STUDENT HANDBOOK
Welcome and congratulations on choosing to join one of Australia top martial arts schools – Premier Martial Arts and Fitness Academy. In joining Premier Martial Arts you have become part of a team whose spirit will propel you and your family on an inspiring martial arts journey.
Premier Academy was established in August 2009 and has grown into a power-house school recognized throughout the country. All of our Instructors have studied our style of martial arts under me, and have been handpicked on the basis of their expertise, skill and commitment. I have had the privilege of being their instructor since their earliest beginnings – some as young as 5 years – sharing with them my knowledge and years of experience. I have been a full time teacher of martial arts since 1994, as well being involved in world class tournaments and competitions where I have successfully represented Australia in many world events. As a qualified 7th Dan Master Instructor, I am certified by the Kukkiwon (World Taekwondo Headquarters in Korea) to instruct and grade students for qualifications that are recognized worldwide.
Many of my students have also reached high levels of achievement in the competitive aspect of this sport. However, I have always place a greater emphasis on the promotion of the Art and the Philosophy in the Martial Arts. By promoting the Art and not just the competition, students of Premier Martial Arts understand the beauty behind the sport and become disciplined, strong and healthy in mind and body, and in turn gaining confidence and a better understanding of who they are.
What makes Premier Martial Arts stand out from the others is the harmonious interaction between the staff and the students. This is based on the understanding that all people are different, and even though all students train in a group they are all treated as individuals.
I’m very proud of what Premier Martial Arts and Fitness Academy stands for and the positive synergy that is evident whenever students, their families and our instructor’s come together.
Premier Martial Arts is committed in making you the best YOU, that you can be.
Zlatan (Zak) Jovanov
Director
If you would like to discuss something in person with an instructor, it is best to call or email to make an appointment, as we will need to clear time in our busy class schedule to see you. Unfortunately we cannot always drop everything and talk to you on the spot as we usually have a class of eager little martial artists waiting for us!
Location
Phone
(Please leave a message if no answer)
The best way to contact the Academy is via email. This way you can clearly outline your query and we are able to respond effectively and efficiently.
Keep Up to Date!
Premier Martial Arts and Fitness Academy has a full calendar of events from gradings to “Junior Discos” to fundraising events to Parent Nights Outs to “Martial Arts Olympics” and more. To keep up with what’s happening, you need to keep an eye on our foyer posters and digital signage, as well as our Facebook and our website.
Our Website
Latest news, events, timetables, grading forms and a member’s only section. You can also send an email to us via the contact form on our website.
Facebook
www.facebook.com/premiermaf
Latest news, events, photos, videos and all of our posters! Get everything you need to know delivered directly to your newsfeed!
Academy Code of Conduct (or “How to be a Black Belt Student”)
We consider all students at our Academy to be aspiring “Black Belts”. The first step to achieving a black belt is to learn how to act like one. All students at Premier Martial Arts and Fitness Academy are expected to conduct themselves as a “Black Belt” at all times.
How to be a Black Belt Student
- Black Belts always arrive on time to class. They bow before entering, then go and sit quietly and wait for their class to begin. If they are late, they stand at the side of the class and wait for the instructor’s attention before bowing and asking if they can join the class. If they need to leave the class for any reason, they put their hand up and ask for the instructor’s permission before leaving the training area.
- Black Belts bow a lot! They bow when they enter the matted area and when they leave. They bow before addressing an instructor or another black belt. They bow when introducing themselves to someone they have just met on the training floor.
- Black Belts treat everyone with respect. They address instructors as “Sir” or Maam” or by their Surname – never by their first name when at the Academy.
- Black Belts treat our Academy with respect. They never eat or drink in the training areas, never chew gum while at the school and most definitely never walk on the mats with shoes or dirty feet. Black Belts always leave the training area cleaner and tidier than they found it. They always behave in a polite and respectful way around the Academy.
