Wu Kwan Rules and Discipline
Wu Kwan is a Chinese expression which means "Martial Art training hall / academy". Ren Yi Wu Kwan Tang Sou Dao is a fighting art, which teaches techniques capable of causing serious injury both to you and to other students. For this reason, the practice of this art is rigorously controlled. To help you understand what is expected of you in the training hall, the following rules should be learned by heart and put into practice!
1. Entering and leaving The Wu Kwan
All students entering and leaving the Wu Kwan shall pause at the entrance and perform a standing bow towards the instructor.If the instructor is not present, students will bow to the most senior grade present. If there is no senior grade present, then the student will simply perform a standing bow as a mark of respect to the Wu Kwan and then enter. If the instructor is busy, s/he may not notice the student - the student will bow anyway before entering.
Students may not leave the Wu Kwan without first seeking and obtaining permission from the instructor.
Students who arrive late to a training session may not enter the Wu Kwan until the instructor invites them to do so. If a more senior instructor comes into the hall, the senior student will call for a halt and the class shall immediately cease what it is doing. The senior will summon the class to attention and they will perform a standing bow towards the instructor.
2. The Starting & Ending Rituals
When called to order at the beginning of a training session, students must arrange themselves in neat class lines reflecting their seniority, with the most senior students standing to the left of the instructor and the most junior to his/her right. Students should then check that their training uniforms are properly arranged. The senior student calls the class to attention and they perform the ritual bows. This procedure is repeated at the end of the class.3. Training In the Wu Kwan
Students must show self respect by wearing a neat and clean training tunic. Any rips in the tunic must be neatly repaired. Only approved badges and training equipment may be used inside the Wu Kwan. Non-approved equipment (such as fist mitts) may not be safe for use and must not be worn.Clothing having a religious connotation is allowed provided that the instructor is first consulted. Spectacles and contact lenses may be worn at the student's own responsibility in the Wu Kwan but they may not be worn during sparring. Soft lenses and sports glasses are strongly recommended for the duration of the whole class.
Non-marking soft-shoes / trainers may be worn subject to instructor's approval, if a medical condition requires it. Students must ensure that their personal hygiene is all it could be. Long hair must be tied back and finger/toe nails kept clean short and rounded. Jewellery and ear rings/studs must be removed prior to entering the Wu Kwan. Watches must also be removed.
All valuable items must be securely put away because the instructor will accept no responsibility for items left about. Respect in the form of standing bows must be shown to other students when first paired and when you finish training or sparring together.
Smoking is not allowed in the Wu Kwan and neither is loud conversation or chewing of gum. There shall be no talking while the instructor is speaking. Members of the class who are watching others train shall sit with legs crossed. Those standing shall not lean against walls or otherwise behave in a slovenly manner. Students with health problems such as asthma, epilepsy, heart, migraines, mental problems etc must immediately inform the instructor, who may, in his/her discretion, ask for a doctor's note.
Students with criminal convictions must immediately inform the instructor. Failure to so notify will result in summary termination of membership. Students may not discriminate against other members of the class on the basis of age, gender, race, religion or physical/mental ability. Anyone found doing so will be summarily expelled from membership.
At all times, whether in the Wu Kwan or not, students of Ren Yi Wu Kwan Tang Sou Dao will conduct themselves in a manner which reflects credit both upon themselves, and upon the academy.4. Approved Practice
Only instructors approved by the Chief Instructor may teach in the Wu Kwan of the academy. Only techniques, applications and principles approved by the Chief Instructor may be taught. These techniques are to be found listed elsewhere in this manual.Before training begins, the instructor will conduct a set of exercises designed to ready the body and mind for training. After training, a similar set of exercises will return the student to a state suitable for normal life.
5. Harassment & Grievances
All members of the Ren Yi Wu Kwan are valued but even with the best will in the world, disagreements and clashes do occur from time to time. Any student who feels they are being harassed, discriminated against or treated unfairly should raise their grievance in the first instance with their club instructor. Where this is not possible, then the grievance should be raised with the area or regional officer. Details of such persons' addresses are available by telephoning Ren Yi Wu Kwan Headquarters. Where no area or regional officer is in place, then the Chief Instructor himself shall hear the complaint.No action will be taken unless the complaint is made in writing by the complainant, or by a parent/guardian. Complaints are treated in strict confidence and all reasonable measures will be taken to protect the complainant from discovery. In the event that the action taken in response to a complaint is deemed by the complainant to be unsatisfactory, then said complainant shall be entitled to appeal against the action. And such person shall be entitled to have their appeal heard by a person not previously involved in the complaint.
6. Additional Rules
From time to time and for the better running of the Wu Kwan, the Chief Instructor may introduce other rules and regulations. It is the responsibility of students to acquaint themselves with such changes.
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