Dojo Code Slides The Dojo Code
Respect, Discipline, and the Path of the Martial Artist
道 The Way (Do)
場 The Place (Jo)
The Silent Dojo Challenge
In many martial arts, training begins the moment you enter the room.
The Mission
Line up by height from tallest to shortest.
The Rule
Total Silence
No words. Use your eyes and awareness.
Common Terminology
Rei
To bow. A sign of respect for teachers and partners.
Sensei
"One who has gone before." Your teacher.
Gi
The traditional uniform worn during practice.
Mokuso
Quiet meditation to clear the mind before training.
Oss
A strong affirmation: "I understand" or "I will persevere."
Note: Languages vary (Japanese in Judo/Karate, Korean in Taekwondo).
The Pillars of the Dojo
Respect
Treating others as you want to be treated.
Discipline
Self-control in actions and thoughts.
Courage
Facing challenges without giving up.
Humility
Knowing there is always more to learn.
Mutual Benefit
In martial arts, your partner is not your enemy. They are your mirror and your teammate.
"Jita Kyoei"
Mutual welfare and benefit. If one person grows, the whole dojo grows.
Safe Partnership
Look each other in the eye
Bowing before starting
Controlled movement
Honor Code Worksheet The Way of the Warrior
Lesson 1: Etiquette & Ethics
Student:
Date:
Part 1: Dojo Terminology
Match the term to its correct definition by drawing a line.
1 Sensei
2 Rei
3 Mokuso
4 Dojo
Quiet meditation to clear the mind.
The training hall or "place of the way."
A bow, showing respect.
The teacher or guide.
Part 2: Reflection
Think about "The Silent Dojo" challenge from today's class. Why do you think martial arts schools value silence and focus before training even begins?
Part 3: The Pillars of Character
Respect
Give an example of how you can show respect to your partner during a drill.
Discipline
What does discipline look like when you are tired or frustrated during practice?
Courage
Is courage only about fighting? How else can you show courage in the dojo?
Humility
How should a "black belt" react if they lose a match to a "white belt"?
My Martial Arts Oath
Write one sentence that will be your personal "Dojo Code" for this unit.
Dojo Facilitation Guide Teacher Resource
Dojo Etiquette Facilitation Guide
Lesson 1: The Dojo Code
Duration: 50-60 mins
Learning Objectives
Demonstrate proper dojo etiquette (bowing, silence, listening).
Define and use 4-5 key martial arts terms.
Connect personal character traits to martial arts ethics.
Materials
• Dojo Code Slides
• Honor Code Worksheet
• Painter's tape (for lining up)
• Chime or small bell
00-10 mins
The Silent Dojo Hook
Challenge students to enter the room and line up by height without speaking. If anyone talks, the group must sit down and try again.
Prompt: "In a dojo, awareness starts before you move. Today, we are learning to listen with our eyes and our environment."
10-25 mins
Defining the Code (Slides)
Use the provided slides to introduce key terminology. Focus on Mokuso (meditation). Guide students through a 1-minute silent breath-focus exercise.
Discuss the "Sensei" role: mentor vs. boss.
Explain the bow (Rei) as a "handshake of respect."
25-45 mins
Etiquette Workshop
Practice movements and protocols. Rotate partners frequently.
Partner Bows
Focus on eye contact before and after. Discuss how it changes the energy of the drill.
"Safe Space" Drill
Practice reacting to a partner's "Tap Out" signal. Immediate release is mandatory.
45-50 mins
Reflection & Exit
Distribute the Honor Code Worksheet. Have students write their personal martial arts oath before leaving.
Teacher Tips
Model the behavior you want to see. Use a calm, steady voice. Martial arts is as much about "stillness" as it is about "action." If the room gets loud, return to a meditative seated position until silence is regained.
Differentiation
For students who struggle with stillness, provide "mindful fidgets" or allow them to stand at the back of the room. Use visual cues for terminology (post cards around the room).
Judo Principles Slides The Gentle Way
Fundamentals of Judo Principles
Ju-Do
"Gentle Way"
It doesn't mean "weak." It means using efficiency over brute force.
Founded by Jigoro Kano in Japan (1882).
Momentum & Leverage
Kuzushi
"The Art of Breaking Balance"
01
Pull
Draw the opponent onto their toes.
02
Push
Drive the opponent onto their heels.
03
Circle
Rotate the opponent off their center line.
Seiryoku Zenyo
"Maximum efficiency with minimum effort."
Use your whole body against a small part of theirs.
Move when they move. Push when they pull.
