“Acceptance of Risk Policy”

You must be aware that Zen Do Kai Martial Arts includes and encompasses all aspects of the martial arts and also includes all aspects of combative sports in general, including but not limited to; Kick Boxing, Submission Wrestling and Mixed Martial Arts in their various incarnations and self defence training, including weaponry, and includes actual robust physical contact. Participating in Zen Do Kai Martial Arts, observing Zen Do Kai Martial Arts, learning Zen Do Kai Martial Arts, entering any building used for the purpose of practising, or doing anything in connection with the practice of Zen Do Kai Martial Arts is a dangerous undertaking, and in undertaking such activities you do so at your own risk.

You should also be aware that it is a condition of admission to membership of Zen Do Kai Martial Arts, that the various centres of operation, their directors, instructors, members, servants or agents are absolved from all liability howsoever arising from injury (whether fatal or otherwise) or damage howsoever caused arising out of membership to the various centres or participating in Zen Do Kai Martial Arts, observing Zen Do Kai Martial Arts, learning Zen Do Kai Martial Arts, training in Zen Do Kai Martial Arts, entering any building being used for or in connection with Zen Do Kai Martial Arts or in any way whatsoever due to any negligent act, breach of duty, default and/or omission on the part of the various centres, their directors, instructors, members, servants or agents or on the part of any affiliated organizations, their office bearers, directors, servants or agents.

You should also be aware that any person practicing martial arts, observing martial arts, learning martial arts, training in the martial arts, entering any building being used for or in connection with martial arts or participating in any activity carried out by martial artists are only allowed to do so on the distinct understanding that they do so at their own risk.

 

“General Safety Policy”

It is certainly important in martial arts, when we are practising the practical application of potentially dangerous defence techniques on one another, to avoid any injury or disturbances of any kind. To that end we must accept certain basic rules.

1. NO student is permitted to intentionally strike another student with malice.

2. In the interest of safety it is mandatory for all students to wear: a mouth guard, fist & shin/instep protectors while sparring.

3. Students are not permitted to practise locks, throws or tumbles without the use of appropriate mats; this includes during sparring.

4. A student should not participate in any activity that she or he believes is beyond their physical capacity.

5. A student is not compelled to partake in any activity against their will.

 

“Blood Policy”

The fact that a number of blood-borne infectious diseases can be transmitted during activities such as karate, has been widely recognised for many years. The more serious include viral Hepatitis and HIV (AIDS) infections. These diseases may be spread by direct contact between broken skin or mucous membranes and infected blood and other body fluids and substances. 

The risk can be minimized by following the items in this policy. There is no current evidence that sweat, urine or tears will transmit these infectious viruses.

1. It is every participant's responsibility to maintain strict blood and body fluid safety at all times, in all activities.

2. It is the responsibility of all participants to maintain strict personal hygiene by covering any cuts or abrasions with an impermeable waterproof dressing.

3. Open cuts and abrasions occurring during a match or training must be reported and treated immediately.

4. Students should avoid unnecessary contact with the blood of other students.

5. Where possible any clothing with blood on it should be removed and replaced by fresh clean clothing as soon as possible.

6. All students with a recent history or evidence of infectious disease should discuss the potential hazards of participation in sport with a doctor. Chronic carriers of blood borne diseases should also seek medical clearance and advice. They may not be excluded from participating in sports.

7. Sharing of towels, drink containers and other personal items should be avoided.

8. Any participant who has an open or bleeding wound (including nose bleeds) must leave the dojo floor until the bleeding is controlled and the wound is covered or dressed.

9. When bleeding cannot be controlled, the player must not be permitted to return to the activity.

10.  Blood spilled on the floor or elsewhere must be cleaned immediately using the bleach and wipes available from the office.

Persons attending to bleeding participants shall wear disposable gloves. Disposable mouth-to-mouth resuscitation devices are also available in the first aid cabinet.

 

“Sexual Harassment Policy”

Sexual harassment is illegal and destroys the trust and respect between practitioners and damages the martial arts community as a whole. An instructor that breaches the ethics of the martial arts code of conduct sacrifices his/ her integrity and reputation. In order to help identify situations of sexual harassment or sexual misconduct Zen Do Kai offers the following definition and examples of sexual harassment. Sexual harassment may be defined as any written, verbal, visual or physical action of a sexual nature which is unwelcome, intimidating, offensive or hostile.

Examples of sexual harassment in a martial arts setting:

1. Inappropriate or unsolicited touching, coercion, reprisals, sexual advances, threats or offering special treatment in return for sexual favours.

