Wensum Kung Fu & Tai Chi is committed to providing a safe, welcoming and respectful environment for everyone. Our Club Rules and Code of Conduct set out the standards of behaviour and safe practice expected of all students, coaches and volunteers.

By becoming a club member, you agree to follow these rules and the guidance of our instructors.

1. Membership & Insurance

All students must become club members after their first class and maintain valid membership and insurance to continue training.

Annual membership includes insurance cover. Students must also complete a health assessment form before continuing beyond their first class.

2. Respect & Behaviour

Respect for others is fundamental to martial arts training.

All students, coaches and volunteers are expected to:

Treat fellow students, instructors, visitors and families with courtesy and respect.

Encourage and support others, regardless of age, ability or experience.

Follow instructors' guidance and avoid behaviour that disrupts training.

Respect individual differences, abilities and personal boundaries.

Bullying, harassment, discrimination, intimidation and abusive or inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated.

More experienced students are encouraged to support beginners and lead by example.

3. Clothing & Personal Hygiene

Students should wear clean, comfortable clothing suitable for physical activity and appropriate indoor footwear. Club uniforms are encouraged and are available to purchase through the club.

Good personal hygiene is expected.

Jewellery, watches and other accessories that could cause injury should be removed before training.

4. Health & Safety

Students are responsible for informing their instructor of any injury, medical condition or change in health that may affect their ability to train safely.

Please:

Inform your instructor before class if you have an injury or feel unwell.

Report any injury or accident that occurs during training.

Bring any medication you may need during a session, such as an asthma inhaler.

Work within your own abilities and take breaks when necessary.

Follow all safety instructions given by your instructor.

Instructors may advise students to modify an activity, take a break or refrain from training if there are concerns about their safety.

Students should seek appropriate medical advice where necessary before returning to training following an injury or illness.

5. Safe Training Practices

Students must follow instructors' guidance and practise techniques in a controlled and responsible manner.

Techniques should only be attempted when appropriate to the student's experience and ability.

Partner exercises must be conducted with care and consideration for others.

Sparring, weapons training and advanced techniques may only take place with the instructor's permission and supervision.

Appropriate protective equipment must be worn for sparring. Students without the required equipment will not be permitted to participate.

Gymnastic or advanced movements must only be attempted under appropriate supervision.

Students must not attempt techniques beyond their capabilities or practise potentially hazardous movements without permission.

6. Children & Young People

The safety and wellbeing of children and young people are a priority.

Parents and guardians are responsible for ensuring that children arrive safely and are collected promptly after class.

Children should be escorted into the training venue and collected from the agreed location unless alternative arrangements have been approved.

The club must be informed in advance if a child will be collected by someone else or has permission to leave independently.

All coaches and volunteers must follow the club's safeguarding policy and maintain appropriate professional boundaries.

Any safeguarding concerns should be reported promptly in accordance with the club's safeguarding procedures.

7. Photography & Video Recording

We respect the privacy of all students, particularly children and young people.

Photographic consent is requested on our membership form. Members may opt out or withdraw their consent at any time.

Students are informed before photographs or videos are taken during classes, allowing anyone who does not wish to be included to step out of frame.

With appropriate consent, photographs and videos may be used on the club's website, social media or other promotional materials.

Members and visitors are not permitted to take photographs or record videos during classes.

8. Attendance & Progress

Students are encouraged to attend regularly and practise between classes where appropriate.

Progress in Tai Chi and Kung Fu is individual and depends on many factors, including experience, ability and consistent practice.

Students should focus on their own development, respect the progress of others and approach training with patience and a willingness to learn.

9. Concerns & Disciplinary Procedures

We encourage students and parents to raise any concerns with the club so that they can be addressed fairly and appropriately.

Breaches of these rules may result in a discussion or warning, temporary suspension or, in serious cases, removal from the club.

Serious misconduct, including bullying, harassment, abuse or behaviour that puts others at risk, may result in immediate suspension or expulsion.

Any disciplinary action will take account of the circumstances and seriousness of the incident. Safeguarding concerns will be handled in accordance with the club's safeguarding procedures.

Safeguarding concerns should be reported to our Head Coach, Alasdair Monteith, who has completed safeguarding training. Please email info@wensumkungfu.com, using Safeguarding as the subject line.

If a concern involves the Head Coach, it may be reported directly to the appropriate local authority safeguarding service.

Our Commitment

These rules help us maintain a positive training environment where everyone feels safe, respected and supported.

We ask all members, coaches and volunteers to uphold the values of respect, responsibility and continuous improvement that are central to our club.