STABILITY VS MOBILITY
The Universal Rule
"TAP OUT"
If your partner taps twice on you, the floor, or says "Tap," you IMMEDIATELY let go.
Respect for safety is the highest skill in Judo.
Kuzushi Lab Sheet Kuzushi Lab
Lesson 2: The Art of Breaking Balance
Partner Activity
Team:
What is Kuzushi?
In Judo, Kuzushi means unbalancing your opponent. If you try to push someone who is perfectly balanced, they will just resist. But if you make them tilt or lean first, even a small person can move a giant!
1
The Sturdy Tree
The Setup:
Partner A stands with feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent. Partner B place hands on Partner A's shoulders and tries to push them back using only arm strength.
Result:
Easy to move
Difficult to move
Why?
2
The Kuzushi Pull
The Setup:
Instead of pushing, Partner B pulls Partner A's shoulders forward and slightly upward until Partner A is on their tiptoes. Then try to rotate them.
Result:
Partner fell off balance immediately
Partner stayed solid
Observation:
Where was Partner A's weight shifted?
3
The Sumo Push Circle
Goal:
Inside a 5-foot circle, try to move your partner out. Rule: You cannot use force unless your feet are moving.
Remember the Rule:
If your partner says "Tap" or "Stop," you release immediately. Safety is our #1 priority.
Which strategy worked better?
Waiting for them to push, then stepping aside (Redirecting).
Pushing as hard as I can immediately (Brute Force).
Final Analysis
How does the concept of "Gentle Way" (Judo) apply to how you handle a conflict with a friend? (Hint: Think about emotional balance!)
Safety Drill Guide Safety Protocols
Judo Safety & Drill Guide
Lesson 2: Grappling Fundamentals
Non-Combative Grappling
The "Safe Dojo" Mandatory Rules
The Double Tap
Partners MUST release all pressure instantly if they feel a tap on their body or hear the word "Tap."
No Throws
For Lesson 2, feet remain on the floor. No lifting, no tripping, no groundwork. Standing balance ONLY.
Neck Safety
Hands are only allowed on shoulders, upper arms, or torso. No contact with the head, neck, or face.
Instructional Drills
Drill 1: The Willow Tree (Listening with Feet)
Warm-up
Partners face each other and join hands (palm to palm). One partner tries to subtly shift the weight of the other. The goal is NOT to move the partner, but to feel where their weight is centered.
Coaching Cue: "Don't resist with your arms. Resist with your feet and your core."
Drill 2: Kuzushi Off-Balancing
Skill Build
Partner A stands in a wide stance. Partner B uses two hands on Partner A's shoulders to practice the Pull (Forward), Push (Backwards), and Rotate. Focus on timing: pull when they push!
Success Criteria
Partner A's heels or toes leave the floor without using significant muscle force from Partner B.
Common Error
"Leaning" into the partner. Partners must stay vertical and use their own weight as a counter-balance.
Drill 3: Sumo Circle Challenge
Game-Based
Mark a 5-6 foot circle with tape. Partners try to nudge each other out of the circle using Kuzushi. No sudden jerking movements—only sustained, controlled pressure and redirection.
STOP the game instantly if form breaks down into wrestling/shoving.
Observation Checklist
Are students honoring the "Tap Out"?
Are students using legs/core vs. just arms?
Is the dojo energy calm and focused?
Are partner swaps respectful (bowing)?
Striking Styles Slides Striking Styles
Karate vs. Taekwondo: Comparing Linear & Dynamic Power
Japan (Okinawa)
Karate-Do
"Linear & Solid"
Focuses on strong stances, short bursts of power, and direct, straight lines.
Punching heavy
Low, stable stances
"Hard" blocking
STABILITY
South Korea
Taekwondo
AGILITY
"Dynamic & Rhythmic"
Famous for its spectacular, fast kicking techniques and fluid movement.
Kicking heavy
Bouncing, light stances
Speed over force
Where does the power come from?
Torque (Rotation)
Rotating the hips and shoulders together to create a whip-like effect.
Hip Twist = Kinetic Energy
Extension (Leverage)
Using the long levers of the legs to generate high velocity over distance.
Velocity x Mass = Impact
Style Swap Challenge
We will practice a Roundhouse Kick using two different styles:
Mawashi-Geri
(Karate Style: Solid & Focused)
Dollyo-Chagi
(TKD Style: Fast & Snapping)
Pay attention to how your balance changes!
