GMAU Handbook—School Standards

Charter School Standards

Introduction

Any certified instructor of the GMAU may charter a school, teaching the gospel and their system of martial arts to others. Although these schools will vary from small clubs to large academies, each school must follow the standards of the GMAU. If it is learned that any GMAU instructor is falling short of these standards (proven evidence of teachings, conduct, misrepresentation, or other, not in keeping with standards set by the GMAU) their certification will be revoked.

Charter Standards

Each school must be run by a certified GMAU instructor
Each school must be sponsored by a church, which adheres to the fundamentals of the faith as identified in the "Doctrinal Position" of the GMAU. A letter from the pastor, written on church letterhead, must be on record with the GMAU. The role of the church is to keep the school spiritually accountable. Hence, the school must make a report to its sponsor church at least once a year regarding the current state of the ministry.
Each school must teach a Martial Arts system that has been approved by the GMAU. The system taught may either be a supported Ryu, or another system that meets the GMAU Belt Ranking Standards.
Each school is independent of the GMAU. Membership in the GMAU shall not be construed to render the local school liable for acts or representations of the GMAU, or vice-versa. Each party shall hold the other harmless from any liability to the other.
Each school is authorized to use the logo or name indicating affiliation, on any promotion certificate or other device. However, the GMAU shall retain all rights and interests in its name and use thereof.

School Etiquette and Code of Behavior

Christian martial artists should never forget that they represent the Lord Jesus Christ first of all, and secondly their school and the GMAU. Each Christian martial artist should exhibit self-control both inside and outside of his or her school. Always, and in all things, "Do all to the glory of Jesus Christ," yield your heart unto Him and be disciplined to maintain a strong personal devotional life by reading your Bible each day and seeking to genuinely walk with God.

Each school will have some differing protocol that each student and instructor will follow. However, each GMAU school's protocol should be in agreement with the standards that follow.

Personal Appearance

Uniforms are to be washed and neatly pressed before each class. The top should be closed in the front with the left flap over the right flap. The proper uniform color must be worn for your rank level. Women must wear a white T-shirt under their uniform top.
Belts are never to touch the floor when donning them, nor are they to be washed. The belt should be tied with the knot open to the left. The belt should hang evenly, and not be twisted in the back.
Your finger and toe nails should always be neatly trimmed, and your hair should be short, or pulled back.
Jewelry and watches are never to be worn in class (with the exception of medical ID).
Mandatory equipment (groin and mouth guard, sparring guards, etc.) must be worn at all times when required.

The Salute

The "salute" (bow) is the primary way that the Christian martial artist displays respect.

At Ease—Feet are in open stance, your hands are behind your back (right in left), your shoulders are up, and your chin is up. You may look side to side.
Attention—Your feet come together into closed stance. At the same time your arms come to the sides of your body and your palms slap your thighs. Your shoulders are up, your chin is up, and you stay focused straight ahead.
Salute—Keeping your body in attention position, you bend your upper body forwards, 45 degrees from the waist. Maintain eye contact with the person you are saluting.

