Dignity and Practice Charter

Our starting point is a simple conviction: that every person has the same inherent worth. No one is superior or inferior. For us, equal dignity is not just a slogan; it's a way of interacting with others. We believe in meeting each person at eye level, with curiosity rather than judgement, and with clear boundaries that are also kind. In practice, this means that leadership is stewardship, not status; guidance serves the group and every voice is valued.

We honour the human tempo. Depth grows at the pace of breath, not at the speed of performance. Before martial arts became a sport, they were a way of returning to the present moment: standing, breathing, sensing and choosing. We keep that root alive. Rather than pushing through resistance, we listen. Rather than forcing outcomes, we trust in the timing. This is how insight becomes embodied and sustainable.

Equal dignity requires clear consent and kind boundaries. Every exercise is an invitation, and 'no' and 'not yet' are honoured. Being clear is not the same as being cold; it is about caring. When people can choose at their own pace, their nervous system remains open to learning and their potential can unfold without the pressure to perform.

Community is not just a backdrop; it is an integral part of the process. We sit in a circle to bear witness, not to solve problems. We speak to people, not about them. Feedback is an invitation, not a judgement of someone's worth. When harm happens, we practice repair. We pause. We name what occurred. We listen. We look for a next step that restores dignity and safety. This is especially important when the harm happens in human spaces.

We use plain, human language. There are no esoteric promises or spiritual bypasses. Just simple tools, honest practice and shared ground that enables depth. We don't care about dramatic experiences; we care about the quiet re-orientation you can take home: a steadier presence, kinder boundaries and decisions made with less pressure and more trust.

What we protect with this ethos

• is the freedom to choose (consent and non-contact practice).
• The freedom to be honest (confidentiality, no performance).
• The precision to stay safe (clear boundaries, sober sessions).
• The opportunity to grow (inclusion, access and repair).
• The dignity of each person (eye-level interaction, no shaming or discrimination).

This is why the Charter exists: not to police behaviour, but to safeguard the conditions in which people can meet themselves and each other, and in which the work can quietly do good.

This Charter is a condition of participation.
It applies to everyone — participants and facilitators.