Rules and regulations

Budo training is more than learning self-protection: it is also a system of moral cultivation. Good manners and humility are required to learn genuine Japanese budo.

In KoKoDo JuJutsu both Kappo (healing) and Sappo (protecting) arts are studied. When studied together, Kappo and Sappo foster true budo and help students to cultivate compassion and kindness.

While all martial arts are intended to teach students to defend themselves and others from physical threats, Japanese budo is also intended to cultivate character, make value judgments and better society. To practice budo, students must practice discipline, kindness, courtesy, and humility, and strive for continuous improvement through regular physical and mental training. One meaning of the word “budo” is to stop violence. Therefore budo is a profound practice that can affect every aspect of a budoka’s life. If you wish to see and feel the value of true budo you must train in a consistent manner. Always maintain beginners mind and practice a little bit every day. Never give in to complacency and or plateaus. Take the lessons of budo in the dojo and try and practice them in a living way outside of the dojo.

Be teachable, let go of pride and self-serving ego. Rather than make excuses, thank the Sempai or Sensei who provided the correction. Be helpful to others in the dojo. Create and maintain an environment in which all students can learn in a safe and enjoyable atmosphere. Maintain and clean your uniform and dojo. Assist your teachers and seniors. Help the dojo prosper in a positive manner. A KoKoDo dojo is a special place. In a KoKoDo dojo students not only train the body but also the mind and spirit. Students must always maintain discipline, proper etiquette, and formality. The training area must be a quiet, clean and safe environment.

Within the dojo a detailed list of dojo rules and etiquette are posted. All students are asked to read, understand and follow the rules. . The dojo has a strike code, which must be maintained at all times. Each student will learn about the Sempai to Kohai (senoir to junoir students) relationship that is used in Japanese culture and Japanese traditional budo. One of many roles of a Sempai is to look after and take of the Kohai and in return the Kohai will follow the directions and guidance of their Sempai. In a Japanese Dojo no two students are of equal rank, as a sempai/kohai relationship will always exists. Students are encouraged to study Japanese culture and protocol to gain a deeper understanding to KoKoDo JuJutsu. Students that display poor manners, dangerous play, or other non-conducive behavioral traits will be asked to discontinue.