"Committed to Excellence in All We Do"

STUDENT HANDBOOK Introduction...2 Mission Statement...2 General Rules of Conduct...3 General Safety...3 Courtesy...3 Rank Structures...4 Attendance...5 Student Creed...6 Equipment Requirements...7 Equipment Purchase Policies...7 Uniforms & Patches...8 Sparring Rules...10 American Karate System...11 Programs...11 Standard Enrollment...11 Black Belt Club...11 Masters Club...11 Belt Testing Guidelines...12 AMERICAN KARATE...13 Black Belt Testing Requirements...17 Copyright 2001-2002 Turners Martial Arts Studios LLC, All Rights Reserved 1

Introduction Welcome to Turners Martial Arts Studios (TMAS). It is our most sincere desire to provide you with the best in martial arts training and personal development. Our Chief Instructor, Master Joe Turner, has been training in martial arts since 1971. He has had the opportunity to train in a variety of different styles over the years which have provided him a well-rounded background. The primary style taught at TMAS is American Karate. This is a system that incorporates some of the best techniques of several styles into a very comprehensive martial art for today s world. Some of the styles included are TaeKwonDo, Shotokan, Judo, Ju-Jitsu, and Boxing. We also offer a variety of other martial arts programs to suit most interests. The American Karate System originated in the United States with Grandmaster Jhoon Rhee. It has been passed down and refined over the years to where it is today. We are constantly evolving the art to ensure it remains viable for fitness, mental conditioning, and practical, real-world self-defense. This blended methodology intrigued Master Turner and became the foundation for his formal belt ranking. In addition, he has been training in the Goju-Shorei Weapons System since 1999. He studies directly under the Founder of the system, Soke Dave McNeill. He continues to train in other styles in order to retain his broad perspective on the martial arts. Master Turner continues to train as an Instructor as well, in order to provide a fun, safe, and effective learning program for every student. Mission Statement We are dedicated to providing the highest quality, most professional martial arts training to all our students in a friendly, safe, supportive and fun environment. We will strive to instill the key virtues expected of a Black Belt in all our students. We will provide each student the opportunity to excel at everything they do and the encouragement to do so at their own pace. We are committed to providing firm and fair guidance to help each student establish and attain their goals so that being successful becomes a repeatable habit and the standard for everything they do. We will provide instruction, manage our customer relationships, and operate our business with the highest levels of professionalism and ethical behavior to exemplify the standard we expect as a Black Belt. As a guiding principle we will be "Committed to Excellence in All We Do" Copyright 2001-2002 Turners Martial Arts Studios LLC, All Rights Reserved 2

General Rules of Conduct There are numerous items of etiquette required in the studio which will be strictly enforced. The following list comprises many of the key items of concern. Just remember, a martial artist should always be respectful, courteous, clean and well behaved. Please read and understand these rules. Shoes and socks MUST be removed prior to class. They are NOT allowed on the mat AT ANY TIME. They will be placed neatly in the designated area(s). NOTE: Specific martial arts shoes are allowed for the Fitness Kickboxing program, or for students with specific medical conditions, upon receipt of a notice from a licensed physician. In either of these cases the shoes are required to be worn ONLY in the Studio, never on the street. This is simply to prevent tracking dirt and hazardous objects, rocks, etc., onto the mat surfaces where injury to others or the mat itself may occur. Clothing, shoes and gear should be kept in the designated area(s) only which will keep them out of the way of others. No items should ever be left laying in the aisles as a hazard to others. Take everything with you that you brought. The school is not responsible for any articles left behind after classes. Do not lean on walls, bags, or any other equipment, or lay spread out on the floor, benches, etc. When not actively involved, students are expected to pay attention, look sharp and sit quietly so as not to disrupt the training in progress. Eating, smoking, chewing gum, use of profanity, or drinking alcoholic beverages is not permitted in the school or while in uniform at any time. During specific school functions eating may be allowed. General Safety Only students participating in a class are allowed on the mat. Rings and jewelry of any other kind are not allowed in the workout area. Fingernails and toenails should be kept neatly trimmed for class participation. These items are designed to ensure each students safety. Students that are eligible for sparring will NOT be allowed to participate without the proper equipment. See Equipment Requirements. Equipment should be brought to each class so as to be prepared. Courtesy A tradition of respect and courtesy is an integral part of the Martial Arts Code. This is demonstrated in each individual s encounters with other martial artists. A formal salute, in the form of a bow, is the way this respect and courtesy is shown. The proper way to bow is to come to attention and then bend from the hips at a 45 degree angle with your eyes looking straight ahead. Never look down when bowing, this is considered Copyright 2001-2002 Turners Martial Arts Studios LLC, All Rights Reserved 3

