Parents... Frequently Asked Questions
Dojo Etiquette
We encourage a family atmosphere here at Kessler Karate Academy. However, to keep order and provide an optimal learning environment for our students, we offer the following guidelines your family should follow:
Footwear and socks should be placed neatly in the shoe racks
Students should bow to the Shomen Wall when entering the dojo
If their class has started…
Kneel and bow in, then wait to be asked to join the class
If they are early for their class…
If the dojo is empty, they may practice their karate quietly on the dojo floor, or sit quietly preparing for class.
If another class is in session, sit quietly and wait for the instructor to ask them to join or wait quietly for their class to begin.
Footwear and socks should be placed neatly in the shoe racks
Students should bow to the Shomen Wall when entering the dojo
If their class has started…
Kneel and bow in, then wait to be asked to join the class
If they are early for their class…
If the dojo is empty, they may practice their karate quietly on the dojo floor, or sit quietly preparing for class.
If another class is in session, sit quietly and wait for the instructor to ask them to join or wait quietly for their class to begin.
Do I have to purchase equipment?
Your initial uniform (Gi and Obi) are include as part of the introductory package. Should you need another gi, they will be available to purchase for $25.00. Tee shirts may be available for purchase for wearing during the summer months.
Sparring gear will need to be purchased later in training. Head gear, chest protector, gloves, and foot / shin protection are all part of the sparring gear package. Currently, the cost runs approximately $80.00. This is not required for purchase until the student is closer to achieving their black belt. If you have questions, please see Sensei Wendy for more information.
Sparring gear will need to be purchased later in training. Head gear, chest protector, gloves, and foot / shin protection are all part of the sparring gear package. Currently, the cost runs approximately $80.00. This is not required for purchase until the student is closer to achieving their black belt. If you have questions, please see Sensei Wendy for more information.
Private Lessons (w/Sensei Wendy or other teacher)
If you or your child feel they need personal attention with some of their training, private lessons can be arranged with Sensei Wendy. Senior Black Belt students will also be available to give you or your child help to get on track. These will be offered at no additional charge. However, there will be a limit to the number of private classes made available. If you have questions, please see Sensei Wendy for more information.
Promotions
There is a schedule of promotions based on approximate length of study and ability to complete kata and kumite either with assistance or independently. However, all promotions are at the discretion of Sensei Wendy. In-house promotions (yellow belt to brown belt) are included with your monthly tuition. More information can be found under the Students Tab.
Kessler Karate Academy is a member of Buzz Durkin Butoku Kai, an association of independently owned karate schools. Once you have completed your training to the level of Brown Belt with three stripes, all subsequent promotions to black belt will be in front of the Butoku Kai Board comprised of the independent dojo owners. There is an association cost that will be charged by the Butoku Kai at that time for additional training sessions and the annual Black Belt promotion ceremony. Once the testing is complete and you have been selected for promotion, an annual ceremony is held at the Timberlane Regional High School in Plaistow, NH for all black belt promotions.
Kessler Karate Academy is a member of Buzz Durkin Butoku Kai, an association of independently owned karate schools. Once you have completed your training to the level of Brown Belt with three stripes, all subsequent promotions to black belt will be in front of the Butoku Kai Board comprised of the independent dojo owners. There is an association cost that will be charged by the Butoku Kai at that time for additional training sessions and the annual Black Belt promotion ceremony. Once the testing is complete and you have been selected for promotion, an annual ceremony is held at the Timberlane Regional High School in Plaistow, NH for all black belt promotions.
