**Toukon Martial Arts
Spectators’ Code of Etiquette**
At Toukon Martial Arts, our mission is to create a respectful, focused, and empowering training environment for every student. Spectators play an important role in helping us maintain high standards, and this Code of Etiquette sets out our expectations so that the atmosphere inside the dojo supports learning, confidence, discipline, and safety at all times.
This policy applies to all parents, guardians, family members, and guests attending any Toukon Martial Arts session or event.
General Expectations for All Members and Spectators
To ensure the smooth running of every session and to uphold the standards of behaviour that make Toukon a safe and respectful academy, the following guidelines apply across all programmes:
Arrival & Punctuality
- Please arrive on time for every session.
- Missing the warm-up or class briefing affects your child’s experience and disrupts the coach’s ability to deliver the session effectively.
Uniform & Equipment
- Ensure your child arrives with full uniform and all required equipment, including pads where applicable.
- Correct kit helps students participate safely and supports the discipline and presentation expected in martial arts.
Hydration
- Please send your child with water.
- Staying hydrated is essential for performance and safety.
- Coaches providing drinks disrupts the flow and timing of the class.
One-Way System
- Please observe our one-way system at all times.
- This helps keep the children safe, prevents congestion, and allows a smooth transition between classes.
Programme-Specific Guidelines
Little Samurais (Ages 4–7)
We understand that younger children may need extra support with toilets, drinks, or equipment. Parents and guardians are welcome to stay and watch these classes, but maintaining the correct atmosphere is essential for their learning.
To ensure a productive, respectful, and calm environment:
- Please limit spectators to a maximum of two per child due to space constraints.
- No food is to be consumed in the dojo.
- Mobile phone use should be kept to a minimum. No calls may be taken within the dojo.
- No photos during class unless specifically permitted by the coach.
- Noise must be kept to a minimum. Side conversations can make it difficult for children to hear instructions and can disrupt the entire class.
- Please continue to follow the one-way entry and exit system.
- Help encourage your child to remain on the mat and not leave without permission from a coach.
Kids (Ages 7–11)
These are our busiest classes, and due to venue limitations and the learning needs of this age group, spectators are not permitted in general sessions.
This structure helps us maintain:
- A focused training environment
- A consistent standard of respect and discipline
- Safe supervision ratios
- A learning space free from unnecessary distractions
Entering and Exiting the Dojo
- Please use the one-way system when collecting your child.
- Parents should collect from the rear exit and must not enter the dojo while a class is in progress.
Exceptions & Special Circumstances
Trial Period
It’s natural for children to feel nervous during their first sessions.
We allow parents to remain briefly during this period so they can:
- See that their child is safe and settled
- Support initial confidence
However, developing independence is an important part of training, and we encourage parents to transition out as soon as the child is comfortable.
Additional Support (SEN or Other Circumstances)
If your child requires extra support, please speak to our coaching team.
- If your child can attend mainstream school, we expect they can train in general classes without parental presence.
- However, we recognise individual needs.
- As our staffing does not allow for one-to-one support, parental presence may be permitted in certain cases if agreed in advance.
Opportunities to Watch & Engage
We strongly believe parents should be able to see their child’s progress. While general classes remain closed, you are warmly invited to the following:
- Parents’ Week (Quarterly) – A dedicated week where parents can watch a full session.
- Gradings – All grading events for this age group are full spectator events.
- Fighter Experience Days – Parents are welcome.
- External Competitions – All external events are fully open to spectators.
In all cases where spectators are permitted, the Little Samurais Etiquette Guidelines apply.
Teens & Advanced Learners (Ages 11+)
At this stage, independence is an essential part of their development. We also recognise that some teens feel self-conscious or anxious performing in front of unfamiliar adults.
For this reason:
- General classes do not allow spectators.
- We do not operate a Parents’ Week for this age group.
Parents can still support progress through:
- Accessing online tutorials
- Encouraging training at home
- Attending spectator-friendly events such as fighter experience days or competitions
Adult Classes
- No spectators permitted.
- This ensures privacy, focus, and a professional training environment for all adult members.
Final Notes
We appreciate your support in helping us maintain a respectful, focused, and safe training environment. These guidelines are not about limiting parental involvement; they are designed to protect the quality of training, uphold the values of martial arts, and support every student’s confidence, experience, and development.
If you have any questions about this Code of Etiquette or feel your child requires specific adjustments or support, please speak to one of the coaching team. We’re always happy to help
