Honesty Respect Self-Control Humility Perseverance Contribution Indomitable Spirit
Richard Marlin's Success Martial Arts Black Belt Academy
81 Union Street, South Lismore. 6622 4799
email: sma@successmartialarts.com.au
DOJO ETIQUETTE
Guidelines for disciplined and effective training at Success Martial Arts
The following codes of conduct create an environment conducive to martial arts training at SMA. By enrolling at SMA you have agreed to observe these at all times.
Team Ethos:
The SMA Team Ethos is to be professional and the best we can be; to help, support, cooperate and share, to finish what we start, to be ethical and fair, and to have respect for every person’s uniqueness & potential.
We do not tolerate
· Blaming others - not taking responsibility for our actions.
· Disrespect and poor etiquette.
· People who undermine others including the dojo staff, and other students or families.
Personal Hygiene and Safety:
· Wear footwear on your way to training to ensure clean feet.
· Hands and feet must be clean and fingernails and toenails trimmed short.
· No jewellery will be worn that could be detrimental to you or your fellow students.
· Safety gear as directed from time to time must be worn during all sparring.
Wearing Apparel:
· A clean, neat uniform must be worn by all students, with the correctly coloured belt.
· If your belt comes undone, secure it with your back to your training partner or instructor.
· Only footwear approved by the Program Director is to be worn on the training floor.
· Only a t-shirt the same colour as the uniform may be worn under the uniform.
Preparation Before Class:
· Pull out your card from the attendance box.
· Change into your uniform.
· Focus mentally.
· Warm up and practice without interfering with class in progress.
· If you want to know something or you’re not sure about something, ask for help.
Conduct in the Dojo:
· At all times, students must obey the instructor and other higher-ranking belts.
· Conduct yourself in a formal, respectful manner at all times.
· Do not interfere in any way with class in progress.
· At no time engage in horseplay on the training area or in the school.
· Keep hands and feet off the walls and mirrors.
· Unnecessary roughness, crude language, or display of ill-temper is forbidden.
· Always observe mat etiquette in the training area, including bowing when entering or leaving the mat and the school.
· No chewing gum or food is allowed on the mat or training area.
· No one under the influence alcohol or a prohibited substance may train.
· Smoking is prohibited in the school.
Conduct During Class:
All students must show proper respect to instructors and fellow students by
· Prompt attendance. If you are unavoidably late, follow the late procedure as directed.
· Being careful not to make contact through neglect or carelessness. Contact due to carelessness is a serious offence.
· Avoiding unnecessary talking during instruction periods.
· Raising your hand and waiting to be recognized if you have a question.
· Not contradicting instructors or complaining during class. Instructors are happy to discuss any issues individually away from the class.
· Addressing instructors as Sensei. Speak to the instructors with your hands respectfully at your side.
· Asking permission from the instructor if you need to leave the mat at any point during training.
· Not swearing, putting your hands on your hips, or leaning against the walls at any point during class.
Business Procedures:
· No one is permitted behind reception or in office, unless authorised.
· If you plan to miss lessons for 30 days or longer, submit a freeze request to prevent you from losing lessons.
· Students will not attend classes other than those designated, without prior approval.
· No clothing or uniform is to be left at the school overnight.
· If, as a student, or parent of a student, you have any concerns you feel need addressing, approach the instructor, or program director, and if they cannot speak with you immediately they will make an appropriate time to pay attention to your concern.
· Avoid irritating other students or parents by undermining the dojo or its staff or other students without following the correct channels.
Parent Behaviour:
· Whilst parents are invited and welcome to observe classes, be aware that this is a privilege made possible by the space available in our school and by our policy of parental involvement. This facility is not available in many martial arts schools.
· We request that parents adhere to the correct etiquette as an example for their children and to facilitate the family atmosphere of SMA.
· Do not attempt to critique, criticise, teach or interfere with your child in class unless requested to do so. You may encourage your child.
· Do not publicly criticise, complain, or otherwise undermine the dojo or its staff or instructors in the viewing area. If you have a concern, approach the instructor or Program Director privately in an appropriate manner, or make an appointment.
Conduct Outside the School:
· Always conduct yourself in a manner befitting your art and your club.
· Refrain from making critical comments about other styles or instructors.
Standards and Policies:
· The school reserves the right to suspend any student at any time at its sole discretion.
· The school reserves the right to alter the class schedule at its discretion.
· The school reserves the right to prohibit the attendance of any visitor who fails to conduct themselves in accordance with dojo etiquette.
