What to expect:
Before the class begins, it is tradition to line up
facing the Professor and bow saying “OSS” which communicates respect to the
professor and to the art. The lowest rank student will line up at the opposite
end to the highest rank.
The
class is structured to be warm-up-drilling-position training-live rolls.
For
your first class you will be performing the beginner level warm up, drill, and
position. The Professor will give you a customized training experience based on
your unique learning style.
There
will be a time set aside in the class for live sparring or “rolling” or as
Professor Jackson likes to say, “time for fun!.” There will be no obligation
for you to participate. You and Professor Jackson will decide this.
Shoes
will not be allowed on the mats, so bring slides/sandals/flip-flops to put on
when exiting the mats for water or a bathroom break.
Water is provided on a donation basis only, so we always
advise you to bring your own water if possible.
At
the conclusion of class, the professor will give the command of “Line-Up” at
this command everyone will repeat the same line as the beginning to again bow
out to the Professor then follow with shaking hands and bowing to all the
students in class! We like to say time for “sweaty hugs.”
Tips:
Trim
your nails and secure any hair back that fall below the face. This is for your
safety!
Wear clothes that are tighter fitting without buttons,
metal, or pockets.
Remove
all jewelry.
Bring
an extra change of clothes to change into after!
If
you do decide to participate in live rolls and you start to feel pain or
discomfort just tap, if you cannot tap the mat or your partner then say tap
aloud for your partner to hear.
If
you are lost at any point in the class, find a colored belt to assist you if
the Professor is assisting another student.