Training at Hawks Hill

Training at Hawks Hill is built on discipline, awareness, respect, and personal responsibility. The way you move, speak, train, and show up — all of it shapes who you become and the culture you enter.

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These expectations are not ritual for the sake of ritual.

They exist to create focus, safety, and a shared standard of excellence.​

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General Awareness & Conduct

Awareness is the foundation of training here.

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How you enter the dojo, how you speak to others, how you carry yourself — these are expressions of your practice just as much as what you do on the mat.

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We expect students to:

• Move with intention and respect inside the dojo

• Watch senior students and follow their example

• Maintain an attitude of humility, curiosity, and effort

• Bring discipline, not ego

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Your awareness is your first technique.

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Uniform & Appearance

Students wear a white gi once they commit to regular training.
Before that, clean, plain sweatpants and t-shirts are acceptable.

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Expectations:

• Arrive clean and prepared for training

• Trim nails; remove jewelry

• Avoid fragrances or anything strongly scented

• Keep your training clothes fresh — cleanliness shows respect

• Store your belongings neatly and keep the changing area clean

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There are dressing rooms for changing before and after class. It is discouraged to wear your gi to the dojo or in public in general. ​Plain white, grey, navy blue, or black t-shirts/tank-tops are acceptable to wear under a gi.

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Bowing & Japanese Terminology

We retain bowing and basic Japanese language as part of the classical training we uphold.

 

Bowing is not symbolic worship — it is:

• A mark of humility

• A sign of respect for the dojo, the training, and your partners

• A moment of focus before you step onto the mat

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Students bow:

• When entering and leaving the mat

• At the beginning and end of class

• To training partners before and after practice

• When receiving instruction

 

You will hear:

• Onegaishimasu (please train with me)

• Domo arigato gozaimashita (thank you very much)

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These phrases acknowledge effort, respect, and shared training. For a list of common Japanese terms encountered in the dojo, view the glossary.

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How We Begin and End Class

• Be ready several minutes before class starts

• Line up in seiza or seated attention, facing the kamiza

• Bow with the instructor to begin training

• At the end, bow again to the instructor and to each other

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We bow to mark the transition into training — not out of ritual obligation, but out of respect for the time, effort, and focus of everyone in the room.

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Receiving Instruction

When the instructor demonstrates:

• Sit in seiza or attentive kneeling/sitting posture

• Listen fully

• Bow after receiving instruction as acknowledgment

• Keep questions minimal during drilling and save deeper questions for after class

 

Do not lean against the wall or sit with your back to the kamiza.
These boundaries help maintain attentiveness and respect.

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Lateness

Punctuality is part of discipline.

• Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early when possible

• The dojo opens 30 minutes before class for preparation

• If you know you will be late, message the instructor beforehand

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If class has already begun:

• Change quickly

• Sit at the edge of the mat in seiza

• Bow when acknowledged

• Enter the mat only when invited

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This ensures the flow and safety of the class is not disrupted.

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Cleanliness, Presentation & Care for the Dojo

We train with close contact and shared space, so personal cleanliness is essential.
Just as important is the collective responsibility of caring for the dojo itself.

 

Students are expected to:

• Keep themselves and their gear clean

• Be mindful of body odor and hygiene

• Remove jewelry and trim nails

• Avoid strong fragrances

• Wipe down sweat from mats as needed

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Dojo Cleaning After Every Class

At the end of each session, all students help clean the dojo according to the chief instructor’s direction.

 

This typically includes:

• Sweeping the mat and training area

• Fukimasu (cleaning) the mats with zokin (wet cleaning cloth)

• Dusting horizontals such as shelves, beams, and railings

• Tidying common areas

• Keeping changing rooms clean and orderly

 

This is not a chore or free labor — it is part of the training.

 

Cleaning:

• Builds respect for the space

• Sharpens observation skills

• Reinforces awareness of detail

• Keeps the dojo safe and orderly

• Fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility

 

When we care for the dojo, we strengthen the discipline and unity of everyone who trains in it.

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Communication & Responsibility

Part of being an adult martial artist is personal responsibility.

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Students are expected to:

• Communicate absences or injuries directly to the instructor

• Notify the instructor of any health concerns affecting training

• Take ownership of their progress

• Ask for guidance when needed

• Support newer members as they advance

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This is a community built on accountability.

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What You Can Expect From the Chief Instructor

 

Your instructor is responsible for:

• Maintaining a safe and focused training environment

• Providing clear, honest instruction

• Offering correction without harshness or ego

• Helping you progress at the right pace

• Treating every student with respect

• Modeling the discipline and mindset expected in the dojo

• Protecting the integrity of the training

 

Training here is demanding, but support is always available.
When you show commitment, your instructor meets you with commitment.

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The Spirit of Training

Training at Hawks Hill is challenging by design.
Progress requires patience, repetition, resilience, and a willingness to confront your limits.

 

Bring:

• A courageous, steady spirit

• A desire to grow

• Openness to correction

• Respect for the dojo and those you train with

 

This is how real martial arts are passed down.

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