WELCOME TO OUR SCHOOL,

Great Neck Martial Arts Center!

As a new student, there are many procedures, rules and practices that you will need to learn and internalize. It is important that you be very clear on the expectations and procedures for you to be a disciplined martial artist.

1. INTER-MURALS: Each year Great Neck Martial Arts Center holds at least 3 events that are absolutely required for all students, 5 mandatory events are required for Brown & Black Belts. These are our very popular inter-mural tournaments that include students from the Great Neck Martial Arts Center.

Participation in these events has been proven to increase confidence, physical skill and knowledge. We emphasize that one inter-mural is the equivalent of one month of classes. Students who never miss an inter-mural reach black belt faster and generally have a much higher skill level. There are additional fees for these events which are announced at least three months in advance.

Three Mandatory Events per Year for All Students (Please Mark Your Calendars!)

February 20, 2004 Master Tadashi Yamashita Seminar at Karate for Christ International Virginia Beach, VA $35 (6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.)

February 22, 2004 Brown & Black Belt Training with Master Tadashi Yamashita -Okinawan Shorin Ryu Master & Suikendo Founder Virginia Beach, VA

TBA 2004 USA-National Karate-do Federation of Virginia Sate Qualifier (Qualifies athletes for USA-NKF National U. S. Karate Team Trials & Championships)

August/September 2004 2nd Annual Okinawan Master East Coast Seminar & Awards Banquet

2. EXAMS: All students test approximately every 12 weeks for new belt ranking. These exams are held every 4 weeks but primarily based upon the student's individual ability. The student will be notified of impending testing well in advance. Note: NEVER ask an instructor when you can test! It is our job to teach. It is your job to learn.

There is a charge for testing, belts, and certification. All exams are conducted by our professional black belt staff under the supervision of Chief Instructor (Shihan) Ron Smith.

We do not issue school or local dojo certificates. All promotions are countersigned by the Chief Instructor (8th Degree Black Belt), the Senior Instructor (2nd Degree), and two 10th Degree black belts. All Certificates are internationally recognized and come directly from Okinawa/Japan.

Testing requirements include:
1) a minimum of 30 classes attended since receiving current rank.
2) respectful attitude in class;
3) achieving the required physical proficiency;
4) loyalty and dedication to karate, the school, Juko Kai and the USA-NKF;
5) satisfactory completion of the Qualification Requirements;
6) satisfactory completion of the Intent to Promote letter for students under age 18.

3. SAMURAI BLACK BELT CLUB Your most important goal during white & gold belt training is to qualify for the Samurai Black Belt Club. Qualifying for SBBC is like being accepted to Harvard. It is the recognition that you are accepted as a student that is capable of achieving the ultimate martial arts goal of First Degree Black Belt from the Great Neck Martial Arts Center. Focus your goals and develop your attitude early! This is a internationally recognized program.

4. MARTIAL ARTS DISCIPLINE AND RESPECT Always be respectful to instructors and to other students. All black belts should always be referred to by "Sensei" or "Sempai" and their last name. Never use their first name, even in a social setting. Always answer a black belt with "Yes Sir" or "Yes Mam?." Always be respectful of your uniform by wearing it clean, pressed, and with all proper patches. Always bow to the school upon entering or exiting school and the matted area.

5. BLACK BELT EXTRAVAGANZAS AND OTHER EVENTS We hold black belt extravaganzas several times a year. Don't miss these exciting events. Additionally throughout the year we will host a variety of seminars, weekend retreats and picnics along with charity fund raisers. Your support and participation in these events is critical to your success in martial arts.

6. ACADEMIC ACIEVEMENT/COOKIE CLUB: We reward students for doing their best in school and keeping their grades up. Every Student can enter the Cookie Club by turning in their report card to your instructor each quarter. The first student to bring in their report card each quarter is the President and gets to choose the activity. We have taken our students to Laser Tag, Minuture Golf, Movies, Bowling, Pool Party & Ice Cream Social, and etc. Good Conduct is reinforced and Bad Conduct is modified. Parental involvement required and conduct at home reported.