disrespectful. There are certain times when bowing is expected. These guidelines are outlined below. Students should address Black Belts and Instructors with a formal bow and handshake at the first meeting of the day. All students should address Black Belts, Instructors and all adults as Mr., Mrs., Ms., Sir, Ma am or using appropriate Asian terminology, i.e. Sensei (Teacher). Students should bow when addressing each other at the first meeting of the day. It is the responsibility of the lower ranking individual to initiate the salute. When two students of equal rank greet one another, the younger individual should initiate the salute. Students should bow when entering and leaving the school as well as before and after stepping on the mat. Disrespect WILL NOT BE TOLERATED Rank Structures American Karate White Yellow Orange Green Blue Purple 1 st Brown 2 nd Brown 1 st Red 2 nd Red Black Belts Beginner Intermediate Advanced Copyright 2001-2002 Turners Martial Arts Studios LLC, All Rights Reserved 4

Attendance It is each student s responsibility to attend their assigned classes in order to promote on a reasonable schedule. It is equally important to come to ONLY your assigned classes, unless prior arrangements have been made. This allows us to plan properly and prevent a class from becoming overloaded. Students should always arrive early and be prepared to bow onto the mat at the appointed start time for their class. Voluntary absences from classes for other activities, vacations, etc. have no bearing on your monthly tuition payment obligations. Students should always pull their attendance card upon arrival at the school so that your attendance can be recorded properly. Missed Classes If classes are missed it is the students responsibility to arrange an appropriate make-up time to attend an alternate class. In some cases, the lesson plan missed may not be able to be made up immediately. Lil Dragons This may be the case with Lil Dragons as lesson plans run on an eight (8) week cycle. If a class is missed, it must be made up that same week to stay on schedule. Otherwise, it will be eight weeks before that lesson plan comes up again. Late Arrivals As stated above, we expect students to arrive on time and be ready for class. In the event you are late arriving for your class the following procedure will be followed: Pull your Attendance Card from the appropriate box Go to the edge of the mat as you would normally to bow onto the mat Raise your hand to get the Instructors attention When recognized by the Instructor, say: o Permission to join the class Sir/Ma am The Instructor will then give you permission to step on the mat and will collect your attendance card School Closures The school reserves the right to be closed for various holidays and other times as may be deemed necessary by the Staff. In most cases, make-up classes may be arranged but are not required to be provided. Extended closures for holidays, i.e. Christmas/New Years may also occur for which there will be no make-ups scheduled. School closures for any of these extended periods will have no bearing on tuition payment obligations as these are factored into the pricing and training structure already. Copyright 2001-2002 Turners Martial Arts Studios LLC, All Rights Reserved 5

Student Creed Karate Classes The Student Creed is an important part of reminding students about the respect involved in martial arts training. We will recite this at the beginning of every class to keep it fresh in our minds. Students will be standing in the Ready position when reciting the Student Creed. I WILL, Develop myself in a positive manner and avoid anything that would reduce my mental growth or my physical health. I WILL, Develop self-discipline in order to bring out the best in myself and others. I WILL, Use what I learn in class constructively and defensively to help myself and my fellow man and never to be abusive or offensive. Lil Dragons A simpler version of this is used for the Lil Dragons I Promise, I will only use what I learn to protect myself, Never to be mean to anyone. I will always be nice to others. Copyright 2001-2002 Turners Martial Arts Studios LLC, All Rights Reserved 6

