🥋 VIOLA KARATE DOJO
UNIFORM, APPEARANCE & ATTIRE PROTOCOL
“Karate Begins and Ends with Respect.”
The purpose of this document is to:
- Establish clear and consistent expectations for all students and families.
• Preserve the traditions and culture of Viola Karate.
• Promote professionalism, discipline, and respect both inside and outside the dojo.
• Ensure fairness by applying standards consistently across all programs.
• Provide guidance regarding uniforms, appearance, testing, competitions, private lessons, and special events.
• Strengthen the positive image and reputation of Viola Karate and Team Kumite.
A student’s uniform is more than clothing—it is a symbol of commitment, effort, and respect for the martial arts. By maintaining consistent standards, we create an environment where students can focus on learning, personal growth, and character development while representing the dojo with pride.
These protocols are intended to provide clarity, not create unnecessary restrictions. They help ensure that every student understands what is expected and that all members of the Viola Karate family share a common standard of excellence.
Thank you for your continued support, dedication, and commitment to preserving the values that have made Viola Karate a respected martial arts institution since 1969.
When in doubt, communication is key. Just call, text, or schedule a meeting with Sensei Bill to discuss any issues. If something falls into a gray area, check with Sensei first.
“Karate Begins and Ends with Respect.”
⚪ UNIVERSAL GI RULE
The Traditional White Gi is always acceptable for any class, on any day, unless otherwise directed by the instructor staff.
👕 WEEKLY ATTIRE SCHEDULE
| DAY | APPROVED CLASS ATTIRE |
| Monday | ✅ White Viola Karate Shirt + White Karate Pants OR Traditional White Gi ⚫ Black Belt Class: Full Traditional White Gi Required (No outside logos, embroidery, patches, or alterations) |
| Tuesday | ✅ White Viola Karate Shirt + White Karate Pants OR Traditional White Gi |
| Wednesday – Sparring Night | ✅ Black Viola Karate Shirt + White Karate Pants ✅ Official Team Kumite Uniform ✅ Black Viola Karate Shirt + Team Kumite Pants ✅ Traditional White Gi |
| Thursday | ✅ White Viola Karate Shirt + White Karate Pants OR Traditional White Gi |
| Friday (“FUN DAY”) – International Practice | ✅ Approved International Uniforms ✅ Approved Event Shirts |
| Saturday – Team Kumite | ✅ Official Team Kumite Uniforms and Team Kumite Apparel |
| Private Lessons | Instructor: ✅ Branded Viola Karate Dojo Shirt Required Student: ✅ Viola Karate Attire According to Daily Schedule OR Official Team Kumite Uniform if Sparring is Included in the Lesson |
⚠️Sweatshirts, tank top etc. follow the daily color rule. If you wish to wear that apparel, you must order the appropriate colorway for sparring or traditional karate classes.
🎉 SEASONAL SHIRT EXCEPTIONS
☀️ Summer Shiai Shirts — June 21 through the first day of school
🎄 Christmas Kumite Shirts — December 1 through January 15
⚠️ ATTIRE VIOLATION POLICY
(Also applies being late or disrespect.)
❌Incorrect Uniform — Novice students may receive a warning. All others may be asked to change.
❌Forgotten Belt — Push-up discipline applies.
❌Improper Apparel — Push-up discipline applies.
❌Team Kumite Uniform Violation — Must change before participation.
❌Repeat Violations — Additional disciplinary action may apply.
💪 PUSH-UP DISCIPLINE CHART AT CLASS
| RANK | PUSH-UPS |
| ⚪ White Belt | 5 |
| 🟡 Yellow Belt | 5 |
| 🟠 Orange Belt | 10 |
| 🔵 Blue Belt | 15 |
| 🟢 Green Belt | 20 |
| 🟣 Purple Belt | 25 |
| 🟤 Brown Belt | 30 |
| ⚫ Black Belt | 50 |
Students receiving attire discipline will line up at the end of class. Frequent infractions and disrespect may result in loss of rank, loss of privileges, suspension from the team, or termination of membership, all at the discretion of Sensei Bill.
⚫ SATURDAY TEAM KUMITE ATTIRE RULES
Uniforms — Official Team Kumite Uniforms permitted; other team uniforms are not permitted.
Shirts — Team Kumite branded shirts permitted; outside school apparel is not permitted.
