SSKA RULES AND CONSTITUTION

Karate etiquette is a code of conduct essential to the proper practice of the Japanese martial arts, without it practice becomes meaningless. Self disciplined and mutual trust and respect for one's opponents are essential to safe practice, please carefully observe the following procedure in any dojo.

1    Bow upon entering and leaving the dojo.

2    Address Senior Instructors as Sensei.

3    Usu is a sign of respect. Use it as a sign of acknowledgement.

4    If you arrive late and the class has started, kneel at the head of the dojo and wait to be called on.

5    No jewellery is to be worn during training. If a ring cannot be removed then it must be taped over.

6    ALWAYS remember. Karate is more than just the ability to fight.   Treat visiting Karateka with the respect and good manners that you would expect if you were a visitor to their dojo. NEVER allow yourself or those around you to act in a manner that would bring shame to your dojo.

7    A minimum of 3 months must be allowed with training at least twice per week between kyu grading examinations.

8    A minimum of 6 months must be allowed between 1st kyu and 1st Dan examinations. (Members must be a full 1st kyu before attempting the 1st Dan examination).

9    A temporary 1st kyu must wait 3 months before taking the 1st kyu examinations again. If the examination results in a pass then a further 6 months must be allowed before any attempt is made at the 1st Dan examination.

10    A minimum period of 2 years must be allowed between Shodan and Nidan gradings. A minimum period of 3 years between Nidan and Sandan gradings must be observed.

11    Members failing any examination for Dan grade rankings must wait a period of time indicated by the grading examiner, before attempting a re-examination.

12    Any karateka from another association or style who join the SSKA may wear the belt of the grade they have attained in the previous association, but after 6 months regular training they must take a grading with an approved SSKA examiner. Following such examination they will be awarded the appropriate SSKA grade. This rule applies to all grades including Dan Grades.

13    All karateka must hold a current licence and grading record 1 month before taking a grading, as the examiner will refuse to grade any member not able to produce these documents. Any member who does undertake a grading examination and is subsequently found to have incorrect documents will have the results of the grading examination rescinded.

14    Any grade found to be breaking the rules of the grading shall not be recognised by the SSKA and shall be struck from the national grades register.

15    Arrive 15 minutes before your lesson starts and make sure that you have the correct moneys. If you are unable to attend training make sure that you phone your club instructor. Immediately after paying your money make sure you line up and start to warm up. Make sure you always pay respect to higher grades.

16    Always make sure that you train in a clean white GI and have short clean finger and toe nails. Anyone with long hair make sure that it is tied back. No foul language must be used in the dojo. No changing clothes in the dojo. Make sure your dojo is clean and always treat your dojo with respect.

17    Everyone regardless of rank must attend pre-grading and grading to be eligible to grade, this includes Dan grades. If you are unable to attend any grading session then you must inform your club instructor and the Association secretary in writing at least one week before the gradings.

18    Do not talk, chew gum or spit in the dojo or while being taught. Your gi must be correctly worn at all times and belt correctly tied. All ladies are to wear a white T-Shirt under their gi. Any badges worn on your gi must be approved by the SSKA and worn on the left side. Any bar badges must be worn below the rising sun badge not above. If you are unsure please ask. Parents are responsible to take and pick up their children from the dojo, the SSKA is responsible in the dojo training area).

19    The club instructor will appoint a dojo captain, who will ensure that all club members are in line, that gi's are correctly tied, belts worn correctly and help all newcomers to the dojo.

20    Instruction will only be given by an SSKA approved instructor and no one else.

21    Any blood spilt on the floor will be cleaned up by the individual whose blood it is. First Aid kits are available for injuries. Please report any injuries or illnesses (permanent or temporary) to your club instructor. Asthmatics please ensure that your ventilators are always carried with you or are at hand in the dojo. Insulin dependant diabetics, please ensure that you have sugar available.

22 Any person wishing to train under another Sensei or Association or enter an open competition not run by the SSKA must ask the Chief Instructors permission before doing so, if not then you will be dismissed from the SSKA.

23 Anyone leaving the SSKA or not training for more than 8 weeks [or normal lessons] must rejoin the Association.

24 Anyone who does not renew their licence before the renewal date may loose their grade.

25 Anyone renewing an expired licence must pay all back-dated fees or rejoin the association.

26 Members will be required to pay their training fees on a monthly or weekly basis, but must pay for ALL lessons whether they attend or not. This includes non-attendance due to holiday or sickness.

27 You are required to give one month notice of your intention to leave the SSKA.

28 Any complaints or suggestions, please place in writing to the Chief Instructor of the SSKA.

29 Cameras or video cameras (incl. mobile phones) are NOT permitted to be used in filming the training or grading without prior permission from Sensei Cole, in accordance with the Child Protection Policy.

30 All mobile phones must be switched off in the training & grading areas.

31 Photography & filming is not permitted at any lesson or grading unless prior permission has been sought from the Chief Instructor.

Thank you for your consideration.

Any breach of these rules and you may be called before the Chief Instructor of the SSKA.

The SSKA. can amend these rules at any time.

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Updated: Tuesday, 26 November 2013