- Black Belts treat their training seriously. They make sure they are not wearing any jewelry, that their finger and toe nails are closely clipped and that they have no open wounds, especially on their feet or hands. Open wounds must be covered for safety reasons, and if they cannot be covered then you must stay off the mats until they have healed.
- Black Belts take pride in their appearance. They wear the correct uniform, and it is always clean. If their belt comes off during a drill they put it back on at the first opportunity, by facing away from the instructor and quickly re-tying it.
- Black Belts are always prepared for their training. They bring the required Premier Martial Arts sparring gear, and keep their gear together in a bag that is placed at the back of the class in the shelves provided. They never leave their gear lying around where others could trip on it. Black Belts know that if they don’t have the full set of required sparring gear that they will not be able to take part in sparring activities.
- Black Belts exercise control. They do not engage in dangerous or rough play at the Academy or outside. Black Belts do not hurt other students during sparring or self-defense. We are a family Academy, and all members are expected to look after other members whilst training.
- Black Belts set goals, in their martial arts training, and in their life in general. They learn how to make SMART– Small Measurable Achievable Realistic Timely – goals that help them get where they want to be!
Parent’s Rules
- Parents respect the Academy and its surrounds. They refrain from smoking (or vaping) anywhere near the Academy. They park their cars with consideration for other parents and neighboring businesses.
- Parents never interact with their children during class. They realize that watching a martial arts class is just like observing their child in regular school, and the instructor is the only person in charge. Interrupting or interacting with their child would be disrespectful to the instructor and distracting to all the other students. At no time should parents enter the training area unless asked to by an instructor.
- Parents are quiet during their child’s class. They know that talking is disruptive to the class and to the other parents who are watching quietly. If parents want to socialize, they should go outside until the class is over. Parents are asked to not stand or wait by the door, front counters or anywhere that prevents flow of traffic in the Academy. Considerate parents also keep their future Black Belts and Little Champions under control and quiet during older sibling’s classes. Crying, screaming or rowdy children can be a major distraction to class.
- Parents realize that our Academy is not a daycare center, so they drop and pick up their children promptly. Parents should not drop students off more than 10 minutes before their class time. They realize that the front desk cannot be and is not responsible for kids left unattended. If a child must unavoidably be left for extra time, parents must always alert the staff and make sure their child knows where to sit quietly and wait.
- Parents know and practice all Academy rules and policies. They follow and enforce these rules with their children. When Mum and Dad follow the school rules and regulations, then their child is more likely to follow their example.
- Parents pay attention to what their children are learning in class and reinforce their positive behavior at home. They realize that as parents, they are an important part of the school’s team and can help their children improve by working with the instructors and staying informed. All school events are advertised via posters in the waiting area, our Facebook page, email and our website.
- Parents know that their child is an individual who will progress at their own rate. They never compare a child to their sibling or other students. They encourage and support their child’s progress and help them to set and achieve realistic goals. Parents should always remember why their child joined Premier Academy in the first place, not to just to learn to kick and punch, but to improve themselves as people. They should take a moment to see how their child is improving as a whole person, realizing that rank graduation is just a part of the big picture.
- Parents know that if they have a concern about their child’s training, progress or about the school, they should go directly to the instructor and not complain to other parents. Our Parents never start, or participate, in gossip. In fact, they do their best to stop it.
- Parents will always help their children set goals both in and out of the Academy. Parents should explain the SMART process of setting and achieving goals (Small Measurable Achievable Realistic Timely). Goal setting will help their child develop perseverance and self-discipline which is necessary to stick to their commitments and achieve great personal success.
Note: Continued, and or serious, breaches of these codes of conduct may result in suspension or expulsion from the Academy.
When you join our Academy you are effectively purchasing a membership for an agreed period of time (1 month / 6 months / 12 months / 24 months etc) and then paying that membership off at an agreed payment schedule (weekly / fortnightly / monthly / in full upfront).
