Club Rules

General Guidelines

• Please respect our hosts and do not touch or interfere with any of the equipment, items, or decorations belonging to the dance studio.  In particular do not touch the mirrors at any time.

• Outdoor shoes must not be worn past the carpeted area at the entranceway.  Bare feet and socks should not step on the carpeted area.  This keeps the wooden floor and mats clean and hygienic.

• Equipment, including things like training weapons, should be attended at all times when in use.  When not in use the equipment should be placed neatly on the floor outside of the matted area.  Equipment should not be placed such that it could fall.

Code of Conduct

• Everyone has the right to be treated with dignity, respect, and consideration.  Any person found not to be doing so will be asked to leave.

• All members, regardless of whether they are a student or an instructor, should conduct themselves in a courteous and ethical manner at all times.  Any member found to be bringing the good name of the club into disrepute shall be in breach of this rule.

• Any form of abusive or anti-social behaviour directed towards students, instructors, or third parties will not be tolerated.

• Members are encouraged to support and uplift fellow students, fostering a positive training environment through encouragement and constructive feedback.

Wellbeing

• Safety during training is the top priority for all participants.  If you have any concerns over your safety or the safety of any other person in the class, you should alert your instructor immediately.

• If you have any injury or medical condition that may impact your ability to train safely you should let the instructor know before the class begins.

• If you develop any injuries or conditions during a class, you should let the instructor know so they may complete an injury record and administer first aid accordingly.

• Please consider your aikido training as part of a healthy balanced lifestyle, it is important not to over train and to support your development by maintaining a good diet, taking enough rest, and enjoying life.

• Never attempt to do any exercise, technique, or movement that you are not confident and comfortable with.

• You should only train at your own pace and if you find the class is moving too fast, or if you do not understand the technique being demonstrated, or find yourself becoming exhausted, please stop and let the instructor know straight away.

• Communicate with your training partner if you feel you need to slow down or take a rest, or if you have an injury and you need to remind them to adjust what they are doing.

• Members are expected to maintain good personal hygiene to promote a healthy training environment including wearing clean training gear.  Please also ensure that you keep your fingernails and toenails neatly trimmed.

• No jewellery should be worn while training.  Any piercings should be removed or securely taped before training begins.

Training Guidelines

• Do not step over or on top of any equipment (including weapons).

• Look before you throw – your partner should have ample room to roll or break-fall on to the matted area.  There should be no obstructions (e.g., equipment/other students).

• Be aware of others who are training so that you do not get in the way.  Avoid being distracted and ensure you maintain vigilance through-out the class.

• Always ensure you have sufficient space surrounding you when training, particularly with weapons.

• The mats should be kept clear of unnecessary obstructions and must be closely fitted at all times.  Gaps can sometimes form between mats; they should be closed by pushing the mats back together when and where needed.

• If the instructor claps their hands twice or asks the class to stop please stop what you are doing immediately.  This is to ensure everyone can hear important instructions that relate to training or safety.

In addition, all participants must, at their earliest opportunity (and regularly thereafter to check for updates), review and follow the detailed health and safety guidance provided in the relevant section of the club handbook (copies available upon request).

If you are unsure about any of the rules, you should speak with the instructor before taking part and discuss any concerns or questions with them.