KARATE CODE OF BEHAVIOUR

'The ultimate aim of the Art of Karate lies not in victory nor defeat, but in the development of the character of its participants.'

The Art of Karate-Do places great emphasis on the development of the character of its students, and a code of behavior is used, together with the physical training, so that the Technical skill, physical fitness and good behavior become synonymous with Karate-Do. The code is based on a mutual respect of Teachers and Students, and acknowledges that the 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. It is a source of great satisfaction to the HRKG that English Karate has earned a reputation for producing World-Class Teachers and Competitors. All HRKG
members have a duty to behave in a way which will maintain and enhance this reputation on behalf of their Club and the HRKG, but Karate Instructors have a particular responsibility, as they will greatly influence the behavior of their students both inside and outside the Dojo.
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 the following code of behaviour, is adhered to by all students in their charge.

GIs AND BELTS:
It is the responsibility of the individual to ensure that their Gi fits correctly and is kept clean and in a good state of repair.
Tears and other damage must be repaired prior to the following training session.
Association or Club badges can be embroidered or stitched on to the Gi, and for competitions, a number or Country badge may be required for identification.
The appropriate coloured belt, including any necessary stripes or tags, must be worn with the Gi at all times.

DOJO ETIQUETTE:
Always bow on entering and leaving the Dojo.
Junior grades must bow first to their seniors.
Instructors should be referred to as Sensei, and not by name.
Nails must be kept clean and short enough to avoid scratching and cutting.
Jewelry or watches should not be worn. If it is not possible to remove rings or earrings, they should be safely covered.
It may be requested that shoes are removed on entering the Dojo. It is polite to walk around the edge of the training area.
Late arrivals should enter the Dojo quietly, change, and warm up in the changing room. When they wish to join in the class, they must kneel to the front and side of the class, where they can be clearly seen by the Sensei, and watch carefully for the Sensei's signal to join in. When the signal is given, they should remain kneeling, bow deeply, rise, then walk quickly and quietly around the back of the class until it is convenient to go to a position appropriate to their grade.
Smoking is not allowed in the Dojo, or in any adjacent areas, to ensure a smoke-free Dojo environment.


TRAINING AT ANOTHER DOJO:

An HRKG licence will insure you to train at any affiliated HRKG Dojo, but permission is needed from the Dojo Instructor, and from your own Instructor. The usual Seniority structure will apply