Equal Opportunity and Disclaimers

DISCLAIMERS AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

Makani Self-Defense Martial Arts (MSDMA) is committed to providing an equitable and inclusive environment for all individuals. Consistent with these principles and applicable laws, it is our policy and principle not to discriminate on the basis of any protected classification, including age, ancestry, color, creed, physical or mental disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, veteran or military status, national origin, pregnancy (including childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), race, traits historically associated with race (including hair texture and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), religion, religious belief or observance, religious creed, sex, sex stereotype, sexual orientation, transgender status or transitioning, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law (including being perceived or regarded as or associated with any protected classification). If anyone believes they have been discriminated against, please feel free to contact the head instructor, Sifu Reece, directly at SifuReece@MSDMA.org.

We may refuse service in the event the head instructor does not believe MSDMA is able to give the proper attention and training a student may need, at no fault to either party, and will thus honor a refund (via check) for remaining classes at an amount adjusted for services already provided. Additionally, we have the right to immediately refuse service should any participant damage property, show consistent disrespectful behavior towards instructors and participants, or cause mental, emotional, and/or physical damage to an instructor, class participant, or bystander while affiliated with Makani Self-Defense Martial Arts including within and outside the confines of the training area. We also reserve the right to refuse and remove, without refund, any participant openly projecting values inconsistent with our organization's values and principles. This is including, but not limited to, ideologies and principles that promote unjust harm to fellow human beings and/or animals, ideologies and principles that discriminate against groups described in the aforementioned text in this statement, and any other ideology or principle inconsistent with the principles and values of our organization.

We do not claim to know everything when it comes to self-defense techniques, laws, or anything involving altercations with another human being. We do not condone violence. While we teach self-defense and self-control, we are not responsible for the actions of our students should they choose to break any laws and/or harm others.  It is ultimately up to the users best judgement, knowledge, skill, and willpower when confronted in a self-defense situation. Techniques shown are always just tools for an individual's self-defense arsenal, and trainings are meant to "polish" said tools and offer insight to better handle confrontation should the need arise. While full contact should be expected in training so to will self-control, and those intentionally trying to harm fellow students or known to harm others outside of class will be suspended at the head instructor's discretion.

Though we aren't a competitive or hardcore style dojo that will push you to professional sports fighter status, training at times won't be easy. We are not a "McDojo" that hands out belts. Individuals will only progress once they meet the prerequisite knowledge and proficiency expected for their next belt rank, and when the head instructor is confident they can test with a very limited margin for failure. Failed tests have happened, unfortunately, which has never been a great feeling for both student and teacher. Our approach is to acknowledge failures head on so we may better understand how to improve for the next opportunity, and to never allow a student to downright quit when they are so close to realizing that next level. This is a huge reason why you are tested only when Sifu Reece feels you are ready.

There may be obstacles one might face, whether it's physical limitations or just having a rough day mentally. That's perfectly alright; let your instructor know! We are all human beings at the end of the day. However, just like in life things may not be easy at times, but never give up. Push through with honest effort, enjoy the process of learning something new, and it'll all definitely be worth it in the long run!