Equipment Requirements Our number one goal in all of our programs is ensuring the safety and well-being of our students. To that end, there is a certain set of equipment that is mandatory in order to participate in classes. A summary of requirements is below. Should you ever have any questions about any gear and/or equipment, please contact an Instructor. ITEM MEN WOMEN Breast Protector N/A Optional* Chest Protector Optional Optional Elbow Pads Optional Optional Face Guard Optional* Optional* Foot gear Required Required Groin Protector Required Optional* Hand gear Required Required Head Protector Required Required Knee Pads Optional* Optional* Mouth Guard Required Required Shin Pads Required Required * These items are Optional but are recommended to further reduce the risk of injury Equipment Purchase Policies All equipment required for our programs is available for purchase here in the school. We believe our prices are competitive with the market and provide additional services and value when purchased here. For example, any uniform purchased through us will have either the school logo silk-screened on the back or a school patch affixed to the front, and your name custom embroidered on the front for no additional charge. We encourage our students to help support the school by purchasing your uniforms and equipment from us. All equipment purchased outside the school is subject to Chief Instructors approval before use. This is to ensure it meets with the needed safety requirements both for the student using it, and others it may affect. Copyright 2001-2002 Turners Martial Arts Studios LLC, All Rights Reserved 7

Uniforms & Patches Summary of Permitted Colors and Combinations Uniform Color(s) Solid White Solid Black Solid Red OR Mixed White & Black Solid Blue Mixed Blue & Black Rank(s) All Students Green Belt and above Black Belt Club members ONLY Masters Club members ONLY Instructor Staff ONLY General Uniform Items A student s uniform is a representation of him/her self and the school. All uniforms will be Clean, Wrinkle free, and Odor free when attending classes. All uniforms worn in the school will display the school logo either with a silkscreened back or with a school patch. When putting the uniform on, the Right side of the uniform is brought across the body and tied off first. Second, pull the Left side of the uniform across the body and tie it. The uniform label should appear on the outside at the bottom right-hand corner of the uniform top. All uniforms will be a traditional cut. This is defined as: Sleeves shall extend below the elbows Pants will be no longer than 1 inch from the floor and no shorter than 3 inches above the ankle Rolling up of sleeves and pants is permitted to attain the appropriate length for each provided the uniform stays in place and does not become a distraction for the student. White Uniforms Solid white is the traditional color for all beginning Karate students because it symbolizes purity. For this same reason it is also the ONLY allowable color uniform for ALL Formal Events, i.e. Belt Tests. Colored Uniforms A RED or BLACK uniform symbolizes commitment and dedication. Those students achieving at least a Green Belt may wear a Solid BLACK uniform. To recognize their greater dedication to training, Solid RED, or combinations of BLACK and WHITE, may ONLY be worn by students that are members of the Black Belt Club. Further dedication is recognized in our Masters Club members. Membership in this elite group is by invitation from the Chief Instructor only. More information about this group is included in later sections. These students may additionally wear Solid BLUE uniforms. The Instructor Staff may be identified by the wearing of mixed BLUE & BLACK uniforms. ONLY Instructors are permitted to wear this color combination. Copyright 2001-2002 Turners Martial Arts Studios LLC, All Rights Reserved 8

Tying the Belt The Belt is tied in a very specific way. Refer to the following instructions to tie the belt properly: 1) Find the center of the belt 2) Place the center on the belly-button 3) Wrap the ends of the belt around the body while keeping the center in position 4) Bring the Right side of the belt over the outside 5) Place this end up through the back of the belt and let it drape downward 6) Take the other end and bend across and underneath the top portion 7) Reaching through the hole that is now made, grab the end of the top portion and pull it through. 8) Pull firmly to tighten the belt in position Patches Various patches will be allowed on the uniform but will conform to certain, specific guidelines. The following is a list of generally approved patches: School Logo (Required on all uniforms worn in the school) Goju-Shorei Weapons System Patch and associated rank chevrons National Black Belt Club Masters Club Full Splits Club Instructor, Assistant Instructor Any other patches, insignia, etc. must be approved before being affixed to a uniform. History and Tradition of the Black Belt Originally all students began training with a White Belt, just as we do today. As time passed and one s training continued the belt became darker and darker while being soiled during rigorous training. Eventually, after many years of training, the belt appeared to be nearly black. This was the indicator that one had trained for the years required to achieve mastery of the basic skills. In keeping with these ancient traditions the students belt is never to be washed. Although the belt will touch the ground during training while being worn, a Belt should never be allowed to touch the ground at any other time. This Belt is a symbol of one s achievement and of centuries of martial arts tradition. A Belt, just like a flag, is supposed to be destroyed and replaced if it ever touches the ground. Take care of your belt. Put it away in your gear bag when not being worn. Copyright 2001-2002 Turners Martial Arts Studios LLC, All Rights Reserved 9

