Class Rules and Safety

Karate is an active sport. All students are expected to follow the rules outlined below to ensure a safe, respectful, and enjoyable learning environment.

General Class Rules:

• Safety is our top priority at all times.

• No fighting, horseplay, or talking during instruction.

• If a student wishes to speak, they may raise their hand and wait to be recognized by the instructor.

• Instructors are referred to as Mr or Ms (ex. Mr White or Mr Phil).

• Some periods of class, such as game time, warm-ups, and stretching, allow for limited conversation as long as it does not disrupt the class.

General Safety Rules

• All activities in class should be performed on the mats to ensure safety

• If you are uncomfortable with anything in class please inform the instructor immediately

  • New techniques not feeling right

  • Partner hitting pads too hard

  • Any concerns for safety in normal classes or sparring

• If you are not feeling well please inform the instructor immediately

• If you need a water or bathroom break please raise your hand to ask

Sparring Rules:

• We will review rules in every sparring class

• We practice LIGHT, controlled sparring

• LIGHT head touch is allowed

  • We limit this to light tap or tag

  • Any strike to the head that causes head movement is considered excessive

• Body contact is allowed to approved targets

  • For 8-14 year olds we allow light contact

  • For 15 and up, we allow light to medium body contact

  • It is ok to ask to go lighter

• Any excessive contact may result in removal from class

• Students must have a full set of sparring gear in good condition

• Students that are new to sparring will begin with light drills

• Students will not free spar with other students until they have worked with an instructor

Sparring Target Areas

• Sport Karate target areas include:

  • The head except the back of head and spine

  • The torso above the waist and no strikes to the back or spine

• Free sparring rules may (if specified) include leg targets

  • No kicks are allowed to the knee region

  • Only round kicks, and controlled sweeps may be allowed

Behavior Warnings & Consequences:

• First and Second Offense: The student will complete a physical activity (e.g., push-ups) before rejoining class.

• Third Offense: The student will sit out for the remainder of the class.

• Repeated Sitting: If a student sits out more than twice in a month, they must meet with the instructor before being allowed to rejoin class.

Participation Requirements:

• We strive to accommodate all students. However, students who cannot follow these rules may not be allowed to participate in class for their safety and the safety of others.