JKA Oman Code of Conduct
Code of Conduct for all JKA Oman Instructors and Students:
The Art of Karate-Do ensure great emphasis on the development of the character of its students, and the management of JKA Oman uses a code of behaviors, together with the physical training, which by time ensure the quality of technical skill, physical fitness and good behavior and that become identical with Karate-Do.
The code is based on a mutual respect of Teachers and Students, and acknowledges that respect must be shown for Seniority. Karatekas are expected to show the same respect for the society in which they live, and for those who live in that society.
It is a source of great satisfaction to the JKA Oman that it has made a reputation for producing better Teachers and Competitors.
All JKA Oman members have a responsibility to act in a way which will maintain and enhance this reputation on behalf of their Club, Instructors and of course the organization. JKA Oman instructors have a particular responsibility, as they will greatly influence the behavior of their students both inside and outside the dojo.
Bad behavior on the part of an instructor will reflect badly on the JKA Oman and its founder in Oman (Sensei Said Alhashami). Instructors must show respect to all students and their parents, be good example for their students, be patient and cooperative, be a good leader.
The philosophy of karate is the improvement of the character through the development of the body and an instructor has a great responsibility to maintain this practice.
Instructors must ensure that the following code of behavior is adhered to by all students in their charge.
JKA OMAN Philosophy:
Training in karate teaches us not only self-defense but, to respect others as well as ourselves. We train our body to be strong, and our mind and spirit to be patient, in order to become the best human beings we can be. All what we learn in the dojo, should be applied to our daily life.
Karate training is not always easy. If we can overcome obstacles in our training, it enables us to have strong character to overcome our daily life obstacles and difficulties The principle of karate is all about improving ourselves. We must always work hard at this. When we take responsibility to become persons of good character and integrity, we will be doing our part to make the world a better place, and peaceful world.
As human beings, we are all the same, and have the same weaknesses. This is human nature. We can overcome many things if we accept this about ourselves. If we accept the good and the bad about ourselves, it is much easier to accept these things in others.
Real fighter should improve himself/herself every day.
Dojo protocol:
Always bow on entering or leaving the dojo.
Junior grades must bow first to their seniors.
Instructors should be referred to as Sensei or by their appropriate title, and not by name.
Nails must be kept clean and short enough to avoid scratching, cutting jewellery or watches should not be worn. If it is not possible to remove rings or earrings, they should be safely covered.
It may be requested that shoes are removed on entering the Dojo.
It is polite to walk around the edge of the training area.
Students must make every effort to be on time for classes, but if late, should enter the dojo quietly, change, and warm up in the changing room. When joining 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’s signal 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 until it is convenient go to a position appropriate to their grade.
Smoking is not allowed in the dojo, or in any adjacent areas.
Any behavior that is likely to offend the protocol of the Dojo is not allowed.
Gis and Belts:
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.
JKA Oman logo must be embroidered or stitched on to the Gi.
The appropriate colored belt, including any necessary stripes, must be worn with the Gi at all times.
Training at another Dojo:
JKA Oman license will insure you to train at any JKA Oman Dojo, but permission is needed from the Dojo Instructor, and from your own Instructor. Each karateka must keep loyalty to his/her organization.
Competitions:
For all intents and purposes, the competition area 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, particularly young and immature students, and therefore have a special responsibility to exhibit classic behavior. This includes matters such as:
- general attitude
- use of correct and polite language to fellow competitors, officials and audiences
- showing respect for other competitors and interest in the competition
- no use of stereo headphones whilst in gis
Referees and Judges must also show exemplary behavior in the above matters.
Referee and Judges qualifications do not replace the grade structure.
It is important that the Instructor is able to demonstrate a basic understanding of the current rules of competition for these students and for the minority who wish to compete at formal competitions.
Outside the Dojo:
As stated, members have a responsibility to behave in a manner which maintains and enhances the reputation of JKA Oman and Karate-Do, both in and outside of the Dojo, and to refrain from ‘bad and violent behavior’.
Advertising:
All advertising by Instructors, clubs and event organizers must be granted initially by the chairman of JKA, it should be accurate and in good taste.
Karate show and demonstration:
JKA Oman encourages spread of karate and promotion of the art, all shows must be pre-practiced well and to be in a good shape and quality. However, all shows and demonstration permission must be granted by the management.
Tests and exams:
Nobody has the right to issue certificates without the legal permission of the JKA Oman management. Instructors must inform about tests and kyu exams details. JKA Oman will provide the international diplomas from JKA HQ in Japan. It is the decision of each Dojo chief instructor to invite JKA Oman technical committee for exams, Parents and trainees are not allowed to intervene in upgrading – belt tests or resets.
Safety:
All instructors much assure the safety measures during training and competitions. Regular training and following instructors instructions will help in trainees safety and allow them to avoid possible injuries. However, the Dojo management is not responsible for any unintentional accident that may happen during training sessions.
Sensei/ Said Alhashami
Chairman of Karate Academy Oman
Chairman JKA OMAN