Supervision

The Alberta Jiu-Jitsu Association (AJJA) believes that every student at all times and in all situations has a right to feel safe and protected from situations that could result in physical or psychological damage.

As members of AJJA, all clubs agree to:

• There should be a minimum of one instructor per 5 students. The instructor should be a certified Black Belt.
• Ensure that all instructors are properly qualified (NCCP courses or equivalent, Standard First Aid and CPR) and screened if they are new to the club (i.e., Police Check).
• Ask for the names of two people who are prepared to provide references for the instructor. References may be contacted personally by the club’s Senior Instructor or the President of AJJA.
• Ensure that all instructors read and agree to adhere to the guidelines laid down in the “Student Protection Policies within the Alberta Jiu-Jitsu Association” document.
• On-site supervision is recommended during all instruction and after all safety concerns have been emphasized.

Instructional Considerations

Teachers should be mindful that Dojos are a place of learning and meditation, and therefore have a specific code of conduct and expectations of behaviour for both students and instructors.

• Teachers should know the style of martial arts and the moves the instructor plans to teach.
• Teacher should emphasize the importance of anticipation, avoidance of risky situations, self-defence tactics and appropriate aggression.
• Set a good example for students to follow.

Expectations of Instructors include:

Inside the Dojo:

• Never consume alcohol before coming to class.
• Never speak disrespectfully of a student or instructor.
• Always follow dojo rules and etiquette.
• Always have their Gi in good order (clean, not torn).
• Never use profanity.
• Participate in special events and programs.
• Be encouraging and supportive.
• Listen when a student has a problem or question.

Outside the dojo, when students are present, Instructors should:

• Adhere to the student and instructor protection guidelines.
• Ensure that the training area/special event space is safe.
• Never speak disrespectfully of people.
• Never use profanity.
• Ensure warm-up activities emphasize conditioning and flexibility.
• Start with safety at each class (brake falls).
• Avoid fighting at all costs, using your Ju-Jitsu skills is a last resort.
• Defend yourself if you are physically attacked.
• Follow the plan to A.C.T when verbally attacked.
• Never punch or kick the bully, gain control and negotiate.
• Use the least amount of force as possible and negotiate when applying Goshinkan Ju-Jitsu techniques.

Members of Ju-Jitsu are judged by appearance and behaviour. Conducting oneself in a courteous and disciplined manner will reflect positively upon each individual and the whole school.

Dojo Rules to Follow

• No chewing gum or eating any food during class if forbidden.
• Students must comply with the dojo health rules. Personal cleanliness is essential. Finger and toe nails must be trimmed short and kept clean.
• Uniforms are to be laundered on a regular basis.
• Long hair must be tied back (this goes for boys as well as girls).
• No jewelry may be worn during class. This includes various piercings the student may have.
• Traditional uniform, referred to as a Gi, should be worn while on the mat. Children and adults have the same uniforms - a poly cotton Gi and a white or black cotton t-shirt, which can be purchased from their Sensei. Uniforms should be clean and in good condition as this indicates the character and general attitude of the student.
• Students should be fully dressed and ready to start on time at the beginning of each class:
  • Remove shoes and socks.
  • Be completely dressed with belt tied before stepping onto the mats. Step off the mats or face outwards to fix belt and/or hair if necessary. If a student comes onto the mats without correct attire they may be unable to train.
  • All students will get changed in the washrooms or changing rooms if they are removing items of clothing - no one is to get changed in the training area, out of respect for others and themselves.
  • Footwear will be removed outside the Dojo door and carried to a designated spot.
  • Belt indicates rank. When it is worn, all other relationships cease. Respect is shown to any person of higher belt rank regardless of age, personal feelings or style differences. Belts must be removed before eating or drinking. Never touch another person’s belt.
  • Students are encouraged to be on time. If arriving late, do not interrupt; instead sit in a formal sitting position facing the Sensei, or wait at the door until the Sensei motions the student into the class.
• Students are expected to perform every exercise to the best of their ability without complaint. They should not discontinue the training  exercise unless told to do so.
• Students will not engage in horseplay, unnecessary laughter, profanity, or loud or unnecessary talking during the class. Do not lean against the walls. Students are expected to maintain absolute self-control at all times.
• Students will perform a standing bow:
  • upon entering and before leaving the dojo;
  • upon stepping on or off the mat;
  • after instruction from a Sensei;
  • before and after working with a partner;
  • at the start and end of class.
• Students will perform a kneeling bow during the open and close of class, and when receiving instruction while in a kneeling position.
• The Tap, while not really a rule of etiquette, is a very important safety rule. If a student is in pain or placed in a dangerous position, he or she is expected to tap him or herself, their partner or the mat to alert the partner to stop. The tap should be loud and/or distinctly felt.
• Students should show respect at all times to higher-ranking members of the school.
• Students will behave at all times as gentlemen and ladies both inside and outside the dojo. Students will not criticize fellow students.
• No Ju Jitsu student will provoke violence outside the dojo or allow themselves to be provoked into violence, under threat of expulsion from their school and the AJJA for life.
• If a student believes himself to be injured, no matter to what degree or extent, he or she must immediately notify an instructor present and remove themselves from the mats.

Summary

Instructors should:

•   Understand what entails abuse, neglect and harassment.
•   Recognize the signs of abuse, harassment and assault occurring outside the dojo.
•   Avoid situations for abuse, harassment or assault by adhering to good practice.
•   Act if they have concerns.
•   Always act as if the students are watching.

Equipment/Facilities

• Bare feet and loose, comfortable clothing should be worn.
• In some instances, wrestling shoes are appropriate but can be slippery please enquire with instructor.
• Mat surface should be clear of debris, smooth, level and dry.
• Mats are to be used for all Ju-Jitsu classes and activities. The mats should be 5 cm (2 in) in thickness and approved for Ju-Jitsu throws and falls.