Dojo Rules for Students

By joining our martial arts academy, you agree to give one hundred percent of yourself in every session. There are no excuses or second chances. Every day, every moment is an opportunity to excel, to be more, and achieve your best. Do not squander your time by going through the motions. Train hard and get results. NEVER GIVE UP!

Karate literally means empty hand. Kyokushin is a style of stand-up, full contact Karate founded in 1964 by Korean/Japanese Masutatsu Oyama. Kyokushin is Japanese for the ultimate truth, and is rooted in a philosophy of self-improvements, discipline and hard training. One of the goals of Kyokushin karate is to strengthen and improve character by challenging oneself through rigorous training. Though karate should only be used for self-defence, tournaments and to protect others, training also has other benefits. As a student masters karate techniques and gains confidence in his/her abilities, the student should gain control of other aspects of his/her life. Through rigorous training, the student will realise that, with discipline and determination almost anything is possible.

Serious study of karate should cultivate the virtues of humility, strength of character, creativity, decisiveness, patience, and respect for others. Karate training requires strict discipline and formal etiquette in order to establish a safe and pleasant atmosphere for learning.

The following is a code of conduct to be observed before and during training at EMAR Dojo:

Leave your ego and personal life at home.
Discipline yourself to attend classes routinely and always practise to the best of your ability.
Do not wear your karate uniform for any other activity besides karate.
Do not block doorways or halls while waiting for class to begin.
Arrive on time. If you’re late, kneel at the side of the class in Seiza and wait to be acknowledged by the instructor. You must then do twenty push-ups, say “Osu,” and quickly join the class.
In class, address your instructors as Senpai, Sensei or Shihan and not with their personal names.
When you’re asked to do something in class, always move as quickly as possible-do not stroll.
If you need to adjust your karate uniform, or re-tie your belt, face away from the group, turn your back to the class, or on your partner, then do it as quickly as possible.
Observe proper hygiene (e.g. wash hands and feet, trim nails, and restrict long hair).
Your karate uniform must be washed, clean and neat at all times. After use, your belt should be air-dried. It should never be washed, as it contains the symbolical spirit of your hard training.
Remove extraneous objects such as jewellery and watches before class starts. Glasses are allowed.
Females should wear a white t-shirt under their uniform. Males should not wear a t-shirt, vest or rash guard under their uniform.
Refrain from talking or making noise while watching the training of others.
Acknowledge the instructor’s commands by responding with a crisp, “Yes, Sensei!” or “No, Sensei!”
Be sure to go to the toilet prior to training. An accidental blow to a full bladder can be extremely dangerous. Try also to remember that it is not good for the body to train on a full stomach, so avoid eating for at least 1 hour before the class starts.
Never practise kumite (free fighting), unless an instructor is present.
If you must leave the dojo floor due to a personal emergency, ask the instructor for permission to leave and then bow out. As you leave the dojo, face the group and say “Osu”. Follow the same procedure when you re-enter the dojo.
Practitioners should maintain a professional attitude. Demonstrations of affection or overly friendly conduct should be avoided.
If you’re observer or visitor refrain from using your phone, reading books, magazines or other materials. If you’re not there to observe practice, you should leave the training area.
Use of cell phones is not allowed unless they are directly connected with personal safety. Work-related use of cell phones may be allowed with permission of the instructor.
efrain from coaching from the side-lines.
Permission must be obtained to take photos or videos.
Your instructors, seniors and fellow students and others should all be treated with the same respect that you expect as a common courtesy. If you cannot find it in yourself to show respect to those taking the time to teach and train with you, then you do not belong in any karate dojo/club.
Your participation is voluntary, so if you see something that you think is unsafe you should immediately tell the instructor and decline to participate in that activity. Always work within your own limits.
Upon entering or leaving the dojo, show respect by bowing to it.
When you observe the training at the dojo, sit in the proper way, and do not stretch your leg out, put your hand on your lap. Please do not chat, or criticise other people’s skill while watching.
When using the training equipment, handle it with care, and be sure to put it back in the correct place after using it.
When the instructor (or any Senpai) gives you some advice, listen carefully and sincerely. Don’t forget to show that you have heard and understood the advice.

WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY ABOUT US

Elite Martial Arts Richmond

4.9

Based on 165 reviews

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Vanya Bozhkova

22:14 21 Jan 23

Love this dojo! Highly recommend! The students and instructors are fantastic"
All instructors are incredible, they are very good with children and truly care about them. It has a family feel that is very welcoming to both new and existing students. They work to develop the students physically, mentally and spiritually. I highly recommend this school for anyone looking for a karate school"

Josh Dmello

23:28 29 Aug 22

This is one of the best places to learn kiyokushin karate.Had my trial lesson yesterday. Really impressed by the way they warm-up and train.Sensei Simeon is a great martial artist who really cares about his student's sucess in the sport.

Ross Elliott Jackson

18:11 16 Oct 21

We send our 6yr old boy to Elite Martial Arts. Simply put it is phenomenal. Simeon (Sensei) is absolutely fantastic with the children of all ages and adults alike. He leads by absolute example yet despite his tough and disaplined character, is also extremely welcoming and has the audience respecting the classes, but equally thoroughly enjoying them. My son is hooked, he is learning great life skills, discipline, and inclusion. And with a bit of luck will get his red and white belt in the next few weeks after a couple terms of attending classes on either a Saturday or Sunday, sometimes both. If you are considering a martial arts class. This is the BEST for miles!

Elliot Sims

14:00 24 Aug 18

EMAR is the best Dojo/Martial arts Gym in London and this is due to Sensei Simeon not being your average Coach. As someone who has studies a variety of martial arts disciplines over the years, Simeon is hands down the best I have had. He has the experience of competing on an international level and has been very successful championing in Kyokushin Karate (Full contact Karate), Kickboxing and Boxing. Regardless of all of his accomplishments he still has a very humble, understanding and approachable demeanour. Training with EMAR has strengthened not just my body but also my mind making me a more resilient and disciplined individual. As a secondary school teacher I would highly recommend training at this gym for children and teenagers. With a free trail class you cant go wrong.

Sari Ghamloush

21:46 21 Aug 18

Almost 13 years with my coach Simeon. I came as a guest, and stayed as family. He has helped me become multiple time UK and International champion. If you are serious about training, whether you're from MMA, K1, Muay Thai or Boxing background, you can be sure that you'll be training with one of the TOP Kyokushin Dojos in the UK. Visit emarteam website to find out more, or find our facebook/instagram page at Elite Martial Arts Richmond.

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