ELITE SQUAD STATUS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

When I first set up Dokan I wanted a club badge so that all the kids could feel a sense of unity and as most clubs have similar badges I wanted the same for our kids.

I then came upon the idea of having a badge just for the very best pupils, something for all the lower grades to strive towards. It was to be a gifted and talented section of karateka only. At the time of creation I used the finest kids I had available and these were basically my small competition squad. And it was intended to last till they quit karate. Over the following two years five more kids were added and some of the original drifted away and quit.

Last year I realised there was drastic flaw in the Elite squad scheme when I noticed an almost immediate decline in the behaviour and attitude of those recently selected. The same could be said for some original members who were failing to live up to the status of being the premier students. It’s a sort of attitude of doing everything right till you get what you want and then a bit of who gives a crap ! I have got it now.

This was definitely not what I intended or even more to the point not what I want now. I want the Elite squad to be like the School Prefect only better. They are to be not only amongst the most dedicated and skilful of my students but are also the most respectful and best behaved. The elite squad is the envy of the rest of the club. The lower grades look up to them, learn how to conduct themselves from them, see how to put maximum effort into everything and see an example of HOW TO BEHAVE! I do not run the strictest of clubs, I am occasionally lax with karate etiquette and I try to keep things friendly between myself and the kids. It does not seem to much to ask that the Elite Squad have enough decency to show some respect.

Elite Squad membership is no longer about how skilful the student is or if they compete at every competition, it’s about behaviour.

I have created a Competition Squad badge. This is exactly the same size and shape as the Elite badge. For a reason...

The competition badge is for our competition squad, i.e. those that compete in all or most of the competitions we do. You still have to have permission to wear one, the squad is selected just like the Elite only not so stringently.

These are the changes I am making to the way the Elite Squad is selected and maintained.

THE ELITE SQUAD will be selected and those not towing the line will be deselected twice yearly. The first batch of new squad members will be in March. No one will be stripped of status this March. If I were to strip elite status now only 5 of the 11 currently on would remain on the squad. I am giving all a good warning of what is about to happen. All members will be up for dismissal in October and new members selected.

When selected to Elite status a large certificate is awarded (you get this once only) and a badge is given free. If you want numerous badges, that is your decision. This is why the competition squad badge is an identical size. I want those who loose the rank to replace the elite badge with a competition squad badge. They will have two weeks to remove the Elite badge from their gi (suit ). Keep the badge in case they are reselected in the future.

MEMBERS HAVE TO WORK FOR AND EARN ELITE STATUS IF THEY WANT IT.

When I first created the Elite badge some parents and kids were well huffed that they didn’t make the squad. I can guarantee some kids will be upset when they loose it this October, but as with everything they will become accustomed to the way it is run.

I have found myself reluctant to add people to the Elite squad because of the reasons stated above, it should not be like this, that is why things are changing.

THINGS THAT WILL BE NOTED AND MAY RESULT IN THE LOOSING OF ELITE SQUAD STATUS.

1. CONSTANT TALKING, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE INSTRUCTOR IS TALKING OR WHEN HE TURNS HIS BACK.
2. SULLEN, BLACK LOOKS WHEN REPRIMANDED.
3. REFUSAL TO JOIN IN ACTIVITIES
4. EATING OR DRINKING DURING LESSONS, UNLESS GRANTED PERMISSION.
5. TURNING UP TO FOUR OR LESS LESSONS PER MONTH
6. LACK LUSTRE PERFORMANCE DURING LESSONS, ( MAXIMUM EFFORT MUST BE SHOWN )
7. RUNNING AROUND AND BEING STUPID AT ANY POINT IN THE LESSON.
8. LAZINESS WHEN DOING CARDIO OR WARM UP EXERCISES.
9. BULLYING OR CAUSING PROBLEMS WITHIN THE CLUB, SUCH AS SLANDERING ( BITCHING )
10. COMPETITION ETIQUETTE.

To be on the Elite Squad of Dokan Karate Association MUST mean something.

Sensei Kevan Mitchinson