ETHICS AND CODE OF BEHAVIOUR
The art of karate-do places great emphasis on the development of the character of it students, and a code of behaviour is used, together with the physical training, so that technical skill, physical fitness and good behaviour become synonymous with karate-do. The code is based on a mutual respect of the teachers and students, and acknowledges that respect must be shown for seniority. Practitioners are expected to show the same respect for the society in which they live, and for those who live in and administer that society. All S.K.A. members have a duty to behave in a way that will maintain and enhance this reputation on behalf of their school and associations. All instructors must be perfect examples of this code, as their behaviour will greatly influence the behaviour of the students both inside and outside of the dojo. Bad behaviour on the part of the instructor will reflect badly on the school and associations. The ethos of karate is the development of the character through the development of the body and an instructor has a great responsibility to uphold this tradition. Instructors must ensure that all students in their charge adhere to the following code of behaviour.
Dojo etiquette
Always bow when entering or leaving the dojo
Junior grades must bow to senior grades first
Instructors should be referred to as Sensei or by their appropriate title, and not by name.
Nails must be kept clean and short enough to avoid causing injury
Jewellery and watches must not be worn. If it is not possible to remove rings then they must be covered as must ear rings
Shoes must not be worn in the dojo
Students must be punctual for class and wait in an appropriate manner.
If late for class students must warm up away from the class and then wait at the front and side of the class until permission to join in is given.
Students must inform the school if not attending class.
Students must walk around the edge of the dojo
No food or drink may be consumed within the dojo training area.
No smoking is allowed in the dojo
The use of bad language or inappropriate behaviour will lead to expulsion from the school
Students must ensure that they have an up to date licence
The above rules also apply to all competitions
Gi’s, Belts and Equipment
It is the responsibility of all students to ensure that their Gi’s fit correctly and are in a good state of repair. Gi’s must be clean at all times and any turn-ups sewed on the inside. Rolled up Gi’s are not acceptable as they are a safety risk to the wearer and others. Belts must be worn AT ALL TIMES. All students must wear Gi’s bearing the school logo only and only approved badges. Only approved sparring equipment may be used in the school.
Training at other dojo`s
Students may train at other dojo`s provided they first seek the permission of the senior or chief instructor. The dojo must be an approved S.K.A. dojo.
Grading requirements
The minimum period of training between Kyu Grades is 3 months. The minimum amount of training sessions is 20 sessions (6 months and 40 sessions for anyone attempting 1st Dan or junior Black belt.). All students must attend a grade assessment prior to be allowed to grade (usually the Sunday before the date of the grading). Failure to do so will result in the student not be allowed to take the grading. Any Kyu grade out of training for more than 4 months will be asked to re-sit their last grade.