Hi All,
I've had a few 'unattractive' types in my dojo over the years, but I've never once had to invite any of them to leave. Why? Because after one or two sessions they realise that whatever it is they're looking for, they won't find it in my class. If they don't come to this realisation for themselves, then I make a point of spelling it out to them.
In Shorinji Kempo we have a very comprehensive, contemporary philosophy which is largely designed to ensure the responsible application of what we learn. It also encompasses the wider ideals of communal responsibility and emphasises the true nature of budo as a means for cultivating character over simply learning how to overwhelm and defeat another individual. These teachings are an integral part of every lesson and as such it is extremely difficult for anyone not interested in being responsible, co-operative, productive members of society to ignore. As a consequence, any such individuals tend to leave of their own volition.
Speaking then from personal experience, I would find it hard to perceive of anyone spending time acquiring martial skills with illegal/immoral intent to be able to do so unless they found some support or acceptance of those motives within the training environment. If not explicit, they would at least need to sense some degree of tolerance for those motives (humble, well-intentioned religious/political extremists aside - however 'evil' others may judge their intent).
I question the validity of 'entrance questionnaires' in an effort to identify 'bad' students, since few people are likely to be open about their illegal/immoral intent. Signing up to a set of minimum requirements is a good idea, but once again, any such individuals will be unlikely to give much consideration to signing a contract with the intent of ignoring its requirements. Thereafter it falls to the instructor to observe and judge their attitude/behaviour to be acceptable or otherwise, which is how it should be.
In addition to the content of the teachings, I can thank the manner in which Shorinji Kempo is presented to the potential student for the lack of problem students. Any styles that make a point of advertising such things as "lethal secrets, death touches, and bone-breaking techniques" have only themselves to thank for students with difficult attitudes and/or malicious intent.
Later,
George Hyde
UCL, ULU, SOAS Dojo
British Shorinji Kempo Federation