For the first few weeks of class, we will emphasize stretching and conditioning exercises. Many students will experience muscle soreness from this unaccustomed activity - this is normal and to be expected. You will more easily recover from this if you do short periods of stretching outside of class. We will show you a variety of exercises in class - when you do them on your own, do them exactly the way you have been shown. Never force or bounce a stretch - this can result in painful muscle strains or tears.

Myo Sim Karate has an excellent safety record, and we want to keep it that way. Towards that end, we require your cooperation with certain safety guidelines.

• All men must wear a groin cup, all women must wear a support bra.
• Do not eat within an hour prior to class time.
• Do not wear ANY jewelry, watches, necklaces, earrings, or rigid hair ties during class. If you wear glasses, we recommend wearing a strap to keep them from falling off.
• Fingernails and toenails must be kept trimmed short.
• It is the student's responsibility to inform the instructor of any chronic injuries or medical conditions which in any way affect your ability to practice.
• When we do mat work, the instructor will explain in detail how to do throws and falls correctly. Listen and observe carefully. If you do not understand any part of the instructions, do not attempt to do the technique until you have asked the instructor for clarification.
• If you are absent from class when new material is taught, especially mat work, you must be shown the technique by the instructor, not one of your classmates.
• Throwing and falling, when done incorrectly, hold the greatest potential for serious injuries. Do not practice these techniques unless the instructor is present to watch you.
• If you are injured during class, report it to the instructor immediately, regardless of how minor it may seem at the time.
• Practicing with a partner requires focus, control, and respect. Respect is an inherent part of the martial arts. Bowing is a sign of respect to your instructor, your fellow students, and the art you study.

Karate-do is unique in how it involves learning techniques capable of causing deliberate harm, yet it teaches a philosophy and discipline of self defense that avoids conflict. Important lessons in this class are personal safety and self-confidence. If you listen carefully, follow instructions, and practice, Myo Sim Karate can be much more than just self defense.