🏆 TESTING ATTIRE REQUIREMENTS
Required
- Full Traditional White Gi
• Proper Rank Belt
• Clean, Pressed, and Professional Appearance
• Arrive Fully Prepared and On Time
Not Permitted
❌ Team Kumite Apparel
❌ Event Shirts
❌ Dry-Fit Shirts
❌ Specialty Uniforms
Testing Rules
✅Gi Top — Required
✅Gi Pants — Required
✅Belt — Required
✅Presentation — Professional and Respectful
🥋 COMPETITION ATTIRE
TEAM KUMITE MEMBERS / ALL DOJO MEMBERS
This policy applies to all local, regional, national, and international tournaments. Ie: Caliguri, SMAC, EubanAngleo etc. You may not attend events without approval from Sensei.
Athletes who receive sponsorships may wear prior approved outside affiliated uniforms at “NASKA” events only, or with special approval from Sensei Bill.
Regardless of sponsorship status, Team Kumite members are required to wear official Team Kumite uniforms at:
- Summer Shiai
• Pittsburgh Power Open
• Christmas Kumite
• Any Kumite Classic Event
• Any Viola Karate-hosted or organized event
Expectations include pride and loyalty to your home team and school. We encourage and expect all Team Kumite members and parents to represent the team by wearing Team Kumite spirit wear, warm-ups, and approved apparel at team and travel events.
NON–TEAM KUMITE MEMBERS
(Students and members of Viola Karate Dojo)
Non-Sparring Competition — Traditional White Gi
Sparring Competition — Traditional White Gi or Viola Karate branded T-shirt with white pants.
⚠️ Specialty competition uniforms, including Team Kumite, Top Ten, Century, ASG, and similar competition attire, are reserved exclusively for Team Kumite members. The privilege of wearing this type of sparring gi is earned through Team Kumite membership.
🥋 PRIVATE LESSON ATTIRE
✅ Traditional White Gi
✅ Official Team Kumite Uniform
✅ Viola Karate Shirt + White Karate Pants
✅ Viola Karate Shirt + Team Kumite Pants
✅ Approved Seasonal Event Shirts (during authorized dates only)
After a private lesson if you are in a team uniform on a “traditional day” you must change.
🥋Black Belts Sensei/Instructors: You must wear your Tokaido Viola Karate Dojo black belt when teaching or training in the dojo (not nbl, naska, ICO, etc.) *Exception Sensei from another organization training to be a black belt at Viola Karate.
🚫 DOJO FLOOR APPAREL POLICY
Apparel representing another martial arts school, dojo, academy, team, gym, or organization is not permitted on the training floor without prior approval from Sensei Bill.
Not Permitted
- Other martial arts school apparel
- Outside team apparel
- Non-Team Kumite uniforms
- Outside competition uniforms
- Unauthorized items
⚠️ Prior approval from Sensei Bill is required for any exception. Any exception granted is at the sole discretion of Sensei Bill.
Reminder that the Kumite Classic (team kumite) logo is a federal trademark and requires prior authorization or approval before using it or its likeness. Viola karate and its curriculum are intellectual property of Kumite Classic Entertainment.
🧼 HYGIENE & APPEARANCE
Fingernails — Trimmed Short
Toenails — Trimmed Short
Jewelry — Removed Before Training
Gum/Food — Not Permitted
Uniform — Clean and Maintained
Personal Hygiene — Professional Standards Required
🙏 DOJO ETIQUETTE
Entering Floor — Bow
Leaving Floor — Bow
Instructors — Address respectfully as “Sensei [Name]”
Fellow Students — Show courtesy and self-control
During Instruction — Listen attentively
Conduct — Demonstrate discipline and respect
Principle — Karate Begins and Ends with Respect
Late Arrival: Push-ups apply. Walk behind the class and perform your belt-level push-ups. Warm up if needed, then join class.
⭐ MASTER RANK & SPECIAL EXCEPTIONS POLICY
Master Ranks (Godan and Above) — Have attire exceptions. They are not bound by the rules and regulations of this policy. Masters may dress how Sensei sees fit. Other exceptions:
Visiting guests — Exemptions may be granted
Medical Accommodations — Available upon request
Special Events — Exceptions may be authorized
Final Approval — Sensei Bill approval required
When in doubt, ask first. Never assume an exception applies.
🥋 THE VIOLA KARATE STANDARD
Every Student Should:
✔ Wear the proper uniform
✔ Wear the proper belt
✔ Arrive prepared
✔ Maintain personal hygiene
✔ Respect instructors
✔ Respect training partners
✔ Represent Viola Karate and Team Kumite with pride
“Your Uniform Reflects Your Discipline. Wear It With Honor.”
Viola Karate Dojo
Discipline • Respect • Tradition • Excellence 🥋
