Rules of CWK

For safeguarding participants to the maximum extent possible, all of the following apply:

• local public health measures,
• governing body (BCCMA) health and safety guidelines,
• venue-specific health and safety rules,
• recommendations from the Instructor’s risk assessment.

Should there be any conflicting recommendations in the above, the most cautious approach will apply.

Participants should not attend class if they have an illness for which public health advice is to stay away from work or school. If in doubt, we request the student exercise an abundance of caution and refrain from attending class until they are well.

From after the second lesson, students are required to complete a CWK enrolment form. This is available from the Instructor and should be returned with the fee on the third lesson, for club enrolment and BCCMA* licence, which is acquired by the club on behalf of the student.

*The British Council for Chinese Martial Arts (BCCMA) is the governing body for Chinese Martial Arts in the UK, recognised by Sport UK.

The enrolment period runs from 01 January to 31 December each year. There is a pro rata fee for joining through the year. Enrolment is renewed at the end of each year.

Uniform can be purchased at any point up until the first grading. Until then, students should wear comfortable sportswear, such as tracksuit trousers and a t-shirt (in any colour except for black which is worn by Instructors, and with sleeves, no strappy tops). Lightweight trainers can also be worn if wished.

Gradings must be undertaken in full uniform. Uniform order forms are available via the Instructor.

CWK uniform:

• Black trousers with two red stripes down both legs
• Red t-shirt with the club symbol on the back
• Belt according to grade
• Chen Wu Kuan club badge on the front left shoulder

Optional:

• Shoes – dedicated training shoes or lightweight trainers
• BCCMA badge on the right outside shoulder

All jewellery should be removed before class, or, where they physically cannot be removed, they should be taped over. Rings and other jewellery located in places with reasonable expectation for contact during training are not permitted.

We pride ourselves in cultivating a friendly, relaxed and peaceful atmosphere. Shaolin Kung Fu is practised for self defence, health and fitness, and improves concentration, coordination and confidence.

To enable all students to build the most effective, fruitful foundations of practising Kung Fu, the following rules apply.

Behaviour

The Instructor is responsible for setting forth a foundation in the principles of our dedicated system of martial arts, and the student is responsible for applying themselves to this instruction. All students are expected to focus on learning and improving in Kung fu. At no time should students be engaged in non-Kung Fu related activities. It is expected that students are self-disciplined and learn to practise both with training partners and independently. Repeated disruption will not be tolerated and may cause possible suspension from the classes.

We follow the traditional family concept that students should help each other as brother and sister. While other programmes assign physical age as the measure for seniority, Kung Fu recognises seniority in terms of when students begin their training. Therefore, please learn to respect and help each other whenever possible. Learn who your older brothers and sisters are quickly.

Those with other martial arts experience must wait until class is over to share their knowledge with the group, if they wish to do so. Class should not be interrupted for this purpose or to compare techniques. This is disrespectful to the Instructor who is giving up their time to teach Kung Fu. While we respect other arts it is our job to teach Kung Fu, not other martial arts.

Salute

Traditionally, salutes vary depending on which school you attend. A salute is extremely important as it represents not only honour and commitment, but more importantly, respect. When done properly, the Shaolin salute not only represents respect, honour and commitment, but also the philosophy of attack and defence.

Please make sure to salute your Instructor, senior students and other elders. It is of great disrespect to enter and leave the presence of your Kung Fu family without saluting. This means saluting when entering and leaving the training area. You should also salute when leaving your place in line and at other appropriate times during training.

Timeliness

As with taking any class it is important to arrive on time. It is best to arrive at least 5 minutes early so you are ready to start when class begins.  The Instructor has committed to teaching during the time allotted and the student should likewise be ready for instruction when class begins. Students have paid for instruction and the Instructor has given up their time; please don’t waste it.

Late arrival

If you arrive late for class, you must find a place at the back of the class and kneel down placing your belt in front of you with the tags on the left-hand side, ready for the kneeling salute. Wait for the Instructor to acknowledge you and bow. Put your belt on and wait once more for acknowledgement, and bow again before joining the class. This is for respect to your Instructor and so the Instructor can bring you in to join the class with minimal interruption.

Drinks & before class

Students can bring a bottle of plain water to class. No other food or beverages are allowed in the training areas. Please make sure to finish eating at least an hour before class so you don’t get sick, and to go to the toilet before class begins to minimise disrupting both the class and your own learning.

Breaks

The Instructor will pause the class for short breaks as appropriate, and students should salute before leaving their place. Should you require a break at other times for any reason, please let the Instructor know.

View the CWK Privacy Policy for students.