For Students

The Martial Arts Centre has set policies on Health, Safety and Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults. All school instructors and staff members who regularly come into contact with children and vulnerable adults are checked with the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS), and adult instructors are covered with the appropriate Public Liability Insurance.

For safety reasons, students must not leave the training or spectator area except to go to the toilet. If a student wishes to leave the training or spectator area for any reason, permission must be obtained from an instructor. Only practising students are allowed into the practice area. Although at the Martial Arts Centre we have an open-door policy, i.e. we do not do anything behind closed doors, we respectfully ask parents/guardians who are spectating not to intervene while a training session is in progress. They should also be aware that very young children who are not practising must be kept in sight and under control at all times and must not, under any circumstances, be allowed to wander into the practice area. Thank you for your understanding in these important matters.

Now that you have ‘discovered’ martial arts, it is perfectly natural for you to want to learn as much as you can. However, do not expect to learn a ‘new’ technique every time you visit the class. Also, do not ask the instructor or students of a higher grade to teach you a new technique. The instructor will teach you something new when they consider you are ready to learn. Do not expect to learn too much too quickly; rather, learn enough well, and at all times remember… patience is a virtue!

With the comprehensive syllabus that you will be taught, there are a number of techniques that, in their ultimate application, can potentially be very dangerous. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that at all times you are fully aware of what it is you are learning, and that you only use these techniques in regular training, testing, official displays, or in circumstances where you are attacked and/or are in fear of your life.

Regular martial arts training promotes an improved level of health and fitness. However, if when you come to train you are not feeling well, or are suffering from an injury or medical condition for which you may have medication with you, it is very important that you inform the instructor at the beginning of the lesson. Also, if you are suffering from any medical condition affecting your feet, e.g. verruca or athlete’s foot, you must wear socks and/or training shoes, so that other members are not affected. In general, toenails and fingernails should be kept short to avoid causing injury to yourself or another member.

Concerning personal martial arts clothing, weapons, and sparring gear, it is advisable that your name is written clearly on your belongings. The Martial Arts Centre, its instructors and staff, assume no responsibility—under any circumstances—for loss of property of any kind.

It is highly recommended you do not bring any jewellery or valuables of any kind to the class. If you do, please do not give them to any of the instructors or members of staff to look after for you, as they will refuse to accept responsibility for the item/s. The Martial Arts Centre, its instructors and staff, assume no responsibility—under any circumstances—for loss of property of any kind.

All students are expected to arrive 10 minutes before the start of their class. This is in order to help prepare the Doh Jahng for training (which is part of the martial arts discipline if required), and/or to do some warm-up and stretching exercises prior to the start of the class.

The safety advice given by the instructor should always be followed. In the event of an accident or injury, stop what you are doing and report it to an instructor as soon as possible. The instructor will assess the injury and take the appropriate action, including recording it in the accident book.

The Martial Arts Centre does not normally close for bank holidays or half-term school holidays but is closed for four weeks throughout the year and bank holidays.

Traditional martial arts training necessarily involves the use of military-style training. The seemingly tough methods which are used are designed to improve fitness, build character and confidence, instil discipline, and create an indomitable spirit. Please remember these methods have a purpose and at all times, the instructors have the children’s best interests at heart.

Occasionally, the instructor may take, or appoint somebody to take, photographs or video/DVD recordings for editorial or promotional purposes. If any member does not wish to be photographed or filmed, please inform the instructor. Any parent/guardian of a child under the age of 18, not wishing their child to be photographed or filmed, must inform the instructor. Any member or parent wishing to do photography and/or video/DVD recording of their family or friends must first get permission from the instructor.

The Martial Arts Centre, nor its instructors or staff, can be held responsible for children once a class has officially ended. However, being a responsible class, we would not leave a young child alone and unattended. Regrettably, because in the past, instructors/staff have had to wait for anything up to an hour for a parent/guardian to arrive after the class has finished, unless there are serious or mitigating circumstances.

At the Eastbourne School, there is ‘No Parking’ outside the Centre, only dropping off and picking up. Pay and Display in ‘Iceland’ and ‘The Beacon’, or alternatively, on-street parking away from the cul-de-sac in which the Centre is situated. Thank you for your understanding in this matter.