How your membership works
All memberships are initially for an agreed period (1 month / 6 months / 12 months). When you complete your membership agreement, you essentially agreed to pay off that membership in monthly, fortnightly or weekly installments (unless you have paid your membership up front for the year). These installments are direct debited from your nominated bank account on the agreed date. During this time you are entitled to all the benefits of your membership such as training seven days a week. All memberships take into account public holidays and the period between Christmas and New Year when the Academy is closed. A few months before your membership expires, we will talk to you about the renewal process. This is detailed below.
Fees
To be able to continue to enjoy the many benefits of your membership at Premier Martial Arts and Fitness Academy your fees must be up to date. If you fall behind in your fees you will not be able to train or to grade. If you need to make arrangements to reschedule a payment or catch up on a missed payment, or change your bank details, then you should contact Debit Success directly (see below).
If you fall behind in your payments, and have not entered into any arrangement to bring your fees up to date, then Debit Success will refer your case to a debt collection agency. Once this happens, the collection agency will attempt to recover the entire balance of your membership. Debt collection referrals can also have a very negative impact on your credit rating so it is in your best interests not to let unpaid fees get to this stage.
Debit Success
You can contact Debit Success on 1800 148 848. It is best to have your copy of your contract with you and quote PMAF and your contract number when talking to the customer service representative. Debit Success is based in the eastern states, so bear this in mind when calling. Overdue fees can also be paid in person at the Academy.
Cancellations
Memberships cannot be cancelled or suspended. You have entered into a membership agreement to pay for a certain period of training and are expected to honour that contract.
If you move more than 25 kilometres away from the Academy, or have developed a serious health condition, then you may be eligible to pay a cancellation fee to cancel your membership. You must have reached the minimum term on your membership – 6 months on 12 month memberships, 12 months on 24 month memberships and 18 months on 36 month memberships. You will only be eligible if you can show documentary proof of your move or health condition. If you think you are in this situation, then please discuss this with us as soon as possible. There is no credit or refunds given for cancelled memberships. If you cancel your membership before the minimum term then you will be liable for the cost of any items such as uniforms or sparring given to you at the time of signing your membership agreement.
Hold time and transferring membership
If a member is unable to train due to injury for a period of four weeks or more, then they may request to put their membership on hold. They are still required to pay their fees as normal, but they will have the time they have missed added to their membership at the end of their membership agreement. You may also put your membership on hold due to an extended holiday of eight weeks or more, but this is not available during the months of December or January. To put a membership on hold a form must be completed as soon as possible at the Academy.
If a member is unable to continue training, then their membership can be transferred to an immediate family member. Their payments will continue as normal until the membership runs out, but the nominated family member will take advantage of the value remaining on their membership. Only memberships that are up to date with payments may be transferred in this way.
Renewals
Two to three months before your membership is due to end we will approach you to discuss renewing your membership. At this point you will need to inform us if you are planning to continue with your membership or are planning to stop training when the membership runs out.
If you are planning to continue training, then it is simply a matter of renewing your membership. When you renew there may be a small increase in fees when your new membership takes effect. Even though you are renewing ahead of time, the new fees will only start the month after your membership was due to end. If you choose to renew for 24 months or more we often offer incentives such free uniforms, sparring gear or clothing. These offers change from time to time so its best to inquire at Reception to see what specials are available. Renewing early saves on paperwork and additional fees for you (if your contract lapses you will be charged to initiate a new membership) and also helps us manage our members without having to pass on extra administration costs to you in the form of higher fees.
If you decide to stop your membership and your training at our Academy you will need to complete a form to cease your membership on the due date. This helps to ensure that your payments stop on the correct date. If you have not filled in and signed the cancellation form, any extra payments made after your agreement are non-refundable and will be added to time owing to you.
Premier Martial Arts and Fitness Academy is open seven days a week, all year round. We only close for Public Holidays, and between Christmas and New Year.