Sparring Rules GOALS Our goals for participating in sparring are to develop necessary fighting skills in a live contact environment, to share those skills with others, and to Have FUN! This can usually be achieved by following one simple rule: ALWAYS PROTECT YOUR PARTNER! If everyone follows this rule, then everyone will walk away unharmed. Just in case however, please review the additional rules below BASIC Rules NO Sparring will be conducted AT ANY TIME without direct supervision of a Certified Black Belt Instructor NO EXCEPTION Proper protective equipment MUST be in good condition and worn properly. Refer to Equipment section for requirements. ALL techniques will be executed with CONTROL NO FULL CONTACT!!!! NO FACE CONTACT for any Ranks below Brown Belt. Controlled Face Contact ONLY for Ranks Brown and above, with prior consent from both sparring partners. Ask for consent EVERY TIME you get a new partner. NO JEWELRY of any kind is permitted including wedding rings, watches, any type of piercings, etc. Please leave it at home as we will not be responsible for it. Remember Safety First! Copyright 2001-2002 Turners Martial Arts Studios LLC, All Rights Reserved 10

American Karate System Programs Standard Enrollment This is our basic program for all new students. The Standard Enrollment provides each student the following: Up to two classes per week maximum A single, fixed monthly rate. All Tests, Belts, & Certificates are included. Black Belt Club The Black Belt Club is for those students that are serious about pursuing a career in martial arts and demonstrate a commitment to obtaining their Black Belt. Black Belt Club members are entitled to the following additions to the Standard Enrollment: One (1) additional class per week (dependent on style) One (1) special Black Belt Club ONLY class per month Certificate indicating membership in the National Black Belt Club: 10% discount on martial arts equipment and supplies 1 Authorization to wear: o Solid RED uniforms o Mixed Black and White uniform separates. o National Black Belt Club uniform patch The requirements for inclusion in this elite group are to have attained the minimum rank of Green Belt and sponsorship from an existing Black Belt member. With these two requirements met, the Instructor Staff will review each candidate. If approved by the Chief Instructor an invitation will be issued to the candidate. Masters Club This is our highest level of membership. The Masters Club is designed to retain our toplevel students and move them further ahead in their martial arts careers. The Masters Club provides our students that are serious about continuing in the martial arts with the opportunity to train in all styles offered here in the school. Masters Club members receive the following additions to the Black Belt Club: Unlimited classes of any style (i.e. Karate, Weapons, Ju-Jitsu, etc.). Special Masters Club ONLY classes 20% discount on martial arts equipment and supplies (some restrictions) Authorization to wear solid BLUE uniforms The requirements for inclusion in this elite group are to have attained the minimum rank of 2 nd Red Belt and sponsorship from an existing Black Belt member. With these two requirements met, the Instructor Staff will review each candidate. If approved by the Chief Instructor an invitation will be issued to the candidate. Copyright 2001-2002 Turners Martial Arts Studios LLC, All Rights Reserved 11

Belt Testing Guidelines The specific Belt Requirements for each rank are included in the next section. In this section we will focus on the General Guidelines regarding Belt Testing. General Belt Tests will be conducted based on the following general guidelines: Program Test Schedule Lil Dragons Last Friday of each month American Karate Final week of each Semester JuJitsu Scheduled by Mr. Meers Goju Shorei Scheduled by Master Turner Allowances will sometimes have to be made to accommodate holidays and/or other events/activities While specific guidance will be provided by the Instructor Staff, the work is up to the student. Each student MUST meet the requirements for their rank progression NO EXCEPTIONS! Academic Standing All students enrolled in school will be required to maintain a B average, or better, and must submit a current report card with their testing form. Anything below this makes the student ineligible for promotions. Exceptions will be considered by the Chief Instructor for specific learning disabilities only upon consultation with parents and/or guardians. Testing Procedures ALL Testing participants will wear a solid WHITE uniform which conforms to school Dress Code. A Belt Test may be stopped by an Instructor AT ANY TIME and a candidate disqualified for any of the following offensives by the candidate, family member and/or guest: Any violation of the Rules of Conduct Any violation of the Sparring Rules Any UN-Sportsman-like conduct Discretion of the Chief Instructor for any other reason Copyright 2001-2002 Turners Martial Arts Studios LLC, All Rights Reserved 12

