Washington Judo Academy – Student–Parent Handbook

Judo is a full-contact grappling sport involving gripping, throwing, and pinning your opponent. Because of the close contact and intensity of training, we have a few simple rules. These guidelines are for students and parents alike. They exist to ensure safety, mutual respect, and a positive training environment for everyone at the dojo.

Participation & Safety

• Acknowledgment of Risk
  Judo is a full-contact sport involving high-amplitude throws, pins, and submissions. As with any high-intensity athletic activity, there is an inherent risk of injury. By participating in class, you acknowledge and accept these risks. All students must also accept and sign the waiver before participating in class activities: https://wajudo.com/waiver.
• Warm-Up Requirement
  To reduce the risk of injury, students must arrive on time and take part in the full warm-up routine. Warm-ups are essential for preparing both the body and mind for the intensity of training.
• Supervised Practice Only
  Do not use dojo equipment, enter restricted areas, or practice on the mat without permission and supervision from a WJA coach.

Discipline

• Respect
  Judo begins and ends with respect. Show courtesy to coaches, volunteers, and fellow students. Follow instructions promptly to keep class safe and effective.
• Bullying and Exclusion
  Judo is based on mutual respect. Any form of bullying, harassment, intimidation, exclusion, or singling out others will not be tolerated.
• No Discrimination or Divisive Behavior
  Leave political, religious, or other personal debates outside the dojo. There is no place in Judo for exclusion or segregation based on sex, race, religion, beliefs, or any other criteria. All students are expected to treat one another with fairness, dignity, and respect, and to contribute to an atmosphere of shared growth and prosperity.
• Self-Control
  Train seriously but safely. Aggressive or careless behavior puts others at risk and will not be tolerated.
• Conduct and Appearance
  The dojo is a place for training, not for making provocative statements, showing off tattoos or clothing, or treating class like a modeling stage, public beach, or dating scene. Stay humble, modest, and focused on training. Leave personal displays and distractions for life outside the dojo.

Students

• Nails
  Fingernails and toenails must be kept short and smooth. Long or sharp nails can scratch, cut, or injure your training partner and may also break, causing painful injuries to yourself.
• Hair
  Hair must not fall below the neckline or must be securely tied up so it does not interfere with grips. Long or loose hair interferes with proper gripping, can be accidentally pulled, and creates unsafe situations for both you and your partner.
• No Gum
  Gum is a choking hazard during physical activity.
• Jewelry
  No earrings (unless securely taped), no necklaces, no bracelets, and no rings. Jewelry can break, cut, or pierce you or your partner during training.
• Makeup and Scents
  Avoid heavy makeup, lotions, perfumes, or strong food odors (such as garlic). These can create unpleasant distractions in close-contact training.
• T-Shirt (for Female Students)
  Female athletes must wear a t-shirt under the gi. This follows standard Judo competition rules.

Parents

• No Sideline Coaching
  Please allow the instructors to teach. Coaching or giving directions from the sidelines distracts students and disrupts class flow.
• Do Not Interfere
  Parents are welcome to observe but not to step into class activities.
• Respect
  Coaches and volunteers dedicate their time to teaching. Please treat them with respect.
• Concerns
  If you have a question or concern, speak to a coach after class or email us at info@wajudo.com.

Right to Decline Participation or Cancel Membership

Washington Judo Academy reserves the right to decline participation or cancel memberships for reasons not prohibited by law, refunding applicable prepaid fees. I acknowledge that participation in some classes and activities requires an additional skill assessment. The decision to allow participation will be at the sole discretion of the respective instructor.