Policy & Etiquette
KENSEI JUDO POLICIES
Lost or Stolen Items Policy
Kensei Judo is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal property brought onto the premises. This includes, but is not limited to, clothing, uniforms, belts, shoes, electronics, jewelry, bags, and personal equipment. Members and parents are responsible for securing their belongings at all times. Valuables should not be brought to the dojo. Kensei Judo does not provide locked storage and is not liable for items left unattended in training areas, hallways, restrooms, changing areas, or common spaces. Any items found may be placed in a designated lost-and-found area. Items not claimed within 30 days may be donated or disposed of at the dojo’s discretion. By attending classes or events at Kensei Judo, members and parents acknowledge and accept this policy.
Free Trial Policy
Kensei Judo offers a one-week free trial for new students. During this one-week period, students may attend as many classes as they would like. Each individual is eligible for one free trial per lifetime. A loaner gi and belt may be provided during the trial period and must be returned after each class. At the conclusion of the free trial, students may choose to enroll in a membership or continue training by paying the applicable drop-in fee.
Attendance and Make-Up Policy
Students are expected to check in upon arrival using the dojo’s check-in system. Make-up classes are unlimited within the current billing cycle and must be used by the individual who missed the class. Make-up classes do not roll over into future billing cycles or calendar years. Students may arrive late to class and are asked to enter quietly and bow in to the instructor so staff are aware they are on the mat. If instruction is currently in progress, students should wait until the lesson has concluded before joining. We understand that work and school schedules can be challenging, and students are encouraged to attend even if they are only able to participate for part of the class.
Class Conduct and Training Environment Policy
Kensei Judo is committed to providing a safe, focused, and respectful training environment for all students. Students are expected to listen to instructors, follow directions, and behave respectfully during class. Instructors may pause, redirect, or remove a student from the mat if behavior becomes unsafe or disruptive. Parents and guardians are welcome to observe classes and may provide brief, non-instructional assistance when appropriate, such as helping tie a belt, assisting with equipment or attire, or helping a younger child transition on or off the mat. Parents may choose to drop off and pick up their child without remaining on-site. To maintain instructional consistency and safety, parents and spectators may not coach, instruct, or correct students during class and should not interrupt instruction or enter the training area unless invited by staff or necessary for safety. Instructors retain full authority over class management and safety decisions. Repeated disruption or disregard for instructor direction may result in removal from the training area or further action at the dojo’s discretion.
Open Mat Transition and Safety Policy
Kensei Judo allows limited, supervised mat use between scheduled classes to promote enjoyment, comfort on the mat, and a sense of community while maintaining safety and structure. During non-instructional periods between classes, students may engage in light and respectful movement. Running, roughhousing, wrestling, throwing, chasing games, unsupervised grappling, or practicing techniques outside of instructor-led class time are not permitted. The mat must be cleared ten minutes before the start of the next scheduled class to allow the incoming class to warm up and prepare without interference. Students from the previous class are expected to exit the mat promptly when instructed. Instructors and staff retain full authority over mat use and may restrict or temporarily close the mat when attendance is high or safety becomes a concern. Failure to follow this policy may result in removal from the mat until the next scheduled class.
Hygiene and Mat Safety Policy
To ensure a safe and healthy training environment, all students must maintain proper personal hygiene and comply with safety standards when attending class. Students are expected to arrive in a clean judo gi with a clean belt, keep fingernails and toenails trimmed, and maintain basic personal cleanliness. Students with open or uncovered wounds, visible skin infections, rashes, contagious conditions, or excessively dirty or foul-smelling uniforms may not train. Jewelry must be removed before class unless it is a religious or cultural item that cannot be removed. Religious or cultural items, such as Sikh bracelets, must be securely taped to eliminate sharp edges and movement risk. Instructors may inspect hygiene and safety conditions and may deny mat access if standards are not met. Students may return once the issue has been corrected. Repeated violations may result in suspension from training until resolved.
Drop-Off, Pick-Up, and Student Supervision Policy
Kensei Judo provides instruction and supervision during scheduled class times. While staff maintain general awareness of students on the premises, Kensei Judo is not a childcare or daycare provider. Parents and guardians are responsible for ensuring their child arrives no more than ten minutes before class and is picked up promptly at the end of class, ideally before the next class begins. Students who arrive early must wait off the mat until the previous class has concluded. If students are waiting in designated areas, parent or guardian supervision is required. Kensei Judo does not provide dedicated supervision before instructors are present, after class dismissal, or during extended waiting periods unless part of an organized program. Parents who choose to drop off their child without remaining on-site acknowledge that supervision is limited to scheduled class time and that Kensei Judo is not responsible for childcare outside of class hours.
Gym Attire and Uniform Standards Policy
All students must wear appropriate attire to ensure safety, freedom of movement, and a respectful training environment. A proper judo gi is required during class unless otherwise approved by an instructor. Gis must be clean, in good condition, and properly fitted, and belts must be worn and tied correctly. Clothing worn under the gi must be form-fitting and fully contained within the gi. Athletic shorts, compression shorts or leggings, and rash guards or athletic shirts are acceptable under-gi clothing. Dresses, skirts, long garments, loose or flowing clothing, or any clothing that hangs outside the gi or restricts movement are not permitted. Shoes or sandals must be worn off the mat. Jewelry must comply with the Hygiene and Mat Safety Policy. Students may be asked to change or sit out if attire is unsafe or interferes with training.
Proration and Billing Policy
Kensei Judo operates on a four-week recurring billing cycle. Billing is processed on the Sunday prior to the start of each new cycle. The four-week billing schedule is anchored to Monday, January 5, 2026. New members who enroll mid-cycle will be charged a prorated amount to align their membership with the next billing date. Memberships automatically renew unless properly canceled. Proration does not apply to missed classes, holidays, or absences.
Enrollment and Cancellation Policy
All members must maintain a valid payment method on file. Memberships remain active and continue billing until cancellation is submitted via email. A minimum of seven days’ notice is required to cancel a membership. Memberships remain active through the end of the paid billing period after notice is given. Refunds and credits are not provided.
Class Placement Policy
Class placement is determined by Kensei Judo coaching staff based on age, experience, and training needs. Coaches may recommend appropriate placement after observing a student in class. Final placement decisions are made by the coaching staff. Parents are welcome to ask questions regarding placement. Requests for class changes must be reviewed and approved by coaching staff. Questions regarding class placement may be directed to soren@kenseijudo.com.
Facility Use and Responsible Training Policy
Judo training is intended to take place within the dojo or in approved, controlled training environments. Students are encouraged to train consistently and may visit other dojos as appropriate. Judo techniques should not be used in non-grappling or inappropriate situations, including to show off or engage in unsafe behavior. Students are expected to use good judgment and represent the values of Kensei Judo both on and off the mat.
Closures and Communication Policy
Kensei Judo follows a fixed annual closure calendar. The dojo is closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Thanksgiving, Halloween, and New Year’s Day. Additional closures will be communicated in advance when possible. Official communication is primarily conducted through email, with occasional text messages for time-sensitive updates. Parents and members are expected to read all emails thoroughly, as they contain important information regarding schedules, billing cycles, and events. Regular updates are sent at the start of each four-week billing cycle.