Student Info

Student Creed

  • I intend to develop myself in a positive manner and to avoid anything that would reduce my mental growth or my physical health.
  • I intend to develop self-discipline in order to bring out the best in myself and others
  • I intend to use what I learn in class constructively and defensively;
  • to help myself and my fellow man, and never to be abusive or offensive.

Tenets of Martial Arts

  • HONOR
  • INTEGRITY
  • COURTESY
  • RESPECT
  • LOYALTY
  • SELF CONTROL
  • PERSEVERANCE
  • INDOMITABLE SPIRIT

Martial Arts Honor Code
Honor is an important part of martial arts history, traditionally defining an individual’s overall character. In years past, those most respected were those who fought to defend their honor, the honor of those they care about, and their country. Today, honor is often overlooked and rarely discussed in rooted as the essence of an individual’s character. Honor dictates who, what, where, how and why you do anything. Honor reveals a person’s true identity. Martial artists live by an “Honor Code,” a code of ethics that sets honorable goals to shape our behavior and actions for the better. As students of the martial arts, we encourage you to examine your behavior with this honor code. These are worthwhile goals that each of us should strive for in our lives.

  1. I will not seek an unfair advantage over other people.
  2. I will truthfully represent fact and self at all times.
  3. I will respect the property and personal rights of others.
  4. I will uphold the laws of my country and cooperate with law officials.
  5. I will help another human being when needed.
  6. I will never boast about my accomplishments to put down others.
  7. I will honor my mother, father, and my teachers.
  8. I will uphold all of my promises and commitments.
  9. I will give a 100% effort in everything I do.
  10. I will not be a detriment to the environment.

If we live by these rules and others, together we can better our communities and ourselves. Living our lives by “The Honor Code” will make our own lives more honorable, enriching, and fulfilling. It will also set an example, which, if followed, can surely change the world.

VIP Buddy
At the end of each month, the first class after stripe testing, all schools host VIP Buddy Days. Any student may bring a friend to class that day for free. Students are required to have their buddy’s parent fill out a VIP card and sign the participation waiver at the bottom. All buddies that attend may receive two free classes to attend in the beginners program at any time.

Fun Nights (Parents Night Out)
Every other month we have karate fun nights. This is a great way to meet new people, eat pizza, play lots of games and watch karate demonstrations performed by the SMA Demonstration Team. (And in the summer we have water gun wars!!)

Tournaments
Spartanburg Martial Arts hosts 3-4 Inner School tournaments each year for all of our students. Students learn to develop a healthy competitive spirit as well as the confidence to express themselves outside of the dojo.

SWAT Team
(Super Winning Attitude Team) The Leaders of Tomorrow These students go beyond what is expected of them in karate class, at home, and at school. They are students who have the desire to help others develop the same positive attitude and karate skills that they have. SWAT Team members are considered to be “instructors assistants” and are a very important part of the school. SWAT Team members must be at least 10 years of age and preferably brown belt or higher.