Training Etiquette

At Red Croc Martial Arts (RCMA), our values of respect, discipline and courage are reflected in how we conduct ourselves both inside and outside the Dojang.

The following guidelines are to be observed by all students to ensure a safe, respectful, and focused training environment.

DOJANG (Training Hall) ETIQUETTE

Arrival & Attendance

1. Students should arrive 5 – 10 minutes before class

2. If arriving late, wait respectfully at the side of the class until the Instructor permits you to join.

3. If a student needs to leave early, please inform the Instructor before class begins.

4. Children must be picked up from inside the Club by a parent or guardian. Students should remain in the club until collected.

5. All students dropped off must be brought inside club by a responsible adult.

Bowing Protocol

1. Always bow when entering and leaving the mats.

2. Students should bow to each other as a sign of mutual respect.

3. Blue Belts (4th Kup) and above must bow to all senior ranks (Brown Belt and above)

4. Black Belts and above must bow to the Branch Instructor to acknowledge their presence.

Behaviour & Cleanliness

1. No food is allowed on the mats.

2. No running, loud talking, or playing in the dojang – this applies to students and visitors alike.

3. Please ensure your uniform is clean and tidy

4. All jewellery, including watches and fitness trackers, must be removed before class

5. Fingernails and toenails should be kept short and neatly trimmed

6. Long hair should be tied back securely and kept out of the face.

7. Do not adjust your uniform while facing the flag, a Black Belt, or the Instructor.

8. Always refer to your Instructor respectfully as “Instructor [First Name]”

TRAINING ETIQUETTE

1. Do not talk when the Instructor is speaking.

2. Do not argue if corrected—respect the feedback. If you have questions, please wait until after class.

3. Do not instruct other students unless you have been asked to do so by the Instructor.

4. Do not comment on another student’s technique unless invited to by the Instructor.

5. Sit with legs crossed and back straight when seated. Do not slouch, lean against walls, or sit on equipment.

6. Report any injuries immediately to the Branch Instructor – before, during, or after class.

7. If a student requires discipline, it will be handled only by an Instructor.

SPARRING ETIQUETTE

1. Always spar hard but with control and respect. Sparring is a learning opportunity, not a contest.

2. Spar only when both partners are ready and aware.

3. If your partner is sparring too hard: Stop and calmly tell them. Bow and restart.

4. If they continue to go too hard, stop again, bow, and report to the Instructor.

By following these guidelines, we strengthen Red Croc Martial Arts and ensure a strong positive training environment for all.

Thank you for your commitment to hard, respectful and disciplined training.