Hours of operation
Our opening hours are:
- Monday 9.00 – 11.00 am and 2.00 – 9.00 pm
- Tuesday 6.00am – 7.30am, 9.00 – 11.00 am and 2.00 – 9.00pm
- Wednesday 9.00 – 12.00pm and 2.00 – 9.00pm
- Thursday 9.00 – 11.00 am and 2.00 – 9.00pm
- Friday 9.00 – 11.00am and 2.00 – 8.00pm
- Saturday 7.00am – 1.30pm
- Sunday 8.30 – 11.00 am
Class Timetable
Our Academy offers the most comprehensive timetable for martial training of any school in Australia, with over 150 classes every week.
How many classes should I attend?
All students are required to average two classes per week to be eligible for grading. Only attendance at the age and belt appropriate class counts towards this average. Extra-curricular classes such Competition, Leadership or Patterns classes do not count towards this average. All students are required to attend the class that matches their belt level and age, unless directed otherwise by the instructors. Please see our website for the most up to date version of our timetable.
Why does the timetable change?
Our timetable will change after each Junior / Teen /Adult class (three times per year) to accommodate changing student numbers and belt levels. These changes will only ever be minor and made in the best interests of students. Please check for a new timetable at each grading.
During December and January we run a different timetable to provide students with the opportunity to train in classes that they would not normally get to do. Our curriculum over the summer holidays is designed to excite and motivate students, as well as preparing them for another exciting year of martial arts training in the following year!
Important yearly dates and times
Please see the calendar on our website and foyer posters for the latest dates and times.
Grading is an important reason why training in the martial arts is such a powerful self-development tool. Premier Martial Arts Academy’s belt system serves as motivation, reward and recognition for your student’s success. There are very few after school activities that provide this level of recognition for your child’s hard work. Grading occurs at the end of every school term for Little Champions and once every four months for the Junior, Teenage and Freestyle martial arts programs. It is normal for students to miss a few gradings during their martial arts journey due to illness, injury or perhaps they are just not quite ready for their new level.
Always remember – a black belt is simply a white belt that never gave up!
Tip Testing and Attendance
To be eligible for grading, there are two main criteria students must satisfy. Firstly, students must have been averaging two classes a week since their last grading, as recorded by our attendance system. This makes signing in correctly before your class very important. Students without sufficient attendance will not be able to grade for their next belt or level.
4Secondly, students must pass a “tip test” in class in the weeks before grading. The instructor will assess whether or not they have learned the skills and techniques required for the next belt or level. If the student appears ready to grade, then the instructor will award them a red tag on their belts.
Grading: Applications and Costs
At least a month before grading a schedule will be published showing the different grading sessions and times. You always attend the grading session that matches the belt you are currently wearing! Make sure you write down the time and date of the grading so you can mark it on the calendar. The grading application process for ALL students is outlined below.
Little Champions
The grading fees for Little Champions are $45 for all belt levels up to Brown White Belt. The fees for Brown Belt students grading to Black Belt are $55.
All grading fees must be paid at time of application, and this must be completed online at our website at least one week before grading. You will also need to pay any associated fees online at this time as well.
Juniors, Teens and Adults
The grading fees for each belt level are:
- White, Yellow and Green Belts $45
- Blue to Brown Belts $65
- Probationary Black Belts $75
- Black belts available on application
All grading fees must be paid at time of application, and this must be completed online at our website at least one week before grading. You will also need to pay any associated fees online at this time as well.
Make-Up Grading
A “Make-Up” grading is only granted in extenuating circumstances when a student is unable to make the scheduled grading time and date. These are approved on a case-by-case basis and should not be thought of as “right”. Due to the inconvenient nature of Make-Up gradings, they are charged at $45 each. For each scheduled grading period there will only be one designated “Make-Up” grading date available. This must be applied for in person at Reception to see if the application has been successful. All other grading fees still apply.
Re-Grading
Students who are unsuccessful at their first attempt at their scheduled grading may be offered the chance to “Re-Grade” approximately six weeks after their initial attempt. This offer will be subject to the student agreeing to attend regular and extra training sessions to work on their problems areas. If these criteria are not met, then the only option is to wait till the end of the next grading cycle. There is no additional cost for Re-Grading, but it must be completed on the date and time specified. Black Belts who need to regrade will need to wait until the next Black Belt grading, usually in six months time.
