Our Student Pledge: Fostering Discipline, Respect, and Community
At Unity Martial Arts, we believe that Taekwondo is more than just a martial art or sport; it is a way of life that instils valuable life skills and personal character. Our Student Code of Conduct is designed to ensure a safe, respectful, and positive learning environment for all members.
By joining our club, every student agrees to uphold the core tenets of Taekwondo: Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control, and Indomitable Spirit. You also agree to uphold our extra tenets: Honour and Community.
1. Respect and Courtesy
- Respect for Instructors: Show the highest level of respect to all instructors, regardless of rank. Bow when entering and leaving the dojang (training hall), and when addressing or being addressed by an instructor. Listen attentively and follow instructions promptly.
- Respect for Fellow Students: Treat all classmates with respect, kindness, and encouragement. Be a positive training partner. Try not to laugh at a mistake; instead, offer encouragement.
- Respect for the Dojang: The dojang is a place of learning and discipline. Bow when entering and leaving the training area. Keep the dojang clean and orderly.
- Verbal Courtesy: Use polite language and avoid foul or disrespectful words. Always say “Yes, Sir/Ma’am”, “Yes, Sabum”, or “Yes, Sensei” when responding.
2. Safety First
- Follow Instructions: Always follow the instructor’s directions immediately and without question. This is crucial for your safety and the safety of others.
- Controlled Practice: All techniques, especially sparring, must be performed with control. No excessive force is to be used.
- Sparring Etiquette: Wear all required safety equipment before sparring. Bow to your partner before and after sparring.
- No Horseplay: Rough play is not permitted in the dojang.
- Health and Injuries: If you feel unwell or are injured, inform an instructor immediately.
3. Training Discipline
- Punctuality: Arrive on time for class. If you are late, you must wait at the entrance of the dojang until an instructor gives you permission to join the class.
- Attendance: Regular attendance is key to progress. If you will be absent for an extended period, please inform an instructor.
- Effort: Put your best effort into every class. Be persistent and dedicated in your training.
- Silence: During an instructor’s explanation or a fellow student’s demonstration, remain silent and attentive.
- Avoid Over Training: We currently have a 2 lesson a week lesson cap. This is to ensure that maximum effort is put in and it promotes a healthy life balance. Students are able to help in other lessons if desired. Please speak to your instructor about our helper, assistant and instructor training program.
4. Uniform and Appearance
- Cleanliness: Always wear a clean and tidy dobok (Taekwondo uniform).
- Proper Wear: Wear your dobok and belt correctly. Your dobok jacket should be properly fastened.
- T-Shirts: You can wear a t-shirt instead of a Dobok jacket during normal training. This must be plain white or an official Unity branded one. Black Belts can wear the black Unity t-shirt. We also offer a rash guard top if preferred.
- Hygiene: Maintain personal hygiene. Keep your fingernails and toenails trimmed for safety.
- Jewellery: No jewellery (rings, necklaces, watches, earrings) is to be worn during training for safety reasons. Please remove it before class.
5. Bullying and Harassment
- Zero Tolerance: Our club has a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, harassment, and any form of intimidation, whether verbal, physical, or online.
- Reporting: If you or someone you know is experiencing bullying, please report it to an instructor immediately and in confidence. We will take all reports seriously and act to resolve the situation.
6. Consequences for Non-Compliance
Failure to adhere to this Code of Conduct may result in the following actions, depending on the severity and frequency of the violation:
- A verbal warning from an instructor.
- A requirement to sit out of a portion of class.
- A meeting with the student’s parents/guardians.
- Suspension from classes.
- Termination of club membership.