Code of Conduct - Students - Newcastle Goju-Ryu Karate Academy

Always arrive for training 10 – 15 minutes early. Use this time to stretch and warm up for the class.
Shoes, coats etc. should be removed before entering the dojo.
Always bow as you enter or leave the dojo. This forms part of your humility and respect for others in the hall. It also shows your willingness to do your best at every session.
There should be no unnecessary noise. If another class is operating, wait quietly until your class starts.
All classes and groups of exercises should begin and end with bowing.
Always show respect and courtesy to your training partners, and help other students.
Demonstrate your utmost courtesy in regards to anything that may have matters tied to karate or to your dojo, during training or not, both on and off premises and especially when representing your dojo.
Have a clean body and clear mind before entering the dojo.
Students must not chew gum or eat whilst in the dojo.
No fizzy or unhealthy drinks are to be consumed whilst training.
Try to go to the toilet before class. It is also recommended not to eat at least one hour before class.
If you are late for the class, catch the attention of an instructor, quietly stand near the side of the hall, bow, then enter the class by walking behind the lines and joining in at the appropriate place.
Remove all jewellery before training.
Make sure your ‘gi’ (uniform) is clean and your finger and toenails are kept short and clean.
However familiar a student may be with the instructor outside of the dojo, in the dojo they should be addressed as “Sensei”, “Sensei [NAME]” or “[NAME] Sensei”, not by name alone.
Always follow the instructions you are given and maintain a good attitude at all times.
Students should sit on the floor or stand during breaks. Remain attentive and return quickly.
Students must not engage in idle talk whilst training, and should remain attentive at all times.
There should be no unnecessary heavy contact during sparring (kumite).
Do not push for grading tests. You may ask if you are ready, but the instructor’s decision is final.
Students should never use techniques they have learned except in self-defence.
Seize affirmative opportunities as they become available.
Strive to develop courage and fighting spirit.
Cultivate fellowship and understanding by seeing things through others eyes.
Respect the ideals of loyalty, honour and those elders who have come before you.
Be proactive and resolve conflicts before they occur by not allowing them to.
Refrain from outbursts, negative comments and violent behaviour, no matter what it pertains to.
Contact the instructor if you need to miss classes and/or wish to make up at another time.

Michael Vasey

I joined the dojo almost 2 years ago looking to get some exercise and learn self defense. In addition, I have also found a welcoming and supportive community. There's an eclectic mix of people of all ages and backgrounds and not a single bad egg amongst them. This is a special community, and I feel privileged to be a part of it. I've grown and developed as a person since joining, thanks to the other students and of course Sensei Aaron.

Daniela

My child has been attending Newcastle Goju-Ryu Karate Academy during the last couple of years. Sensei Aaron is incredibly helpful and patience with all kids (and their parents). His commitment, dedication, love and care go above and beyond what a parent can ask. As a mother, I'm over the moon with the teaching of Sensei Aaron, and I highly recommend Newcastle Goju-Ryu Karate Academy to everyone.

K Sahadevan

Fantastic environment for kids. Teaching life principles, discipline and skills in a nurturing way. Sensei seems to know how to help kids individually. Thanks Aaron being such a good teacher and friend.

P Mehrotra

This is such a superb place to learn karate. My sons learn karate but also how to be kind, respectful, patient and the importance of learning!

Michael van Zwanenberg

All 3 of my children goto karate here. Aaron is fantastic teacher with a blend of discipline and fun. What he teaches is far more than Karate - life skills, confidence, discipline, effort. Highly recommend.

wilcheng

My 11 years old daughter has been going to Sensei (teacher) Aaron’s karate class for the past 6 years! Not only she enjoys and works hard in her class, she is also well looked after by Sensei. More importantly, Sensei isn’t just taught students about karate, he cares about his students wellbeing. We have absolutely no problem of recommending anyone joining the Karate Academy!

Inas Natasya

As a member of almost 10 years, I can’t recommend this karate club enough. Good fun with serious training that combines all aspects of martial arts. Sensei Aaron is so dedicated to his own karate journey as well as the growth and achievements of each and every student, and it shows in the way he shares all that he’s learned. He is kind, patient, encouraging, and motivational. Kids learn karate fundamentals on top of developing good manners and a positive attitude towards discipline, work ethic, and relationships. Teens and adults from beginners to seasoned martial artists train together and continuously enhance their skills, with some having trained with the club for over 15 years. The dojo has a lot of heart, and members feel that they’re part of a family, which is a testament to the connection and strong sense of community Sensei Aaron has garnered. One of the best things I’ve ever been a part of.

Mr Craig

Best karate in the North East and best instructor around. Our son has only been going just a month or so and he is so dedicated already, partly down to his love of martial arts but also due to the fact Sensei is so welcoming and is a great role model of commitment and dedication.

Sanjee Ratnatunga

My daughter has been attending classes with at the Dojo since she was 6. Sensei Aaron is an exceptional teacher, supporting but also stretching his students to go that extra mile. My daughter has also learnt resilience, perseverance, self-improvement and how to support each other to learn and grow - basically life skills. Her karate has gone from strength to strength. Sensei Aaron really cares about his students looking out for both their mental and physical well-being. When you join this Dojo, you become part of a Karate family!

Stacey Savory

Adam received the warmest of welcomes when he first attended the Dojo and immediately felt part of the club. Everyone is so encouraging, supportive and friendly.

Rachel Tata

I can not recommend them enough.

Ailsa Coverdale

Superb - brilliant teachers that are inspirational. Can't recommend highly enough.

John Schoneboom

Aaron is great with kids, as most of the reviews attest, and he just gets it right. He always achieves that nice balance between hard work, discipline, character, and fun. It's obvious in so many ways that he cares about his students in and out of the dojo, and one of his big strengths is how he's created a place for serious practice in an environment that is fun, safe, and supportive. His way of adapting to the coronavirus-imposed social distancing phenomenon is exemplary and serves as a worthy model for others. He's turned it into a positive, keeping kids engaged and offering fun "social media" challenges that transform his school from just a dojo to a genuine community. It's great to see. Love his attitude.

Lynz Brennan

I absolutely love this karate club. Sensei Aaron is a fantastic instructor, very approachable and patient, even if he does take the mickey about my height 🤣 Great atmosphere, and made lots of friends.

Laura Wallace

My son love going to karate. Sensei Aaron is an amazing teacher, great with the kids, my son leon says ''they do different skills and i love it! ''.🙂

David Riney

My children and I have trained with Sensei Aaron for a couple of years now and we enjoy it very much. Aaron is a very good teacher, he demonstrates techniques and is open to questions, not only on the technical aspects but also the historical and philosophical aspects of Karate and related martial art systems. The club is family orientated and has a wide range of students from school age beginners through to seasoned black belts, all of whom train carefully and proficiently, with discipline and respect. Highly recommended, it’s a great club!

Rachael Wade

My little boy started karate about 6 months ago and is thriving. Sensei Aaron is fantastic and has patience beyond measure....not many people can persuade Noah to sit still for 5 minutes let alone teach him to meditate!! The seniors are also incredibly hard working and kind. Newcastle Goju-Ryu Karate 🥋 is highly recommended!

Caspar Hewett

Both I and my daughter have got so much out of being part of this club. Sensei Aaron is a truly great teacher and the atmosphere is great too. Friendly, fun, but underpinned by respect and discipline. I couldn't recommend it more!

Code of Conduct – Students