Dojo and personal hygiene

The dojo is a serious place of study. We train in combative arts that hold roots in the battlefields of our ancestors. In modern times, it is good to have fun and enjoy our training atmosphere. However, we owe it to our lineage to treat the arts and all things connected to them with a great deal of respect. 

In the dojo, we find ourselves in close contact with our training partners and the mats. We must be considerate of our training partners and the dojo.  

Personal hygiene is a must in the dojo.

–Your uniform should always be clean and in good repair.
–Do not practice shirtless.
–Fingernails and toenails should always be trimmed short
–All sharp jewelry should be removed prior to practice
–Long hair should be tied back out of the way (braids or pigtails preferably)
–Deodorant should be used prior to practice, but strong cologne should not.
–If you have malodorous breath, use some type of breath freshener prior to practice
–Bandage all cuts and scrapes prior to practice (do not wait for it to get broken open while on the mat)
–Tape up any exposed Velcro on your gloves and/or shorts to prevent scratching of your partner which could lead to infections.
–Bring a sweat towel with you and use it rather than your uniform or constantly dripping sweat onto your partner and the mats
–Do not wear heavy makeup as it can stain the uniforms worn by you and your partner


ALL members are responsible for Dojo hygiene–


–Pick up after yourself. Throw you trash in the trash cans.
–If you see trash that is not yours, pick it up and throw it away anyway.
--Return all borrowed equipment to the proper place when finished.
–If there are any blood spills, use the disinfectant to clean it up immediately. (if it’s your blood and you are capable of cleaning it, please do so)
– The locker area is not for overnight use. Take your uniforms and other garments with you when you leave the dojo.
–Don’t hesitate to grab the dust broom and sweep the mats between classes.

Overall, just use good common sense, respect your dojo, and be courteous to your training partners.  Having a clean and accurate training area and clean partners will make a much more positive learning experience.

See you at the dojo,

Sensei Larry Keith