OBJECTIVES OF THE CLUBS
The objects of the SNSKC and TSKC are to:
a) foster and develop the art, sport and practice of Shotokan Karate in Keyworth, West Bridgford and South Nottinghamshire;
b) organise and regulate club training, special courses and gradings;
c) unite persons locally wishing to learn and practice Shotokan Karate;
d) provide the opportunity for members to compete in regional and national competitions;
e) provide the opportunity for members to be selected onto the Central Region Squad and the England Squad;
f) develop the following, in respect of each member of the club:
i) a high level of skill in Shotokan Karate;
ii) an ability to apply the techniques of Shotokan Karate in lawful self defence;
ii) overall good health, fitness and wellbeing;
iii) qualities of commitment and dedication;
iv) a strong, confident and determined character.
CLUB MEMBERSHIP
1. There are two types of club membership:
a) individual (min age 6 years);
b) family (spouses, parents/guardians & children, siblings).
2. Application for club membership is made by completing an online membership form (link below).
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Zq7zZdFD0HtcJWqk5JtGzJea_K5YCrnb80ox1ArbHXc/edit
3. Club membership is renewed annually on payment of the annual subscription. This becomes due on 1st January each year and must be paid no later than 31st January.
4. A pro rata subscription fee is payable by those joining the club during the course of the membership year.
5. The annual subscription fee for individuals and families is £20. It is free for beginners.
6. Club membership may be refused or terminated at the discretion of the senior club instructor in exceptional circumstances. An example of such being conduct which falls far below the standard to be reasonably expected of a club member in the circumstances.
7. Membership of the SNSKC confers membership of the TSKC and vice versa.
MEMBERSHIP OF THE KUGB
1. Each member of the SNSKC and/or the TSKC is required to hold a valid annual licence issued by the KUGB.
2. It is the responsibility of each member to apply to the KUGB for a licence, immediately following acceptance into membership of the SNSKC and/or the TSKC.
3. It is the responsibility of each club member to ensure that his/her licence is up to date by renewing it annually.
4. The KUGB licence enables the member to enjoy the benefits of KUGB, SNSKC and TSKC activities.
5. A current KUGB licence affords the member insurance cover in respect of certain loss or damage occasioned during training.
6. The KUGB licence must be produced by the club member at every grading examination or KUGB training course attended.
ASSISTANT CLUB INSTRUCTORS
There is a team of assistant club instructors who help the senior instructor deliver training sessions. They range in grade from 1st dan to 5th dan black belt. They are all fully qualified KUGB instructors/assistant instructors.
Occasionally the club benefits from the attendance of guest instructors who are all experienced senior karate-ka (or martial artists/coaches from other disciplines) and are appropriately qualified.
TRAINING
1. The training at the SNSKC and the TSKC is structured into three main sections. Each section has a range of complexity to suit the different grades of students:
a) kihon (basic techniques);
b) kata (set combinations of techniques);
c) kumite (sparring).
2. To facilitate training, club members should obtain a karate gi (karate suit) within a reasonable time of joining the SNSKC and/or the TSKC.
3. The following equipment should be obtained and worn at all times when training:
a) groin guard – men (and boys as appropriate);
b) chest protector – women (and girls as appropriate).
4. The following equipment should be obtained and worn during kumite (free sparring) practise:
a) gum shield;
b) white mits (KUGB approved);
5. Club members should ensure that their karate gi is clean and that their fingernails and toenails are kept short.
6. Club members should attend training sessions on time. In the event of being late club members should kneel at the edge of the dojo to await an invitation from the instructor to join the class.
7. Club members who arrive at the dojo early may change into their karate gi and wait at the edge of the dojo for the arrival of the instructor. Club members should not commence training or engage in any other vigorous exercise, warm up or activity in the absence of the instructor. Once the instructor is present in the dojo, club members may begin to warm up and/or otherwise appropriately prepare themselves for the start of the session.
8. Club members should sit quietly at the edge of the dojo if the instructor requests that a club member or group of club members need not participate in a particular aspect of a training session.
9.Training fees are payable at the beginning of each training session.
GRADING
1. Club members will be invited to take periodic grading examinations so long as they have satisfied the KUGB’s minimum grading requirements as set out in this section and have a realistic prospect of passing.
2. Gradings are conducted by senior external examiners from the KUGB. There are nine grades below black belt with 9th kyu (orange belt) being the first.
3. Club members must have a minimum of two months’ training experience prior to the first kyu grading (novice – 9th kyu) and have trained on average at least twice per week.
4. Club members must have a minimum of three months’ training experience between each subsequent Kyu grading (9th kyu – 1st kyu) and have trained on average at least twice per week.
5. Club members must have a minimum of six months’ training experience between attaining full 1st kyu status and grading for 1st dan black belt and have trained on average at least twice per week.
6. Club members who have achieved the minimum training experience will be entitled to undertake the appropriate kyu/ dan grading examination only when invited to do so by the club instructor.
7. Club members who choose to train on a recreational basis less than an average of twice per week do not satisfy the KUGB’s minimum grading requirements.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE INSTRUCTORS
All instructors at the SNSKC and the TSKC undertake to:
1. instruct in Shotokan Karate so as to ensure correct development of karate techniques, spirit, etiquette and standards;
2. to provide and maintain a safe training environment within the dojo so as to minimise the risk of injury to club members;
3. train regularly so as to continually improve his or her personal standard;
4. at all times set a good physical, mental and moral standard to students;
5. ensure that high standards of dojo etiquette are explained and maintained;
6. ensure that the KUGB’s instructor guidelines for teaching children are applied.
In addition the senior club instructor undertakes to:
1. ensure that relevant coaching qualifications of all club instructors are up to date;
2. ensure compliance with the legislation regarding safeguarding children and vulnerable adults;
3. appoint appropriate adults to the positions of safeguarding officer and welfare officer;
4. keep a record of the names and addresses of each club member including emergency contact details;
5. keep a record of attendance to be consulted in order to determine eligibility for grading examinations;
6. keep a record of all grading results;
7. encourage all club members to be as fully involved as possible in SNSKC and/or TSKC activities.
8. encourage all club members to be as fully involved as possible in KUGB activities
RESPONSIBILITIES OF CLUB MEMBERS
Club members undertake to:
1. abide by the rules of the SNSKC and/or the TSKC and the KUGB;
2. foster and develop his or her personal interest in Shotokan Karate;
3. endeavour to develop and maintain a high standard of technical ability in Shotokan Karate technique, spirit and etiquette;
4. train regularly and with enthusiasm so as to improve their personal standard;
5. observe high standards of dojo etiquette;
6. ensure that all techniques are controlled when practicing with a training partner or partners;
7. involve themselves as far as possible in courses and activities organised by the SNSKC and/or the TSKC, and the KUGB;
8. conduct themselves in a manner appropriate to membership of the SNSKC and/or the TSKC and in accordance with the rules of the SNSKC and/or the TSKC and the KUGB;
9. uphold the true spirit of karate by refraining from aggressive and violent behaviour;
10. to use the skills developed through membership of the SNSKC and/or the TSKC outside the dojo only in lawful self defence, the defence of another, or the prevention of crime.
SOUTH NOTTS KARATE 