Uniform Care

• Please wash your student’s uniform regularly.

• Jiu-Jitsu uniforms should be washed on cold and hung to dry overnight. They may shrink if placed in the dryer.

• Kenpo Karate uniforms should also be washed on cold and hung to dry when possible. This helps the screen print on the back last longer.

• There is an old wives’ tale that washing your martial arts belt will “wash the knowledge out.” It is okay not to wash your belt regularly, but if it becomes dirty or smelly, please wash it. If your belt has stripes, please wash it carefully since the stripes may come off.

• Your martial arts belt represents discipline, progress, and respect for your training journey. Another old wives’ tale says that leaving your belt on the floor is disrespectful to your training. When possible, please place your belt in your bag, on a chair, on a table, or somewhere off the floor instead of throwing it down.

• That said, during Jiu-Jitsu grappling or Kenpo Karate sparring, it is normal and expected that if your belt starts falling off, you may toss it safely to the side of the mat and continue training.

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Jewelry

• All jewelry must be removed for Jiu-Jitsu class and sparring class. This includes watches, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and any piercings that could get caught, grabbed, pulled, or cause injury.

• Stud earrings are allowed during Kenpo Karate class. Dangling earrings should be removed. Necklaces and bracelets should also be removed for Kenpo Karate so they do not get damaged or cause injury during kata attacks, self-defense practice, or partner work.

• Smart watches may be worn to track workouts during Kenpo Karate with instructor permission. They must still be removed before partner drills, kata attacks, sparring, or any activity where students are paired up.

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T-Shirts and Rash Guards

• Under Kenpo Karate uniforms, a black or dark-colored rash guard or T-shirt is preferred. Please avoid wearing polo shirts, dress shirts, or other bulky clothing under uniforms.

• T-shirts and rash guards should be tucked into the uniform.

• Under Jiu-Jitsu uniforms, students should wear a rash guard or tight-fitting athletic shirt. Please avoid loose-fitting shirts, as they may be accidentally grabbed, stretched out, or ripped during grappling practice.

• In Jiu-Jitsu, students must wear their gi top during class because it is used in many techniques, unless the class is specifically working on no-gi training that day.

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Sparring Gear & Weapons for Kenpo Karate

• Students are required to spar during belt tests for purple belt and above. For hygiene reasons, and because we have a limited amount of spare gear available, we recommend that students purchase their own sparring gear before their purple belt test.

• Students begin learning bo staff at green belt as they prepare to test for third degree brown belt. We have a limited number of bo staffs available at the school, and those must remain at the school. We recommend that students purchase their own bo staff at green belt so they can practice at home and use it at tournaments if they decide to compete.

• Students begin learning kamas at second degree brown belt as they prepare to test for first degree brown belt. We recommend that students purchase their own kamas when they reach second degree brown belt so they can practice at home and use them at tournaments if they decide to compete.

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Food and Drinks

• Gum is not allowed during any class. Please spit out gum before stepping onto the mat.

• No food or drinks are allowed on the mats during class.

• During belt testing, sealed water bottles may be brought onto the mat with instructor permission. No other beverages or open containers are allowed on the mat.

 

Personal Hygiene

• Please make sure fingernails and toenails are trimmed and filed to a safe length so they do not cut or scratch other students. This is especially important in Jiu-Jitsu and during kata attacks or partner work in Kenpo Karate.

• Fake nails are not allowed in class. We understand that students may have them for special occasions, but they should not be worn for extended periods of time while training. Fake nails can scratch or injure other students, make it harder to form a proper fist or grip a uniform correctly, and have a high risk of breaking during class, which can be painful for the student.

• Please come to class clean and ready to train. Regular bathing and clean uniforms help keep the dojo comfortable and respectful for everyone. For older students, teens, and adults, deodorant should also be worn when appropriate.

• Please freshen your breath before coming to class, especially for Jiu-Jitsu. Since students train closely with partners, breath mints, brushing your teeth, or mouthwash before class can help keep training more comfortable for everyone. Your training partner does not need to know what you had for lunch or dinner.

• Students with long hair should tie it back before class so it does not get in their way or their partner’s way during training, especially during paired work, Jiu-Jitsu, sparring, and kata attacks. Extra hair ties are available in the bathroom if you forget one.

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Bathroom and Hygiene

• Always use the provided flip-flops before going into the restrooms during class. Students should never go into the bathroom barefoot, as we do not want bathroom floor germs brought back onto the training mats.

• Please check that the sink is turned off and the restroom lights are turned off after using the bathroom.

• When you are finished using the bathroom, please leave the door slightly open so others know it is available.

• Students should try to use the restroom before class to limit bathroom breaks during training and maximize class time. Parents, please remind your children to use the restroom before class begins

• If you clog the toilet and are unable to fix it yourself, please let one of the instructors know.​

• Shoes are not required on the blue bathmat in the bathroom while changing clothes.