General FAQ
What do I do if I arrive late?
Generally no one appreciates late-comers, students or instructors, but we do recognize that sometimes things happen and one is unable to make it to class on time. The proper protocol when one arrives late is to change into uniform and come to the entrance of the gym, assuming charyot sogi, a ready position. Wait until the instructor bows you in before entering. Once you enter, the instructor will soon provide you with instructions on how to proceed in the class. Please do not make a habit of coming late but if there is some reason that you must be late regularly, such as a work or school commitment, please inform the Head Instructor as such lateness will then be excused.
Can I train at either location?
Students are welcome to train at either location, and it is unnecessary to inform instructors if one decides to drop in at the location that one does not regularly attend. Please refer to the calendar however as class times and daily themes are different from one location to the next.
Can anyone attend an evaluation class, even if they are not evaluating?
Simply, yes, and please do! Even if you are not evaluating you will have an opportunity to have either some self-directed time or participate in a regular class, as sometimes no one is being evaluated on those nights or there are enough instructors that one can teach a class for those not being tested.
UNIFORM & GEAR
What if I forget part or all of my uniform?
Should you forget all or part of your uniform (and it has happened to all of us), you are welcome to train in what you have. The protocol for lining up however dictates that those missing a uniform or uniform parts must line up at the end of the row after the white belts, regardless of the rank held. Should the instructor forget all or part of the uniform, he or she may still teach the class. If another student forfeits an aspect or all of his or her uniform in order to assist the instructor who has forgotten, then that student will line up as per usual in rank order.
What if I forget my sparring gear?
Forgetting sparring gear also happens from time to time. If one forgets all or even one piece of it, he or she must spar without contact. One cannot spar with incomplete gear due to safety issues and the school’s insurance regulations. Complete gear includes: foot and hand protectors; head gear; a mouth guard; and cup for males. One must keep gear in good repair and will not be able to spar in class with gear that is deemed insufficient, again, for safety reasons.
PROGRESSION & EVALUATIONS
How do I get progression stripes?
Progression stripes are awarded based on effort, knowledge of rank appropriate curriculum, and the practical application of this curriculum. The first stripe is awarded for good effort and does not need an evaluation in order to be awarded. The second and third stripes do require an evaluation by an instructor, which usually takes place on designated evaluation nights and requires sign-up in advance.
When can I test?
One is able to test for progression to the next rank when one has earned all three black progression stripes, and has also met any other outstanding criteria as understood between the student and instructor. Tests are held on evaluation nights and do require sign-up in advance.
​
Black Belt tests are held separately and are overseen by the head instructor or a UITF Grand Master.