Beginners - Code of Behavior at Silversprings Gin Sen Karate Do -

Gin Sen Karate-DO places great emphasis on the development of the character of students, and a code of behavior is used, together with the physical training, so that technical skill, physical fitness and good behavior become synonymous with Karate-Do.

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


Code of Behavior
-Respect - Gi - Dojo - Training - Competitions -
Respect of Teachers and Students for The Art of Karate-Do

The code is based on a mutual respect of Teachers and Students for The Art of Karate-Do, and acknowledges that respect must be shown for Seniority. Practitioners of the Art of Karate­Do are expected to show the same respect for the society in which they live, and for those who live in and administer that society. All Karate students have a duty to behave in a way which will maintain and enhance this reputation on behalf of their Club (Dojo).

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Gi and Belt

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. For competitions, a number or country badge may be required for identification.

The appropriate coloured belt must be worn with the Gi at all times. Where a stripe is required, it must cover the whole length of the belt. Tabs are not acceptable.

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Dojo Etiquette

Please ensure that you always obey these rules at the Dojo:

  1. Always bow on entering or leaving the dojo.
  2. Junior grades must bow first to their seniors.
  3. Instructors must be referred to as Sensei, and not by name.
  4. Nails must be kept clean and short enough to avoid scratching and cutting.
  5. Jewelry or watches should not be worn. If it is not possible to remove rings or earrings: they should be safely covered.
  6. It shoes should be removed before entering the Dojo. It is polite to walk around the edge of the training area and not across.
  7. Late arrivals should enter the dojo quietly, changed, and warmed up. 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 to sign to join in. When this signal is given, they should remain kneeling, bow deeply, then walk quickly and quietly around the back of the class to the lower grade end until it is convenient go to a position appropriate to their grade.
  8. Smoking is not allowed in the dojo, or in any adjacent areas, to ensure a smoke-free Dojo environment

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Training at another Dojo

You are permitted to train at another Dojo, but permission is needed from the other Dojo Instructor, and it is polite to discuss this first with Sensei Allan. The usual Seniority structure will apply. Silversprings Karate Club insurance cover will not apply when visiting other Dojo.

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Competitions

For all intents and purposes, the competition Arena should be treated as the Dojo, and the same respect must be shown to Seniors and to other Karateka. Karate competition is seen as the 'glamour' side of Karate, and competitors, especially those who become successful, will become 'role-models' and can have a marked influence on the behavior of others, especially young and immature students, and therefore have a special responsibility to exhibit exemplary behavior with regard to dress, sportsmanship, and general behavior both on and off the competition area. This encompasses matters such as general deportment, use of correct and polite language to fellow competitors, officials and spectators, showing respect for other competitors and interest in the competition.

Referees and Judges must also show exemplary behavior in the above matters. Referee and Judges qualifications do not supersede the grade structure.

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