CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT

The art of Karate-do places great emphasis on the development of the character of its students, and a code of conduct is used together with the physical training so 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 those who live in and administer that society.

All Karate-ka have a duty to behave in a way that will maintain and enhance the reputation of their school and association. All instructors must be perfect examples of this code as their behaviour will greatly influence the behaviour of the students both inside and outside the dojo.

Karate Etiquette


The ethos of Karate is the development of the character through the development of the body, and the instructor has a great responsibility to uphold this tradition. The instructor must ensure that all students in their charge adhere to the code of conduct below.

Dojo Etiquette


  • All members must 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 short enough to avoid causing injury to other members.
  • Jewellery and watches must not be worn. If it is not possible to remove items of jewellery then they must be covered to make them safe.
  • Students must be punctual for class and wait for the start in an appropriate manner.
  • If a student is late for class they 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 by the senior grade.
  • Students must inform the school if they are not able to attend a 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 school.
  • Students must ensure that they have an up to date martial arts licence.

The above rules also apply to competitions.

Suits , Belts and Equipment


  • It is the responsibility of the students to ensure that their Karate suits (Gi) fit correctly and are in a good state of repair. Gi must be clean at all times and any turn-ups sewed on inside. Rolled up Gi sleeves and/or trousers are not acceptable as they are a safety risk to the wearer and others. All students must wear gi bearing the approved school logo badge.
  • Belts must be worn AT ALL TIMES.
  • Only approved sparring equipment may be used in the school.


Training at other dojo


  • Students may train at other dojo provided they first seek the permission of the Chief Instructor.
  • Any student who trains at another dojo does so as a representative of their own karate club, and should act accordingly.

Grading Requirements


  • The minimum period of training between Kyu Grades up to 4th Kyu (Purple Belt) is three months
  • The minimum period of training between 3rd Kyu to 1st Kyu (Brown Belt) grades is a minimum of six months
  • The minimum period of training between from 1st Kyu Brown Belt to 1st Dan (Black Belt) is one year.
  • The minimum amount of training sessions is 20 sessions for kyu grades and 12 months and 60 sessions for anyone attempting Black Belt 1st Dan.
  • All students must attend a grade assessment prior to being 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.