Striking Comparison Chart Style Comparison Chart
Lesson 3: Striking Arts
Student:
Feature Karate Taekwondo Country of Origin Japan Korea Primary Weapon Hand strikes & Punches High kicks & Footwork Movement Style Linear (Straight lines) Dynamic (Circular/Spinning) Stance Depth Deep, stable, low High, mobile, bouncing
Biomechanics Lab Reflection
The "Snap" vs. The "Drive"
During the "Style Swap," you tried the roundhouse kick in two ways. Which style felt more natural for your body? Explain why.
Power Source
Where did you feel the energy come from in your Karate punch? (Hint: Feet? Hips? Shoulders? All three?)
Tactical Choice
Imagine you are defending yourself and you have very little space to move (like in a crowded hallway). Which style—Karate or Taekwondo—would be more effective in that situation? Defend your answer.
Technique Breakdown Notes Teaching Notes
Biomechanical Breakdown
Lesson 3: Striking Arts
Kinetic Chain Focus
Teacher Objective
The goal today is not to produce master kickers, but to help students understand the Kinetic Chain—how energy travels from the floor, through the legs/hips, and out through the hand or foot.
Safety Warning
All strikes MUST be practiced on "air" or on padded targets. Under no circumstances should students make contact with a partner. Maintain 6 feet of personal space at all times.
Technique Comparison Guide
Straight Punch (Seiken-Zuki) Style: Karate
The Power
Rotation of the wrist at the very end. The "corkscrew" effect.
The Body
Hips stay square. Rear foot pushes hard against the floor.
Coaching Cue
"Imagine your arm is a piston in an engine. Straight and fast."
Roundhouse Kick (Dollyo-Chagi) Style: Taekwondo
The Power
The "Chamber." Bringing the knee high before extending the lower leg.
The Body
Pivoting on the standing foot. Turning the supporting heel toward the target.
Coaching Cue
"The knee is the flashlight—point it at your target before you kick."
The "Style Swap" Protocol
1. Demonstate: Show the Karate version (slow, heavy, low) vs. the TKD version (fast, high, snapping).
2. Isolate: Have students perform 10 reps of each style in slow motion. Focus on the foot position.
3. Reflection: Ask: "In which style did you feel more likely to fall over?" Discuss the trade-off between power and balance.
4. Comparison: Discuss why a mountain-dwelling culture (Japan) might value stability, while an open-field culture might value speed.
Internal and Rhythmic Arts Slides Flow & Rhythm
Tai Chi and Capoeira: The Art of Disguise & Control
China
Tai Chi Chuan
"Internal Power"
Focuses on slow, circular movements, deep breathing, and keeping the "Qi" (energy) flowing.
The Paradox:
"To be strong, you must first be soft. To move fast, you must first move slow."
BALANCE
Central Axis
Brazil (African Roots)
Capoeira
The Ginga
"Martial Art as Dance"
Created by enslaved people as a way to practice self-defense while making it look like a dance to their captors.
Rhythm & Music
Continuous Flow
Acrobatic Defense
Two Paths to Movement
Tai Chi Control
Using slow movement to identify every muscle and tension point in the body.
Capoeira Rhythm
Using music to keep the body in constant, unpredictable motion.
Transition Lab
We will practice moving between Tai Chi Stillness and Capoeira Ginga based on the speed of the drumbeat.
Slow Beat = Tai Chi
Fast Beat = Capoeira
Balance and Flow Log Balance & Flow Log
Lesson 4: Internal & Rhythmic Arts
Student:
Part 1: The Slow-Motion Microscope
Moving slowly is often harder than moving fast. It reveals exactly where we are off-balance. Reflect on the "Cloud Hands" movement from today's class.
Body Awareness
Which part of your body felt the most tension during the slow movements?
Mental Focus
Was it harder to keep your balance or your concentration?
Part 2: Finding the Rhythm
Capoeira uses the "Ginga" (rocking) step to stay ready for anything. How did the addition of music change the way you moved compared to Karate or Judo?
Energy Level:
1
2
3
4
5
(1 = Calmest, 5 = Most Energetic)
Synthesis: Soft vs. Hard
In this unit, we've looked at "Hard" styles (Karate/TKD) and "Soft" styles (Tai Chi/Judo).
Which approach do you personally prefer and why? Consider your own personality—are you someone who likes direct action, or someone who likes to flow with changes?
"Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom." — Lao Tzu
Movement Cue Cards Instructional Prompt Cards
Flow & Rhythm Cues
Lesson 4: Tai Chi & Capoeira
Internal vs. Rhythmic
Tai Chi Chuan
Primary Movement: "Cloud Hands"
Students stand in a wide stance, arms rounded as if holding a large ball. Slowly shift weight from left to right leg while rotating the arms in a vertical circle.
Teacher Cues
"Move as if you are moving through water or honey."
"Keep your spine tall, like a string is pulling you from the crown of your head."
"Your breath is the engine—inhale to one side, exhale to the other."
Focus: Proprioception and core stability.
Capoeira
Primary Movement: "The Ginga"
A triangle-shaped foot pattern. Step one foot back, then back to center, then the other foot back. Keep knees bent and arms in front for defense.
Teacher Cues
"Listen to the beat. Let your body bounce with the rhythm."
"Eyes up! You are looking at your partner (the other person in the Roda)."
"Your arms are your shield. Keep them moving with your feet."
Focus: Agility and rhythmic coordination.
The "Music-Shift" Activity Protocol
1. Preparation: Have a drum or a playlist with varying tempos (very slow Zen flute vs. fast Brazilian percussion).
2. Phase One (Slow): Play slow music. Students perform Tai Chi Cloud Hands. Emphasize deliberate transitions.
3. Phase Two (Shift): Abruptly change the music to a fast beat. Students must instantly transition into the Ginga step without stopping their momentum.
4. Phase Three (Synthesis): Ask students to try a Tai Chi movement fast and a Capoeira movement slow. Discuss how the "feeling" of the movement changes.
Modification
Students with limited mobility can perform Tai Chi movements seated. Capoeira "Ginga" can be reduced to arm movements and rhythmic swaying for those unable to step back safely.
Fusion Project Slides Fusion Exhibition
Synthesizing Movement, History, and Ethics
The Final Mission
In small groups, you will create a 60-second choreographed routine that blends techniques and values from at least three different disciplines we studied.
Movement
Meaning
Respect
Must-Have Elements
1
The Opening
A formal bow (Rei) and a moment of silence (Mokuso).
2
The Style Blend
A mix of striking (Karate/TKD), grappling (Judo), and flow (Tai Chi/Capoeira).
3
The Ending
A clear finishing pose and a final bow to the audience.
Safety First!
No contact during strikes.
No actual throws or trips.
Controlled movements only.
If performing a "Judo pull," the partner must agree to the movement beforehand.
Developing Your Flow
Think about the transitions. How do you go from a fast Taekwondo kick into a slow Tai Chi circle?
Question for your team:
"What values (Respect, Perseverance, Balance) does our routine show?"
Layer 1: Skills
Layer 2: Rhythm
Layer 3: Values
Layer 4: Polish
The Black Belt Mindset
"I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times." — Bruce Lee
Focus on excellence in every small move.
YOU ARE READY.
Exhibition Choreography Planner Exhibition Storyboard
Lesson 5: Fusion Project Planner
Team Name:
Members:
Project Vision
Primary Discipline:
Which style will be your "foundation"?
Core Value:
(e.g., Respect, Perseverance, etc.)
Routine Breakdown
Start 1
Opening Movement(s)
Style Reference
Flow 2
Main Skills / Transitions
Style Reference
End 3
Closing & Final Pose
Style Reference
Safety Review
Are all strikes "air-only" (no contact)?
Are transitions slow and controlled?
Is every member comfortable with the moves?
Is there clear space for the performance?
Introduction Script
Write 2-3 sentences you will say to the audience before you start. Explain the "values" behind your performance.
Fusion Performance Rubric Assessment Tool
Fusion Performance Rubric
Lesson 5: Exhibition
Final Unit Evaluation
Criteria Exemplary (4) Proficient (3) Developing (2) Technical Skill & Synthesis Flawless execution of 3+ styles. Transitions are smooth and intentional. Clear execution of 2-3 styles. Some transitions may feel slightly choppy. Styles are recognizable but form is inconsistent. Transitions are abrupt. Ethics & Etiquette Bowing and meditation are performed with total focus and respect. Required etiquette is performed correctly but lacks full concentration. Etiquette is rushed or incomplete. Focus is easily broken. Safety & Control All movements are safe and controlled. Zero contact maintained throughout. Safe movements. Small lapses in control but no contact made. Movements are overly aggressive or lack control. Safety protocols ignored. Presentation & Reflection Oral introduction clearly connects values to movements with insight. Introduction mentions values but connection to movement is vague. Minimal introduction. No mention of martial arts ethics or values.
Strengths
Growth Areas
Total Score
______ / 16
"The journey is the reward."