2.     Implicit or explicit sexual behaviour which is used to control or influence the general learning environment or individual training opportunities or rank.

3.     Continuing to express sexual interest after being informed that such interest is unwelcome. Making reprisals, threats of reprisals or implied threats of reprisal following a negative response to a sexual advance. (e.g. Using excessive force in the practice of martial arts to intimidate or hurt the harassed person.)

4.     Suggestive or obscene letters.

5.     Derogatory comments, slurs or jokes.

6.     Impeding or blocking movement when such actions are outside the physical practice of the art.

7.   Staring or leering.

8.   Gestures or display of sexually suggestive objects, pictures , cartoons or posters.

 

“Behaviour Policy”

As a participant in martial arts training at a Zen Do Kai Dojo, you must meet the following requirements in regard to your conduct during any activity held or sanctioned by Zen Do Kai.

1. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of fellow students, instructors and spectators.

2. Respect the talent, potential and development of fellow students.

3. Be fair, considerate and honest in all dealings with others.

4. Be aware of, and maintain an uncompromising adhesion to the Zen Do Kai standards, rules, regulations and policies.

5. Do not use your involvement with Zen Do Kai to promote your own beliefs, behaviours or practices where these are inconsistent with those of Zen Do Kai.

6. Demonstrate a high degree of individual moral responsibility especially when dealing with persons under 18 years of age.

7. Refrain from conduct which could be regarded as harassment of fellow students and instructors.

8. Refrain from any behaviour that may bring the martial arts into disrepute.

9. Provide a safe environment for the conduct of the activity and care for and respect the equipment provided to you as part of your program

10. Do not tolerate acts of aggression.

11. Show concern and caution towards others who may be sick or injured.

12. Be frank and honest with your instructor concerning illness and injury and your ability to train fully within the program requirements.

13. Be a positive role model and conduct yourself in a professional manner relating to language, temper and punctuality and accept responsibility for your actions.

14. Understand the repercussions if you breach, or are aware of any breaches of, this Code of Behaviour. Respect the decisions of the instructors, making all appeals through the formal process and respecting the final decision.

 

“Parent Behaviour Policy”

As a parent of a student in Zen Do Kai you must meet the following requirements with regards to your own conduct:

1. Focus on your child’s efforts and performance rather than winning or losing.

2. Never ridicule or yell at your child or other children for making a mistake.

3. Show appreciation for good performance and skilful displays by all students.

4. Respect the instructors’ decisions and teach children to do likewise.

5. Do not physically or verbally abuse anyone associated with the sport.

6. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.

 

“Emergency Evacuation Policy”

In case there is an emergency in the Dojo and students have to leave the premises quickly the following guidelines will ensure and facilitate the safety of all:

1. Remain calm and obey your instructors directions.

2. There is a fire extinguisher at the front desk and also beneath the sound system at the front of the Dojo. Take a moment to locate these in case you may need them.

3. If you are ordered to evacuate leave directly by the front roller door and do not stop to collect your belongings.

4. If you are ordered to leave take a moment to identify those people around you so that you can vouch for their appearance at the rally point.

5. The rally point is adjacent to the roller door for Marantz furnishings. Unit 4. Two units towards to road.

6. You may not leave this area until all students have been accounted for with the group leader.

 

“Equipment Policy”

A student of Zen Do Kai will be required, from time to time, to use various types of equipment in their training. It is best to provide your own equipment (shin pads, boxing gloves etc,) because a correct fit and personal hygiene are matters of concern. Beyond this the Dojo provides equipment for your use.

1.        The equipment, without exception, belongs to Kyoshi Dean. You should treat the use of this

             equipment as if it is a personal favour that is being extended to you. If he did not supply it              at his own expense, you would have to buy your own.     

2.        The equipment will not last forever because, if your training is to have value, it must be    used        vigorously. All care must be taken, however, that it is used in the manner intended and     not        abused.

3.           Any equipment used should be replaced neatly in its’ appropriate place.

4.           If you find that a piece of equipment is damaged and in need of repair or replacement you              should notify your instructor immediately and refrain from using it.

5.           Weapons may not be used or touched without the permission of their owner. An unfamiliar              weapon in the hands of a novice is a dangerous thing. There are classes available for              weapons training.

6.           The weights area is for serious training and is not a playground. Do not begin a program              without first having your physical condition assessed by Kyoshi Dean and a program              discussed. If there is any uncertainty you will be referred to a physician for assessment.

7.           Children (those under 15 and students in the “Kickstart” program) must not enter the              weights area. From time to time weights will be used in the “Kickstart” program but this will              be under strict supervision of the chief instructor.