NEW STUDENTS

Welcome to the Okinawa Kenpo Karate Dharma-Ryu dojo. In order to get the most out of our dojo, we recommend that each new student follow the instructions below:

1. Watch the Volume I DVD as soon as possible before starting class. Watch it as often as possible.

2. Read the booklet provided. Keep the booklet with you at all times for reference on promotions and for rules and regulations. There are also verbal pop quiz on karate history and overall knowledge.  All of the information from the booklet can be found on this website.  Be sure to explore the Home, Promotions, Rules, Background and Terminology sections.

3. Allow yourself three months to get acclimated to our training procedures. Practice on your own whenever possible before class starts, after class ends and at home on week-ends. 

4. Try to attend at least two to three classes each week.

5. Sparring gears, mouthpieces and Okinawan weaponry are available for purchase from Sensei Paul.

6. Interclub Tournaments happen at least every other month. They are geared for the beginner as well as the advanced students. Please support them. They will greatly help you with your training and your State Tournament Competition. There are approximately four State Tournaments a year. We greatly appreciate your support.

7. Demonstrations happen periodically especially around holidays. They are a great way to test your skills and also a whole lot of fun. 

8. Testings are done during the first ten days of the month unless a holiday occurs on one of those days. See the booklet regarding time and kata requirements. Please have your testing papers turned in prior to testing with the testing fee included. Family and friends are welcome to watch testings. Please feel free to bring your cameras and show support to your kids. Students will be awarded a certificate approximately one or two weeks after testing. We suggest that you put them in safe place or in a sheet protector. Certificates are also suitable for framing. 

9. All newsletters and special events are e-mailed to parents. If you don’t have e-mail, we will give a hard copy to your child to give to you. Please read them carefully and make note of the special events.

10. All students are required to be members of the Amateur Athletic Union (A.A.U.) prior to purple belt testing or fee will be included on the testing. 

11. If you are going on vacation, please let us know via e-mail or a small note when you are going to be gone. If you quit, please give us a courtesy call or e-mail us to let us know.

12. Karate dues are to be paid by the first to the 5th of each month. The fees are prorated if you happen to come in the middle of the month. There will be a $5.00 late charge fee after the 10th of the month.

13. If you are interested in private lessons, being on the Demonstration Team, Fundraising team or our Tournament Team, please let us know so that we can give you more information.

Again, we welcome you and we thank you for joining our dojo. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact Sensei Paul or Ms. Daisy via e-mail or call us at (239) 273-5186. Your cooperation and becoming a team player with our dojo is greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,
Sensei Paul Ortino Jr
Chief Instructor, OKDR