we will strive to make the Dojo Kun the very essence of our character.   

Oss!  

Sensei Chris  

Chief Instructor    

Peak Performance Shotokan Karate Dojo