To enable the smooth running of classes and to promote the development of the children’s focus and self-discipline, the following general principles and specific procedures will be adhered to during Kung Fu lessons.  Please read and be familiar with this information and sign at the bottom if you are in agreement with and are happy to support us in the application of these principles.

Our approach to discipline embodies the same principles we teach in every lesson:

Courtesy & Respect

Focus & Self control

Common Sense before Self Defence

The children training with us wish to learn Kung Fu.  Self-evident perhaps, but it needs to be stressed that our students are not training under compulsion but by their choice.  Learning Kung Fu requires appropriate behaviour.  Children, because of their immaturity, lack focus and self-control.  Our approach therefore, in dealing with disruptive behaviour, is to encourage and enable the student to refocus on the task in hand.  The procedure below will generally be followed to facilitate this. 

Examples of the practical application of the refocusing procedure with incremental steps

1. Subtle behaviour correcting – Get student’s attention (move into line of sight) and indicate correct focus.

2. Approach the student, crouch down to their level, use positive wording to redirect (what they should be doing instead).

3. Pull them aside a few feet away from the group.  Ask the child if they have a problem and if they understand what they need to do.

4. If the inappropriate behaviour is in conjunction with another student, one or both will be moved to enable continuation of training.

5. If the inappropriate behaviour still continues, the child will be removed to the side of the class for a conversation directed at recognising the inappropriate behaviour and understanding what is expected of them.  There will be an emphasis on teaching the student to focus, rather than admonishment.  The process will follow these general lines:

i.  Ask if there is a problem and ascertain what it is.

ii. Ask if they understand what they need to be doing.

iii. Check that they understand why they have been removed from the others. 

iv. Encourage them to consider the effect on others of their actions/behaviour.

v. Finally, ask the child if they are able to re-join the lesson and check that they know how they need to behave differently and that they understand what specifically they will be doing when they re-join the lesson.

Training Studio Rules

Based on the principles listed in the introduction there are some generic rules that apply all the time.  

Follow the Sifus’ instructions at all times

Do not interfere with other students in a way that distracts them and lessens their capacity for learning

Sit or stand where you are told and do not move around the room

For clarity some specifics examples are included.

Wait outside the room until invited to enter

Bow as you enter quietly and kneel on a dot

Whilst waiting for your turn at any activity or for instructions, stand or kneel patiently and quietly

If you have a question, raise your hand and wait quietly to be acknowledged

Be quiet while an instructor or anyone else is talking

When waiting in line, stay in place and do not push in

Perform every activity to the best of your ability