Tatsu Dojo Martial Arts And Fitness

Ladies and Gentlemen,

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I realize that newsletters are typically a quarterly thing, but I think it’s more beneficial for me to only send something out when there is a need.  If not, we all know it will end up in your trash bin.  So, Here’s What’s Happening  (early 80s sitcom reference).

 

The Business:

One of our goals this year is to promote the personal/strength training side of our business.  The challenge here is branding; people looking for training services are not looking for a dojo.  I’ve floated the idea of changing the brand or a Doing Business As (DBA) type thing, but I truly feel that a dojo is more than just martial arts.  At least, I think this one is.  

 

I could really use your help in telling people about what I can offer as a coach; a unique understanding of orthopedics, post injury rehab, strength and conditioning.  Referrals are still key to our success and survival.

 

As for the martial arts piece, I am looking into the possibility of opening kids classes on a limited basis.  Maybe.  I plan to reach out to the home school community, hoping to fill a need and that these kids will be a little more focused.  Kids classes would be something like 4:30-5:30 and would range from 12 - 17 y/o.  We don’t have the space or capacity for little kids and I don’t have the bandwidth.  

 

Expansion:  We’ll see.  I need consistent numbers in order to make that kind of investment.  Moving to a commercial location is not off the table, but that would increase everyone’s cost as well as a level of stress that I don’t have now.  I’m always open to suggestions.  

 

Personal Training Clients:

There will be a slight rate increase starting in June:

Single Sessions, $60

Four Training Sessions, $225

Six Training Sessions, $340

Eight Training Sessions, $460

 

We will also offer a membership option of $340 a month.  This affords you with 8 training sessions (one on one) per month, as well as limited access to the dojo during non business hours.  More to come.  

 

Martial Arts Students (Kohai) 

Most of you know that we have made a gradual shift to being a karate based dojo.  There are many reasons for this; functionality, longevity, applicability…and it’s generally more fun to hit someone than throw them…Unless your name happens to be Justin…

 

So, when people ask what we do, you can tell them that we are a karate school, but please try to explain that we are more of a traditional MMA place; in other words, kicking, punching, grappling, throws.  Most people have a very limited view of martial arts and equate karate to little kids breaking boards.  Please, help me spread the word that we are far more than that.  

 

You’ll note that Monday and Wednesday evenings are Taijutsu…it’s a general term for grappling arts.  We’re going to open these classes to any one of any style, any rank.  So yes, if you have patches, (wince) you can wear them during this class.  I still want people to wear some type of uniform.  So, if you know someone who has an interest….

 

Etiquette 

I realize I have not enforced this, but I’m asking that the highest ranking student in any class be the one who calls the class to attention and initiates the formal bow.  When everyone is seated, the head student - sempai - will say:  “Kyoske…Kee yoat skay”…”Rei” (Ray).  You must be udansha (black belt) to be considered sempai.  

 

Also, when students are lined up to bow, it is inappropriate to walk in front of the line…if you’re coming in a little late, make sure you always walk behind the line of seated students.  

 

Technique

Advanced karate classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays will focus on traditional techniques, e.g. kata, kihon, kumite.  Of course, we’ll mix things up from time to time, but remember, karate is more than just fighting.  This year, my personal goal is to reflect that.  To reflect Budo:  self-perfection over self-protection.  If you do the first one right, you don’t have to worry about the second.  

 

Saturday mornings will remain a mixture of traditional karate, sparring, etc.  

 

Kata

All of you knuckle draggers, the one’s who’ve been here the longest, know that I won’t teach anything if I don’t think it has value.  I would not waste your time or mine on kata if I didn’t think it was important.  You may not think so now…you may never think so and that’s ok.  This year, we’re going to focus more on kata and its practical application.  

 

Weapons

We’re going to have more of an emphasis on traditional weapons.  Learning things like the bo, tonfa, etc., enhance your training and skill.  

 

Rank

I have had a very specific view of rank, especially belt colors for the past 30 years or so.  But if we want to promote a Japanese mindset, we have to do it in a western way.  You all know that when someone finds out that you train here, the first question usually is, “What belt are you?”  

And people need some sort or sense of achievement.  So…

 

You’ll see the attached new curriculum an added belt color; green.  It generally marks a halfway point and I believe is a good compromise.  

 

Black belt ranks beyond Shodan will be awarded based on individual skill, commitment, dedication.  But one black belt test is enough.

 

Testing

Tests will happen on a more frequent basis, though not a monthly or quarterly thing.  Basically, when I feel someone should test, I’ll give them an opportunity.  Tests will be on the schedule.  I encourage everyone’s participation, but brown and black belt testing should be attended by all.  

 

No, you don’t have to test.  But keep in mind, if you’ve been a white belt for a number of years and someone with no experience trains with you, there’s going to be a bit of a disconnect.  

 

Testing is not about me and it’s not about the style.  It’s about you.  

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Safety

Mouth Guards.  Starting in April, no-one will be permitted to practice kumite or sparring without a mouth piece.  No exceptions.  

 

If you’re sneezing and coughing from something other than allergies, stay home.  

 

Shugyo

Looking at May 3, 10 or 17.  Also planning to invite people from another school.  Please let me know ASAP if you can attend one of those dates.   

 

You don’t have to be an athlete to participate.  You are not expected to do anything beyond your comfort level or physical ability.  It’s just another chance to challenge yourselves and to enjoy the unique community of this dojo.  

 

I’ll put the word out when we have a solid date. 

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Thanks to all of you for your continued support of all we do.

 

DM

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