Gym Guidelines

Before Training:

When you enter the gym, remove your shoes & store them neatly. Wear indoor sandals around the facility, especially the restrooms.
Barefeet only on the mats. As an accommodation, wrestling shoes are allowed so long as they are ONLY worn when on the mats.
Trim your fingernails & toenails short.
Make sure your hair & body are clean.
Remove all jewelry & accessories. If your jewelry cannot be removed, cover it with athletic tape.
Sanitize & bandage any open cuts. Re-sanitize them after training.
No food or gum on the mats. It's a choking and cleanliness hazard.

General Etiquette:

If you are late, wait on the edge of the mat to be welcomed by the instructor.
If you need to leave the mat, first let your partner(s) know, then let the instructor know.
Stay alert and be conscientious of your partner's training needs and limitations.

Sparring/Rolling Etiquette:

Ask people to spar! Most people will be happy to roll, but everyone has the right to refuse.
Go slow if you are new. You are more likely to injure yourself & others when you train hard without experience to support it.
Tap BEFORE it hurts. Avoid injury and reduce your body's wear & tear by tapping early during training.
Tap clearly. Preferably tap two or more times with your hand directly on your opponent's body. If necessary tap the ground, with your feet, or shout “TAP!”.
Mind your space. The mats can get crowded. If you invade another group's space during a roll, stop and reset in your own space. Lower belts should default to moving away from higher belts.

Gear Maintenance:

Your gear & clothing must be cleaned after every practice.
If your gear, clothes or body are dirty or smelly, you will be asked to sit out of practice.
After washing, most people hang dry their gis to prevent shrinkage & reduce wear.

Stay home if ...

Safety & First Aid:

If you think you or someone else is having a medical emergency, call 911
If you get blood on the mats, alert an instructor so that it can be cleaned.
Help yourself to the first aid kit. Alert an instructor if you require assistance.