code of conduct

appearance

1. Students are expected to wear uniforms and belts during class unless otherwise specified by an instructor for training purposes; belts are to be properly tied (see Tying the Belt). No student is allowed to test for rank without his uniform and belt.

2. The Cheonjikido style patch is to be worn on the upper-left lapel of the ghi. All students are required to purchase and don a style patch prior to their first rank promotion.

3. For students, only WHITE uniforms are to be worn below the rank of red belt. Red and brown belt ranks are allowed to don red pants.

4. Female students are required to wear a modest shirt underneath the ghi top.

5. All students shall maintain clean uniforms and proper hygiene.

6. Fingernails and toenails must be clean and properly trimmed.

7. All items of jewelry, except wedding rings, are to be removed during class.

8. Shoes are not allowed on the dojo mat.

protocol

1. As a show of respect, all students shall bow before entering or leaving the dojo.

2. During class, no student shall enter or leave the mat without an instructor’s permission.

3. Students are not to talk while an instructor is teaching and/or demonstrating technique. These should be watching, hearing, and contemplating what is being taught or demonstrated.

4. At all times, proper respect is to be shown toward instructors and fellow students, regardless of belt rank or office.

5. Students are not allowed to comment upon another student’s performance or proficiency unless specifically requested to do so by an instructor.

6. Black belt instructors are to be respectfully addressed as sensei (i.e. instructor).

7. It is disrespectful, when bowing in the presence of black belts, for a student to rise before the last dan comes up from the bow.

8. It is disrespectful for a student to ask an instructor what he/she has planned for a class session.

9. It is disrespectful for a student to ask an instructor about his/her upcoming promotions. Student promotions are based upon a variety of factors (e.g. class participation, skill, attitude, enthusiasm, proficiency, and time). The setting of promotion dates is reserved solely for Cheonjikido instructors and subject to approval by Sensei Boyd.

10. It is disrespectful for a student to request a certain activity or exercise during class unless specifically asked to do so by an instructor. Classes are usually pre-planned, and only instructors have the authority to improvise.

11. It is disrespectful for a student to be watching the clock during class.

12. Students under the age of 18 are not allowed to participate in kumite without an instructor’s close supervision. Unsupervised kumite outside the dojo is allowed for those students 18 years or older IF an instructor has been notified.

13.  Students should immediately notify an instructor if they are injured, cramping, or feeling sick.

14. Students should be properly hydrated and stretched BEFORE class starts.

attitude

1. No student shall challenge another student.

2. No student shall speak disrespectfully to any instructor or question his/her authority. If a student has a legitimate concern and/or a problem with something that is being taught, he should respectfully approach the particular teacher after class. Students may only bring unsettled matters to the ranking instructor in a respectful manner that does not belittle or dispute the rank or authority of another instructor.

3. During class, students should show a demeanor of respect and teachability at all times.

prohibited in class

1. Profanity

2. Smoking

3. Chewing Gum (i.e. other than mint gum for fresh breath)

4. Participation under the influence of alcohol or drugs

5. Immodesty

Students and Instructors should properly represent Catawba Valley Martial Arts both inside and outside the dojo. Law-abiding citizenship, respect for life, upstanding moral behavior, and a readiness to defend those who cannot defend themselves are expected. Participation in any of the following (inside or outside of class) is subject to disciplinary action and/or expulsion:

1. Starting a fight or a propensity toward violence

2. Physical abuse of another human being

3. Conviction of a legitimate crime

4. Drunkenness and/or drug abuse

5. Engaging in criminal activity

A STUDENT IS EXPECTED TO INFORM AN INSTRUCTOR CONCERNING ANY PHYSICAL ALTERCATION IN WHICH HE HAS BEEN INVOLVED OUTSIDE OF CLASS.


promotions

Belt promotions in Cheonjikido are not guaranteed, neither are they automatic.  Moreover, it is considered extremely rude and unbecoming for a student to ask a black belt instructor concerning the time and/or manner of a possible promotion.  All promotions are left up to the discretion of the yudansha under the executive authority of Sensei Jesse Boyd.  In general, a dedicated student should expect a minimum of three months between belts up to the rank of Sa-Geup (advanced blue belt), and at least six months per rank from Som-Geup (red belt) up to Shodan (black belt).  A student who is committed and resolute can expect a MINIMUM of three years’ consistent  and dedicated training to qualify for black belt promotion.  Exceptions to the above minimum timeframes will be handled on a individual basis and must be approved by a majority of the Cheonjikido yudansha.  Brown and black belt promotions are BY INVITATION ONLY and must be approved by at least 2/3 of the Cheonjikido yudansha.  As previously promulgated, to receive the rank of Shodan (black belt), a student must be at least 18 years of age (exceptions to this age requirement are subject to unanimous approval of the Cheonjikido yudansha).

Promotion fees are required and must be collected in full before a student tests for promotion. Refunds, if applicable, will be issued to the student following the test.  Fee schedule is as follows:

$35.00 (White Belt - Adv. Red Belt)

$50.00 (Brown Belt)

$100.00 (Black Belt)
 

When a student passes a promotion test, he will receive a new appropriately-colored belt along with a professionally-designed certificate to commemorate the occasion.