Junior, Teen and Adult Belt Levels
Juniors, Teens and Adults grade every four months providing they have mastered the necessary skills and attended the required amount of training sessions. The belt levels are as follows:
- White Belt
- Yellow Belt
- Yellow Belt Black Stripe
- Green Belt
- Green Belt Black Stripe
- Blue Belt
- Blue Belt Black Stripe
- Purple Belt
- Purple Belt Black Stripe
- Red Belt
- Red Belt Black Stripe
- Brown Belt
- Brown Belt Black Stripe
- Probationary Black Belt
- Probationary Black Belt One Stripe
- Black Belt First Dan, Second Dan and so on
Little Champions Belt Levels
Little Champions grade every three months providing they have mastered the necessary skills and attended the required amount of training sessions. The belt levels are as follows:
- White Belt
- Yellow Belt
- Orange Belt
- Green Belt
- Blue Belt
- Purple Belt
- Brown White Belt
- Full Brown Belt
- Little Champions Black Belt
Little Champions that graduate to the Junior Martial Arts program as a Blue Belt or higher regarded as a Yellow Belt under the Junior Martial Arts Curriculum. They continue to wear their Little Champions belt in recognition of their effort in training. The first time they grade as a Junior, they will be awarded a Yellow Belt Black Stripe.
Only gear purchased at Premier Martial Arts and Fitness Academy may be used in our Little Champions, Juniors, Teens and Adults martial arts classes. This applies to uniforms and all sparring gear, with the exception of mouth guards and under-the-clothing groin guards.
Lost gear or personal items
All students are expected to be responsible for their own gear, which should be clearly labeled with their name and kept in a suitable sports bag when not in use. Any items left behind at the Academy are placed in the “Lost Property” box on each training floor. This box is periodically emptied, so please check immediately when you notice something is missing. Due to the volume of students and gear the Academy can take no responsibility for lost gear or personal items.
Uniforms
Premier Martial Arts and Fitness Academy has two distinctive, stylish and practical uniforms that used at different times during the year. New students are required to purchase a uniform within the first week of beginning training. All students are required to attend all classes in the correct uniform. Please do not turn up to train in clothes that are not the standard uniform as you may be refused entry to the training floor.
Winter Uniform
All students are required to have a full (long pants and jacket) black Premier Martial Arts uniform. This uniform can be worn all year round, but is compulsory in Winter (May – October) and at grading.
Summer Uniform
In summer (November – April) you can wear the optional summer uniform. This consists of Premier MMA board shorts and a Premier singlet or T-Shirt. In summer you may also mix and match your summer and winter uniforms.
Belts
Your belt must be worn with your full uniform at all times. Belts are optional when wearing summer uniform. Students must take great care with their belt, which should be labeled with their name to avoid confusion. Lost belts must be replaced at the student’s expense.
Sparring Gear
Protective sparring gear allows students to practice their techniques in an “alive” fashion through drills and free sparring. Sparring is always controlled and contact is light in normal classes. All sparring gear must be purchased from Premier Martial Arts and Fitness Academy to ensure that insurance cover is maintained.
The sparring gear requirements for each program are:
- Little Champions – boxing gloves (purchased within the first month of training)
- Juniors, Teens and Adults – boxing gloves (purchased within the first month of training), and a full set of sparring gear before your first grading
A full set of sparring gear for all programs consists of:
- Head guard
- Shin guards and foot guards
- Boxing Gloves
- Mouthguard
- Optional: Groin Guard for students over the age of 9
Students who do not have Premier Martial Arts branded equipment or do not have the full set of equipment will not be able to take part in sparring drills and activities.
Additional Sparring Gear for Competition Program Members
Students involved in the Competition Training will need to purchase additional equipment to use in class and in competition (arms guards, foot guards, gloves, padded jacket, white helmet, white uniform). As the rules for what is allowed in competition are very strict, this gear should ordered through the Academy to ensure it meets the required standard. Payments must accompany all orders.