l-dopa

(copied from the front page of http://dojoaudit.com/)

So! You want to perform a “dojo audit”! That’s very good; often first-time students run into easily avoidable trouble because of a hasty dojo choice. By taking the time to fully research your dojo, you’ll have a much better chance of a happy and successful dojo experience. Here’s a handy checklist to use during your due dojo diligence:

• Make sure your dojo has easily accessible fire exits and adequate ventilation. Many first-time dojo-goers pass out their first dojo-time due to a common condition known as “dojo-stank”.
• Take the time to make sure your dojo’s sensei is an authentic dojo sensei. Examples of authentic sensei names are “Tashi” or “Kai”. Examples of inauthentic sensei names are “Steve” or “Ted”. “Ted the Sensei” is probably not someone you want you want to have in your life.
• “Nunchucks” are really spelled “nunchakus”. This is probably the most common mistake most “dojo-newbies” make.
• Do not wear orange-colored clothing without checking with your sensei first, as the color orange sometimes represents “I have deep disrespect for the ghosts of your ancestors, and let’s fight” in dojo-culture.
• Use common sense when choosing a local dojo. Use the internet to research your potential dojo, and of course, don’t be afraid to ask your friends and family what dojo they belong to. Try not to be sucked in by a bargain-basement dojo; and while you can’t judge a dojo simply by its name, chances are “Bed, Bath and Dojo”, “Dojos Dojos Dojos” and “I Can’t Believe It’s a Dojo!” are totally crappy, fly-by-night dojos.

~jeff