10/05/2026
With recent events unfolding due to differences of opinion, the academy has no alternative but to safeguard its reputation by introducing a formal Policy of Conduct.
🥋 Budo Shin Ryu Martial Arts Academy
Conduct & Professional Standards Policy
To protect the integrity, reputation, and safety of the academy, all students, instructors, and visitors are required to uphold the highest standards of behaviour at all times. The academy operates on discipline, respect, and professionalism, and any conduct that undermines these values will be addressed firmly and without leniency.
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🚫 Zero‑Tolerance Conduct Policy
Any behaviour that jeopardises the good name of the academy will result in immediate action. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Aggression, bullying, intimidation, or harassment — including online or through social media
- Fighting or aggressive behaviour in any dojo, whether representing this academy or not
- Illicit, unlawful, or inappropriate behaviour
- Conduct that brings the academy into disrepute, including behaviour outside the dojo or online
- Disrespect towards instructors, students, visitors, or the training environment
- Any behaviour that disrupts the safety, harmony, or professionalism of the academy
Outside disagreements, personal fallouts, or external influences must not be brought into the dojo.
The training environment is a neutral, respectful space, and all personal issues must be left outside.
Such behaviour results in indifference, aggravation, and division, which directly impacts the academy and everyone who trains. For this reason, there will be absolutely no leniency regarding inappropriate or harmful conduct.
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⚠️ Consequences for Misconduct
If an individual is found to have breached these standards:
- Their membership will be terminated indefinitely
- The association will be formally notified
- All grades will be nullified and removed from the academy register
- They will be barred from future training, grading, and academy events
These measures exist to protect the academy’s reputation and the wellbeing of all who train within it.
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🧩 Relationships & Professional Boundaries
1. Pre‑Existing Personal Relationships
Where a personal relationship existed before an individual joined the academy, this is not considered misconduct.
However, to maintain transparency and avoid any perception of favouritism or conflict of interest, such relationships must be managed with clear professional boundaries.
This ensures:
- No disruption to the training environment
- No perceived or actual bias
- Protection of the academy’s reputation
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2. Student – Person of Responsibility Relationships
A person of responsibility refers to any individual who holds authority, influence, or leadership within the academy, regardless of title or rank.
Any new romantic or intimate relationship that begins after a student joins the academy and involves a person of responsibility is strictly prohibited due to:
- safeguarding concerns
- power imbalance
- professionalism
- conflict‑of‑interest risks
- potential disruption to the training environment
If such a relationship ends, any resulting fallout, tension, or disruption within the dojo will not be tolerated.
Professionalism must be maintained at all times.
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3. Student–Student Relationships
Personal relationships between students are permitted; however, if such relationships cause:
- disruption
- hostility
- division
- behaviour that brings the academy into disrepute
…the academy may intervene and take appropriate action.
This includes disruption caused by the breakdown of a relationship.
Any separation, fallout, or personal disagreement must not affect the dojo environment.
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🥋 Instructor, Trainee Instructor & Team Leader Professional Standards
Instructors, trainee instructors, and team leaders must act with the utmost professionalism at all times to maintain the high standards of the Academy.
Those in positions of responsibility are expected to demonstrate leadership, integrity, and discipline both on and off the mats. Their conduct must set the example for all students and must never compromise the reputation, safety, or harmony of the dojo.
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🥋 Instructor & Trainee Instructor Requirements
To ensure a safe, professional, and trustworthy teaching environment, all instructors and instructors in training must undergo strict vetting procedures, including:
- A full DBS check (where applicable)
- Submission of all relevant documentation
- Ongoing assessment to ensure they uphold the academy’s values, conduct expectations, and professional standards
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🛡️ Commitment to a Safe & Respectful Environment
The academy is committed to providing a disciplined, respectful, and secure environment for all students. These policies exist to protect the integrity of the academy, the wellbeing of its members, and the high standards expected of everyone who trains here.