Why We Are Updating Our Uniform & Appearance Protocols

For more than five decades, Viola Karate has been built upon tradition, discipline, respect, and professionalism. Many of the standards outlined in this protocol are not new rules; they are longstanding traditions that have guided generations of students through their martial arts journey.

As our dojo continues to grow, it is important that these traditions be clearly documented so that students, parents, instructors, volunteers, and Team Kumite members all understand the expectations and standards that help maintain the integrity of our program.

The purpose of this update 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.

“Karate Begins and Ends with Respect.”

 

🥋 VIOLA KARATE DOJO

UNIFORM, APPEARANCE & ATTIRE PROTOCOL

“Karate Begins and Ends with Respect.”

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⚪ UNIVERSAL GI RULE

The Traditional White Gi is always acceptable for any class, on any day, unless otherwise directed by the instructor staff.

REQUIREMENT	POLICY
Daily Classes	✅ Traditional White Gi Permitted
Rank Testing	✅ Traditional White Gi Required
Formal Events	✅ Traditional White Gi Required
Special Seminars	✅ Recommended

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👕 WEEKLY ATTIRE SCHEDULE

DAY	APPROVED ATTIRE
Monday	White Viola Karate Shirt + White Karate Pants OR Traditional White Gi
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 • Traditional White Gi
Saturday – Team Kumite Practice	Official Team Kumite Uniforms and Apparel Only

Wednesday Reminder

⚠️ No outside team apparel permitted.

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🎉 SEASONAL SHIRT EXCEPTIONS

APPROVED SHIRT	AUTHORIZED DATES
☀️ Summer Shiai Shirts	June 21 through the First Day of School
🎄 Christmas Kumite Shirts	December 1 through January 15

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⚠️ ATTIRE VIOLATION POLICY

(Also applies to forgotten belts and late arrivals when discipline is assigned.)

VIOLATION	ACTION
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

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.

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⚫ SATURDAY TEAM KUMITE ATTIRE RULES

CATEGORY	ALLOWED	NOT ALLOWED
Uniforms	Official Team Kumite Uniforms	Other Team Uniforms
Shirts	Team Kumite Shirts	Outside School Apparel
Warm-Ups	Team Kumite Warm-Ups	Generic Sports Apparel
Equipment	Team Kumite Equipment	Non-Team Kumite Gear

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🏆 TESTING ATTIRE REQUIREMENTS

REQUIRED

ITEM	STANDARD
Uniform	Full Traditional White Gi
Belt	Proper Rank Belt
Appearance	Clean, Pressed & Professional
Arrival	Fully Prepared and On Time

NOT PERMITTED

❌ Team Kumite Apparel
❌ Event Shirts
❌ Dry-Fit Shirts
❌ Specialty Uniforms

Testing Rules

RULE	REQUIREMENT
Gi Top	Required
Gi Pants	Required
Belt	Required
Team Apparel	Not Permitted
Event Shirts	Not Permitted
Presentation	Professional and Respectful

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🥋 COMPETITION ATTIRE

TEAM KUMITE MEMBERS

This policy applies to all local, regional, national, and international tournaments.

Athletes who receive sponsorships may wear approved affiliated uniforms at NASKA events only, or with prior 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

REQUIREMENT	POLICY
Competition Uniform	Official Team Kumite Uniform Required
Warm-Ups	Team Kumite Approved
Apparel	Team Kumite Shirts
Sponsorships	Team Agreements May Apply
Exceptions	Prior Approval Required from Sensei Bill

NOT PERMITTED

❌ Other Team Uniforms
❌ Rival Team Apparel
❌ Unauthorized Competition Uniforms

NON–TEAM KUMITE MEMBERS

DIVISION	ATTIRE
Kata Competition	Traditional White Gi
Sparring Competition	Traditional White Gi

⚠️ Specialty competition uniforms, including Team Kumite, Top Ten, Century, ASG, and similar competition attire, are reserved exclusively for Team Kumite members.

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🥋 PRIVATE LESSON ATTIRE

APPROVED 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)

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🚫 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
• Rival team apparel
• Academy uniforms
• Outside competition uniforms
• Unauthorized team gear

⚠️ Prior approval from Sensei Bill is required for any exception.

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🧼 HYGIENE & APPEARANCE

STANDARD	REQUIREMENT
Fingernails	Trimmed Short
Toenails	Trimmed Short
Jewelry	Removed Before Training
Gum / Food	Not Permitted
Uniform	Clean and Maintained
Personal Hygiene	Professional Standards Required

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🙏 DOJO ETIQUETTE

EXPECTATION	REQUIREMENT
Entering Floor	Bow
Leaving Floor	Bow
Instructors	Address Respectfully
Fellow Students	Show Courtesy and Self-Control
During Instruction	Listen Attentively
Conduct	Demonstrate Discipline and Respect
Principle	Karate Begins and Ends with Respect

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⭐ MASTER RANK & SPECIAL EXCEPTIONS POLICY

POLICY	DETAILS
Master Ranks (Yondan & Above)	May Request Attire Exceptions
Visiting Masters	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.

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🥋 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

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“Your Uniform Reflects Your Discipline. Wear It With Honor.”

Viola Karate Dojo
Discipline • Respect • Tradition • Excellence 🥋