Misconduct
Written by Rachel
     

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Misconduct

Please be aware that in order for our school to remain a safe, friendly training environment there must be rules and there must be boundaries.
Occasionally well-meaning students cross the line and behave in a manner that is unacceptable in a tai chi class environment.
We try to deal with misconduct gently and with tact. Worst case scenario? If the student is recalcitrant or argumentative, they will be asked to leave the school.


Remember where you are

There are all sorts of issues that might arise when learning an Asian martial art. They can be categorised this way:

  1. Business

  2. Health & safety

  3. Arrogance

Misconduct could lead to your membership being revoked, so please take it seriously.


1) Business

A tai chi school is a business, just like the supermarket. In Chinese culture it is exceedingly unwise to be make assumptions when it comes to money.
Examples of misconduct:

  1. Not paying monthly fees on time

  2. Booking a workshop and not paying for it

  3. Attending a session you haven't paid for

  4. Missing a workshop you've paid for and asking for a refund/rescheduling

  5. Arguing/debating the cost of fees/the need to pay when you've missed classes or the hall is unavailable

  6. Breaking someone's weapon and not replacing it

  7. Ignoring school policy

  8. Trying to haggle about fees*

Serious misconduct:

  1. Offering to teach NTC syllabus material to people you know

  2. Creating your own training group/class (for between class practice) comprised of NTC school members

  3. Advertising or promoting your own services before, after or during our classes

Business matters are not treated lightly. Expect no humour and no latitude.

* Think of it this way... If you tried haggling at the supermarket checkout, with a waiter in a restaurant after consuming your meal, or with a hairdresser after receiving a haircut, what sort of response would you anticipate? A friendly one? Not likely. A worst case scenario might involve the Police.

2) Health & safety

Examples of misconduct:

  1. Not reporting a personal injury, knee problem, back problem or other pertinent health issue

  2. Not signing the register (fire safety issue)

  3. Leaving the training hall without telling the instructor where you are going (fire safety issue)

  4. Unsafe/reckless disregard e.g. if you have arthritis in the hands and wrist you are not able to safely undertake weapons drills; you might hurt your hands or lose control of the weapon

  5. Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol

  6. Deliberately seeking to injure/harm another student or the instructor

  7. Tutoring other students

  8. Losing your temper

  9. Asking to 'borrow a few moves' to use with your patients, clients, students, friends, colleagues, family etc

We are a business and we must adhere to the insurance requirements at all time.


3) Arrogance

Martial arts classes are about tempering the ego and becoming one with the way. An instructor is professionally obliged to challenge behaviour that perpetuates the wrong attitude for tai chi practice.
Examples of misconduct:

  1. Not replying to e-mails sent by Rachel requesting important information/confirmation/fees etc

  2. Sending contentious e-mails

  3. Arguing with the instructor or other students

  4. Inappropriate conduct towards Sifu Waller, Rachel or any student in the school

  5. Being a 'smart-ass' with the instructor or other students

  6. Swearing, sarcasm, abusive behaviour, sexist/racist remarks

  7. Stealing

  8. Bullying

  9. Lying to the instructor

  10. Forgetting to say "Sifu" when talking with the instructor

  11. Talking too much (telling the teacher a story about yourself, asking to debate/discuss training or syllabus issues, breaking off the practice to talk about yourself)

  12. Not listening to instructions

  13. Refusing to stop talking and continue training when instructed to do so

  14. Interrupting the instructor when they are teaching or dealing with another student

  15. Telling the teacher that you have no time to train between lessons, faux complaining (bragging) etc

  16. Plagiarising Sifu Waller's words when completing an assignment

What possible response can the student expect from their instructor? The above examples reflect disrespect, stupidity and the utmost naivety. There is a need to exercise self restraint at all times.


Unteachable?

In order to learn tai chi the student must be prepared to recognise and accept the authority of the instructor. If they are not willing to follow instructions and adhere to the Code of Conduct, they should leave.


Boundaries

Please be aware that in order for our school to remain a safe, friendly training environment there must be rules and there must be boundaries... Compared to a traditional Asian martial arts class we keep bowing etc toned down and encourage a more informal relationship with the teacher.


 I have seen schools where some of the students show disrespect to the teacher by not paying him on time, by being frequently late to class, and by not informing the teacher when a class must be missed.

(John Lash)

school database

Page created 27 June 1995
 Last updated 11 February 2011

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