Dojo Support Ten Ways

Your karate school needs your dojo support. A dojo is not a mat or even a building. But it is the people who are a part of it. Without the people a dojo doesn’t exist. And the students and their families are its most important asset. Here are ten ways you can help your dojo which will in turn allow it to better help its students and the community too. Most of these are not hard rules but things to consider in supporting your dojo.

10: MORAL DOJO SUPPORT

Positive energy is contagious. We love people who show their support with their attitude and their words. Just voicing an interest in the dojo’s activities and lending positive words to the instructors can go a long way. This is true whether you are a dojo family member or not.

9: FINANCIAL SUPPORT      

This one is more for students who pay dues. But it can apply to visitors who might purchase a t-shirt or other retail that anyone can enjoy. It takes money to run a location and to cover overhead. Keeping up with your tuition shows your dojo support.

8: DOJO SUPPORT BY SHOWING YOUR FACE   

We are a community organization of people. When you show up to attend events or classes, you show your dojo support and you keep it going. Not to mention you lend your unique spark to the group and make it brighter for us all.

7: REGULAR ATTENDANCE

When you attend at least a couple classes each week, every week, you are like the heartbeat of the dojo. This is a win-win-win. One, you help the teachers keep a rhythm of planning fun, exciting classes as you move ahead. They don’t have to spend that time re-teaching you. Two, you retain the material, fitness and stamina better while you show your dojo support. That helps you move forward more easily in rank. It also allows you to build physical and mental habits important to your training. Three, your dojo mates enjoy spending time in class with you. Your positive energy and growth will inspire them.

6: DOJO SUPPORT WITH PERSPECTIVE

You can give ideas and your own thoughtful perspective that we might not otherwise see. For new ideas, we like to hear not just what it is but why or how you came up with it. That may help us fill a previously unfilled need.

5: DOJO SUPPORT WITH SOUJI

As a traditional dojo, ours is cleaned by the participants. This is a show of respect in Japanese tradition. And it helps students learn teamwork too. Dojo family members of all ages are welcome to help with weekly upkeep of the dojo. This shows dojo support.

4: DOJO GROWTH

You can help the dojo grow in many ways: refer your friends; hand out Valentines, Halloween and other promo cards; review us online; like, love, comment on and share our social media posts; talk about being involved at our traditional karate school; and brag on how you see our programs helping students, etc..  

3: CONTRIBUTIONS FOR DOJO SUPPORT

Giving is important for dojo support. That includes items that are used on a regular basis (like prizes, paper towels, and stickers), equipment donations, or your time in giving of your talents and abilities. That may be organizing, painting, or if your rank allows, assisting or teaching.   

2: BRAINPOWER DOJO SUPPORT

As they say, “your brain is your most powerful tool.” You can show dojo support by brainstorming new events or ideas or putting a new twist on something old. The measure of the power of your idea is, are you willing to follow it up with your actions?

1: DOJO SUPPORT SUPERPOWER

If you are doing most of these things, you just may be putting your heart into your dojo’s existence. It all shows in your actions over time. If you are putting your heart into its existence, over time you are a dojo superpower: congratulations! And thank you!

-Jenifer Tull-Gauger