Code of Conduct and Club Rules
 
Introduction
 
The code of conduct is based upon self-discipline, good behavior both in and out of the Dojo, smart appearance, punctuality, respect and consideration for others and their property, politeness, good manners, honesty, and tolerance.
 
Attendance and Punctuality
 
Please arrive at the hall at least 5 minutes prior to the start of your class as it is important that we start on time. Many of our classes run back-to-back, or there are other hall hirers needing to get into the hall after us, so we cannot over run. 

We understand that everybody runs late occasionally, including the instructors. If you are running late, please drop us a quick WhatsApp to let us know. It is important that everybody is warmed up properly so that they are safe to train. Students who miss the warm-up will either be asked to do a solo warm up at the side of the dojo by themselves or, if they have missed too much of the class, they will be given the opportunity to sit and watch the class instead of participating. 

Spond
We use this app to check into our classes each week.  Of course, everybody aims to be at every class but sometimes life gets in the way. 
You will receive an invite every week at 8am the day before your class.  Please ensure that you click “Attending” or “Decline” to check in. This can be done at any point from the time you receive the invite up until 12pm on the day of your class or 7pm the night before if you are attending a morning class. If you have not let us know by 12pm, you will not be included in the lesson plan or in the final numbers for the class. If you are unsure if you will make it, please drop us a message to make us aware.  

Spectators
Please remember that all children in the Infant and Junior classes need a spectator present. We are happy for you to ask another parent who is already there to watch your child, as long as each child has a designated adult. 
The cadet class requires at least two adult spectators each week in total. Please use Spond to let us know if you can spectate for that class. If we do not have enough spectators, then that week’s class will be unable to run.

 
Unfortunately, due to space, we are only able to accommodate one spectator per child and do not have space to accommodate siblings. The exception for this, due to the logistics involved, is siblings who train in the subsequent or previous class - they are welcome to sit quietly with their parent at the side of the dojo if needed.  

We love that you are all involved in your child’s training, and it is fantastic to see you helping them train and practise at home. Questions are always welcome if you are not sure what they need to practice or learn. However, we ask that you please refrain from shouting out to your child when they are participating in a class. Whilst an encouraging smile, clap or wave is wonderful, if you start calling out instructions it can be intimidating for the other children and disruptive to the instructors. 
 
Uniform/equipment
Please ensure that you have your full gi, belt, grading sheet, gloves, skipping rope and gum shield with you for every class. Students in the infant class and juniors below the grade of yellow belt do not currently require a gumshield.   
If it is warm, you may wear a club t-shirt instead of a gi jacket. However, please bring your jacket to every class as you will need it if we are throwing or grappling. 

New Students – If you do not have a gi yet, please wear a loose, comfortable T-shirt and shorts/leggings/jogging bottoms. Please make sure that they do not have any buttons or zips.  Please do not wear crop tops, vest tops, hotpants, skirts, skorts or dresses.  
Please ensure that long hair is tied back, and all jewellery is removed.

Please always wear trainers to the dojo in case we are skipping, as skipping barefoot can sting!

Don’t forget to bring a drink!

Dojo Etiquette
 

1. Correct dojo etiquette must always be observed, eg. bowing upon entering and leaving the dojo. Respect must be shown to instructors, visiting sensei and fellow members.

2. Mobile phones should be turned to silent before entering the dojo, unless agreed with the instructor.

3. Members should always make a personal effort to ensure their gi is washed and pressed. Members may wear a t-shirt under their gi.

4. Finger and toenails should be kept short to prevent injury to other members.

5. Members train at their own risk.

 
Code of Conduct
 

1. Respect others including parents, instructors, your peers, and yourselves.

2. Listen and watch your instructor when they are demonstrating.

3. When told to STOP, you must STOP.

4. BULLYING WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. 

5. Be polite and helpful.

6. Control your temper.

7. Look after your equipment and others’ equipment.

8. Ask your instructor before leaving a class for any reason.

9. Tell your instructor immediately if you are injured or unwell.

10. Work hard and come to classes because you enjoy yourself. 

 
Grading

To be eligible to grade, a student needs to have every technique signed off on their grading sheet. This method allows students to able to achieve their next belt within their own time frame, there is no rush to grade. Whilst we are willing to adapt our syllabus to meet the needs of a student if required, promotions are still awarded on merit and by meeting the requirements set for that individual. Regular attendance is essential to be able to ensure that progress can be made, however grades will not be awarded purely on attendance. 
 
Termination of Membership
 
Any member found using unnecessary violence or excessive bad language towards another club member, to others in the wider community, or found to be of unsuitable character shall have their membership terminated. Kuroten Practical Karate reserves the right to terminate membership without stating a reason. 
 
Parents/Guardians are expected to:
 

• Positively reinforce their child/young person and show an interest in their chosen activity.

• Ensure that their child arrives in class 5 mins before the start of the lesson and stay with them for the duration of the class (if they are in the infant or junior classes).

• Ensure that their child is wearing appropriate attire and has the correct equipment for class.

• Detail any medical conditions on the membership form. Any changes in the state of health should be reported to the instructor prior to class.

• Encourage your child to play by the rules and teach them they can only do their best.

 
Parents/Guardians have the right to:
 

• Know their child is safe.

• Be informed of problems or concerns relating to their child.

• Be informed if their child is injured.

• Complain if they have concerns about the standard of teaching.