BELT REQUIREMENTS AMERICAN KARATE The following chart indicates the minimum requirements to move from one rank to the next. Starting Level/Rank Promotion Requirements 1 White Belt Yellow Belt Orange Belt Green Blue Purple Beginner Completion of Semester #1: Promote to Yellow 1 Semester: Promote to Orange 1 Semester: Promote to Intermediate/Green Intermediate 1 Semester: Promote to Blue 1 Semester: Promote to Purple 1 Semester: Promote to Advanced/1 st Brown Advanced 1 st Brown 1 Semester: Promote to 2 nd Brown 2 nd Brown 1 Semester: Promote to 1 st Red 1 st Red 1 Semester: Promote to Masters/2 nd Red Masters 2 nd Red 2 Semesters & 90 Classes Clearance by Chief Instructor 2 Completion of 8 week pre-test training regimen Completion of 2 part Black Belt Test Promote to 1 st Black - ShoDan 1 st Black and Above Refer to Masters Club Requirements 1 Unless otherwise noted, successful completion of a Semester means that the student attended a minimum of thirty (30) regular classes and four (4) Top Gun classes during the semester, was awarded 3 stripes indicating attainment and demonstration of required skills, preparation and presentation of all additional testing requirements, dependant upon rank, adherence to school policies (specifically regarding behavior and academics), and participation in the End of Semester Graduation, unless excused by Instructor Staff. If excused from participation in Graduation event, belt will be presented after the event, not before. 2 Clearance to test for 1st Black Belt is not dependent solely on attainment of physical skills or total training time. Students are evaluated on Overall Attitude, Emotional Maturity and embodiment of the Black Belt Principles. Chief Instructor reserves the right to withhold, or advance, promotion/testing on a purely subjective basis regarding above criteria at his/her sole discretion. Copyright 2001-2002 Turners Martial Arts Studios LLC, All Rights Reserved 13

Level: Beginners Semester: 1 thru 3 Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 3 Basics Stances: Horse, Front, Back Blocks: Low/High, Dosan, Scoop Strikes: Jab/Cross Kicks: FL Front & Round Side & Step up Side RL Front & Round Stances: Side Blocks: Sudo Strikes: Side Chop, Palm Heel Kicks: RL Round & Side Jump FL Front Kata Form #1 Chon Ji Dan Gun Stances: Back w/sudo & Side Chop Blocks: Box & Wing Strikes: Backfist & Ridgehand Kicks: Jump FL Front & Round Jump RL Front Self-Defense Escapes Wrist Grabs Lapel Grabs Front Choke Rear Distance Choke Rear Forearm Choke Rear Bear Grab Defend & Counter Lapel Grabs Front Choke Lunge Attack Rear Distance Choke Rear Forearm Choke Bear Grabs o Front/Rear o Over/Under Side Headlock Control & Restrain Wrist Grabs Lapel Grabs Front Choke Rear Distance Choke Rear Forearm Choke Bear Grabs o Front/Rear o Over/Under Side Headlock Grappling Backward Breakfall Side Breakfall Forward Roll Rolling Breakfall Sparring (rank appropriate) Proper Stance/Hands Basic Combinations Rhythm Sparring Rhythm Sparring Copyright 2001-2002 Turners Martial Arts Studios LLC, All Rights Reserved 14

Level: Intermediate Semester: 1 thru 3 Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 3 Basics Crescent Kicks Wrist Locks (standing) Heel Kicks Kata Do San Won Hyo Yul Gok Self-Defense Controlled Takedowns Front Choke Rear Forearm Choke Side Headlock Bear Grabs Defend & Counter Knife Attacks Club Attacks Defend & Counter Gun Attacks Tackle Defense Grappling Guard Position Various Mounts Escapes Guard Position Wrist Locks Arm Bars Guard Position Chokes Sparring (rank appropriate) Free Sparring Free Sparring Free Sparring Additional Testing Requirements Category Blue Purple 1 st Brown Sparring N/A 2 Rounds 4 Rounds Breaking N/A Palm Heel Turn Back Kick Presentation N/A 1 minute 2 minutes Copyright 2001-2002 Turners Martial Arts Studios LLC, All Rights Reserved 15

