What to Expect in the dojo (dao Jo)

Safety: We are a for–profit S-Corporation. We are not non-profit. However, RPMAA is a ministry. We are here to serve you. This is a ministry, but it is also martial arts and there are no guarantees against scuffs, scrapes, bruises and bumps. Most of that simply comes with the territory, and we believe it makes us stronger and less susceptible to injury. However, we are keenly aware of how to protect you and your family from injury, and it is our highest priority to teach you and your family how to best prevent injury, at any age.

Tradition: We are somewhat non-traditional. We will avoid using Japanese or Korean terms as much as possible in order to simplify your actual martial training. There are number of internationally required words that we insist upon, however. Everyone must learn to write the four Chinese characters that spell “Dao Chi Gung Fu.” Other than these few things, prepare for a very practical and non-traditional study of all forms of martial arts.

Communication: We sent out vital information via email coming from our MailChimp account for our organization. Please provide your updated email address whenever possible. Also, if you are a Facebook user, please check the page for announcement and scheduled events.

We work hard during class. So, come prepared to sweat, learn and grow in the martial arts. Thank you for joining our family. We look forward to training with you and sharing our love for the martial arts and God through our academy.

How a typical class might go:

• Call to formation
• Bow to each other
• Dynamic stretches, warm-ups / exercises, active stretches
• Body hardening exercises
• Cognitive training
• Physical training (the bulk of the class)
• Warm-down, passive stretches
• Discussion
• Dismissal

 

Class order

• Classes begin with all students forming a traditional line from most senior, highest ranking student in the right-front corner (students’ view), and most junior, lowest ranking student in the left-rear corner.
• The most senior student calls the class to attention. The instructor bows to the class, and they bow in return as a sign of respect.
• Ready stance demonstrates a willingness to learn in silence. We are at the ready by resting our hands together in a manner that represents holding water, which would force you to remain still.