Before You Begin
What To Know Before You Start
JTR’s Jujutsu is a “traditional” or “combat” martial art with roots in Japan. Combat Jujutsu is not the same as Brazilian Jujitsu, which is considered a sport-style. It differs from many popular sports styles like Judo, Taekwondo, and Muay Thai, which engage in tournament competitions. Since the battlefield era is no more, a modernized practice has evolved into a full-spectrum form of self-defense and cultural practice.
As a form of self-defense, one can learn skills related to hand-to-hand fighting, kicks, takedowns, joint locks, pressure points, chokes, weapons, philosophy, and more. As a cultural practice, we advocate for morals and positive behaviors such as self-discipline and meditation, and have created an international community of members who support one another.
Safety is our priority, so we progressively teach you these skills designed to inflict pain and injury so that you do not hurt yourself or others while performing training activities. No two people have the same body, strengths, or physical limitations, so each student must grow within their own capacity and refine themselves over time. If you have a pre-existing injury, disability, or other health issues, let us know so we can optimize the learning experience without compromising your health.
No prior martial arts experience is necessary to learn; we teach in steps and stages so you will gain confidence before advancing to the next level. If you have a background or prior experience in martial arts, you are welcome to learn from our curriculum as a beginner, but we discourage students from referencing their prior style or using other forms of martial arts within our school practice. Start with a new, empty, humble mindset, and don’t bring any previous techniques with you while learning at our dojo. Also, no “drop-in” training/sparring sessions are allowed for non-members.
Take a trial class, get to know our program by walking through the door, and feel the school’s vibe when stepping on the mat to see if it’s a good fit for you to learn martial arts. Meet our instructors and ask questions, as each program is unique in some way for you to discover. Once you finish the trial class, you will see from that introductory lesson the value for yourself and whether a path aligns with achieving your personal goals.
Attendance Policy
- Do Not attend class if you have any symptoms of illness
- Our instructors record class attendance
- Students may attend any classes each week, representative of their rank.
- We recommend attending class a minimum of 2 x days per week
- Every effort should be made to arrive early to class and be prepared before the star
- Membership fees are not adjusted to your attendance frequency
- For promotional belt exams, a minimum number of classes must be attended before eligibility
- Temporary account holds may require medical documentation or advance notice for prior work-related travel
- Class Cancellation – by instructor illness, severe weather conditions, or other unavoidable circumstances, classes are subject to cancellation. An email will be sent by text or email to the student contact information provided.
Hygiene & Cleanliness
- Practicing good personal hygiene is critical for all members since much of our Jujutsu training involves training in proximity
- Wash your training uniform regularly to prevent fungus or bacteria
- Keep your hands and feet clean by washing them before and after class.
- Keep your fingernails/ toenails trimmed.
- Cuts must be covered by band-aids (first-aid supplies available at the front desk)
- Long hair should be tied back or in a bun.
- Avoid using strong scents, perfumes, or colognes.
- Keep the dojo clean, and don’t leave your trash in undesignated areas.
- Arrange training equipment neatly by returning training pads and weapons to their original location.
- Arrange your shoes, coats, and bags neatly inside storage areas.
Etiquette
- When entering or leaving the dojo, a Japanese custom of a bow motion is directed to the school and the instructor as a show of respect.
- Do not walk on the dojo mats with shoes on.
- No Profanity, vulgarities, obscenities, or derogatory language are allowed.
- No loss of temper, unruly behavior, talking, horseplay, or any other lack of self-discipline in class.
- No gum chewing, alcohol, tobacco, or recreational drugs will be allowed in the dojo.
- No watches or similar devices, earrings, or jewelry will be worn during practice.
- Do not interrupt the instructor when he or she is teaching.
- Do not teach what you have learned without the instructor’s permission.
- Always use self-control and good technique to avoid injury to yourself and others.
- Students, parents, and guests will not converse with members or cause disruptions during class sessions.
Uniforms and Belts
- Uniforms should be clean, neat, and in top condition for each class.
- Black, traditional-style uniforms are required for formal tests, but JTR training T-shirts can be worn during weekly classes.
- Uniforms require a JTR Jujutsu school patch, and no other patches are allowed
- Damaged uniforms are to be repaired or replaced.
- Any shirts worn under uniforms should be plain white or black.
- If you need to fix or adjust your uniform or belt, turn around first while arranging your attire.
- Never throw or drop your belt on the ground
- Belts should not be worn outside the dojo; a uniform without a belt is acceptable.
- Students who forget their uniforms will not be allowed to participate in class.
The JTR Jujutsu International training uniform is called a “Gi” and is worn only in black by students or in white by Master instructors.
Informal attire, including a JTR training T-shirt, is acceptable during weekly classes and training sessions, whereas the traditional Gi top is required for all promotional tests.
JTR training uniforms are sold at the dojo as part of our retail program. Therefore, it is not acceptable to purchase your uniform from outside sources for training in our school.
Our JTR training costs $100 and includes a school patch, long-sleeve Gi top, pants, JTR training T-shirt, and a white belt.
Promotional Belt Testing fees are $60. After year two, the exam prices increase incrementally with each successive rank.
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