Level: Advanced Semester: 1 thru 3 Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 3 Basics Inverted Kicks/Ridgehand Advanced Round Kick Axe Kicks Knees/Elbows Traps Flying Side Kick Tornado Kicks Sweeps Kata Joong Gun Hwa Rang Choong Moo Self-Defense (techniques from respective kata) 6 Techniques Prone Choke (face Up) (Esc, Ctr, Ctl) Arm Bar (from TD) 6 Techniques Prone Choke (face Down) (Esc, Ctr, Ctl) 6 Techniques Defense of Others Multiples Grappling Hip Throws Hammer Lock Escapes Shoulder Throw Elbow Lift Counters Belly Throw Grapevine Ground Defense Sparring (rank appropriate) Multiples Multiples Multiples Additional Testing Requirements Category 2 nd Brown 1 st Red 2 nd Red Sparring *** 6 Rounds 8 Rounds 10 Rounds Breaking Heel Kick 2 Breaks 3 Breaks Presentation 3 minutes 4 minutes 5 minutes Other Resume Required *** At least one round of multiples Copyright 2001-2002 Turners Martial Arts Studios LLC, All Rights Reserved 16

Black Belt Testing Requirements This information is provided as a guide to Masters Club members to orient you to the Black Belt Testing process. These guidelines may be amended from time to time as the Instructor Staff deems necessary to maintain the quality standards for the Black Belt student. Pre-Requisites: To be considered for testing each 2 nd Red Belt must complete: Minimum of 8 months Masters Club training Approved draft of Black Belt testing resume Black Belt preparatory training: Upon approval, a 2 nd Red Belt will enter into an 8 week training program designed to prepare for the Black Belt testing process. Entry into the preparatory program does not guarantee a student will be allowed to test. See Disqualification section. During the 8 week preparatory program each candidate will attend the following classes, as a minimum, or risk removal from the program: 2 Masters Club classes per week 1 Advanced Class per week 2 Kickboxing classes per week 1 Black Belt sparring session per week o typically following Masters Club on Saturday 2 Top Gun classes per month The candidate will submit an updated version of their Black Belt Testing Resume for final approval before entry into week 5 of preparatory training or be removed from the program. Resume: A template is provided for your use on our website. Login under the Students section and look under American Karate Files. The template is in Microsoft Word format. All sections must be completed. Remember, your Verbal Presentation topic must be pre-approved. Your resume MUST contain all of the following items: Promotion History o Chronological history of rank attainment Essay Why I Should Be A Black Belt o Short, concise delivery to make the point. 5 minutes Max. Verbal Presentation o Topic MUST be pre-approved o Minimum of 10 minutes, Maximum of 20 Copyright 2001-2002 Turners Martial Arts Studios LLC, All Rights Reserved 17

o Must include hands-on demonstrations of the topic presented Self-Defenses o Detailed description of 10 Techniques developed by the candidate Ground Techniques o Detailed description of 5 Techniques developed by the candidate Board Breaks o Detailed description of a series of 5 consecutive board breaks o Identify technique to be used, target area and in what order they will be executed o Include a diagram of the positioning of the board holders and path of movement between breaks Community Service History o Summary of how this candidate has impacted their community in a positive way Black Belt Test format: Upon successful completion of your preparatory program, you will be allowed to attend the Black Belt Test. The test is broken down into two parts. Part I includes testing on: Your essay on Why I Should Be A Black Belt ALL your forms, including your optional one Part II includes testing on: Self-Defenses & Grappling, including techniques you developed Verbal Presentation Board Breaks Sparring (minimum of 15 Black Belt level rounds, to the satisfaction of the testing board) Disqualification: A student may be withheld from entry to the preparatory program, dismissed from it, be disqualified from their Black Belt test, or during it, at any time for lack of attendance/participation, substandard attitude/performance, any violation of the schools Code of Conduct, Unsportsmanlike behavior, or at the discretion of the Chief Instructor for any reason. Copyright 2001-2002 Turners Martial Arts Studios LLC, All Rights Reserved 18