School Etiquette

Upon entering or exiting the school, all students will salute to the highest ranking belt present. This is showing respect for authority.
Shoes and socks are to be removed before entering the school and lined up neatly along the wall.
There is to be no use of tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, and non-prescription drugs. Likewise, there is to be no gum chewing, food/drink consumption in the school.
The school is to be kept clean at all times. This means that upon arriving at class if there is set-up or clean-up to be done, you do it, or take the task from any upper belt doing it. This also applies to take-down and clean-up after class. Even if you are an upper belt, automatically assume it your duty to stay until clean up is completed.
When you need to fix your uniform, turn away from the class.
Any question you may have is to be taken to the belt level immediately above your own. If they are unable to answer, they will do likewise. This preserves a chain of command.
When asking or answering a question, or executing the command of an upper belt, always salute first. Likewise, salute when you are done. When saluting, always maintain eye contact.
Always answer with "Yes sir!" or "No sir!" never "Yeah" or "Uh huh." Improper speech is not compatible with a Christian martial arts school.
Adults are always to be addressed properly by their last name and title (Mr., Mrs., Sensei, Professor, Dr. Pastor, etc.).
When you need to ask a question during a session always raise your hand.
The martial arts are a serious pursuit, therefore one's attitude while training should be one of attentive willingness to learn. This means that horseplay will not be tolerated.
If you don't have anything to do, make up something constructive to your training. Don't sit or "play" with your friends.
When executing exercises or patterns, always maintain your stance and restrain from scratching or wiping sweat from your brow until you have been put at ease by the instructor.
When the instructor claps, all activity should stop immediately. All should be silent and awaiting instruction as for what to do next.
When called into formation, run! When told to do something by an upper belt, run!
When lining up, move quickly and orderly. Always know who you will be next to based on rank. Senior belts always line up in the front and to the right. Within belt levels, seniority is based on date of belt and then age. Lining up should never take more than thirty seconds.
When standing in formation you should be paying attention to one thing - the instructor or the task at hand. Never let your eyes wander to another session or activity.
Never run, walk or otherwise pass between a Instructor and his or her session.
Always be early for class. Tardiness causes all to suffer and shows a disregard for others.
If a class is in session and you arrive late, or if you have been sent to an active session; stand at attention at the door, or behind the class and wait to be recognized by the instructor.
When training, focus on your training, not that of others, unless you are assisting them. Your instructors do not wish to hear of another students' shortcomings from you.
When completing an exercise and told to stand, one should immediately jump to their feet. If this is not done, it indicates disobedience or being out of shape, neither of which are expected from a martial artist.
Whenever a black belt arrives, the class should be called to attention by the first person seeing the black belt. The class should then salute to the black belt.
If you see an upper belt carrying anything, or executing a task, then immediately offer to take their place or assist them. If at the time you are in formation, remain as you were under instruction. Always be looking for opportunities to be a servant (i.e. cleaning, setting up, carrying an instructor's bag, teaching a lower belt,…etc.). Neglect in this area indicates excessive pride or lack of attention to your surroundings.
At doors or water fountains, defer respect to all upper belts by allowing them to go first.
It is the responsibility of the Dojo instructor to determine who is ready for testing and advancement. A student should never ask to be tested. This is a clear indication of wrong motives and lack of discipline.
Always bring a notebook and Bible to every class, to be used not only for devotions, but to record what you have learned at each session.
You are to exhibit self-control inside and outside of class. You should never start a fight. This will result in immediate expulsion from the school. If you are involved in a fight, report it to the instructor. If he or she judges it to have been avoidable, although not your fault, you will be suspended for one week. A second occurrence will result in more serious action.
The martial arts is not a "show off" sport. Students should not clown around, or try and impress others with their physical know-how. This pertains not only to the regular class time, but also in their neighborhood and schools. Failures in this area shows that a student does not have the right attitude to advance in the marital arts.

Class Format

While the mood and style of each class session may vary, each GMAU school follows the same standard format. This format is simple and effective, successfully teaching respect and self-discipline.

Each class session begins with the class lining up in order of rank from the right side of the room to the left side. The highest ranking instructor then leads the class in prayer.
After opening in prayer, the class instructor will then go around individually to each student, asking them for injuries, and collecting their student cards (not all school use the card system for attendance). Then after any opening remarks, one of the instructors, or assistant instructors will lead a warm-up.
The warm-up is followed by the class lesson and practice time. The lessons vary from class to class, but as a general rule instructors try to teach each test requirement at least twice between each rank promotion testing. The lessons should have a balanced mental, physical and spiritual focus.
In the last few minutes of the class session, everyone lines up as at the start of the class. At this time one of the instructors will lead a cool-down and then dismiss the class.

Business Format

Each school will vary in its business format according to God's direction for the school as determined by the school's Instructor(s) and sponsor church. However, the GMAU has several basic standards for the business practices of Christian marital arts schools:
It is ideal if a school is run for free, however, the GMAU supports schools of any business structure (as long as the basic guidelines are met: certified Instructor, a church sponsor, and belt ranking requirements that reflect balanced physical, mental, and spiritual growth expectations for each belt).
If membership fees are charged, regardless of how big or small the school, the organization is then a business (particularly in the eyes of the government) and should be treated as such. Be honest and fair in all financial dealings, not just with members, but also with your suppliers. Christian business practices can be as much a ministry to your community as anything else.
The school must keep accurate accounting records and pay all required fees in accordance with the laws of the country.
Be up front with those from the community who are interested in the school. Let them know that you are going to teach a spiritual aspect along with the physical and mental.
If the school operates within a church facility, a fair financial arrangement must be established.
Ensure that the school has proper liability insurance for the Instructors and students. This is a wise step that could save your school from disaster.

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