Introduction and Purpose
By participating in classes at Freeport Martial Arts, all students, instructors, and visitors agree to uphold these standards. Our academy is dedicated to training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Gi), Submission Wrestling (No-Gi), and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) in an environment focused on safety, respect, and technical progression.
Safety and Training Room Rules
- Respect the Tap: This is the most critical rule in grappling. You must tap out immediately (physically and/or verbally) when caught in a submission or if you feel unsafe. Conversely, you must stop applying force immediately the moment your partner taps or communicates a desire to stop.
- Controlled Execution: Apply submissions slowly and with precision. Give your training partners adequate time to tap before hyperextension or injury occurs. Excessive force or the use of unapproved, high-risk techniques without prior mutual consent or instructor approval will not be tolerated.
- Sparring Supervision: Never spar or “roll” without an instructor present on the mats.
- Injuries: Communicate any pre-existing injuries to the instructor before class begins. Inform your instructor immediately if you or your partner are injured during training.
- Mat Entry and Exit: Arrive 5 minutes before class and log your attendance. If you are late, join the class without interrupting the instructor or disturbing other students. Leave the mat as needed for emergencies, hydration, and restroom breaks.
Hygiene, Sanitation, and Health
- Skin Infections and Illness: Do not step onto the mats if you are sick or feeling unwell, or if you suspect you have a contagious skin condition (e.g., staph, ringworm, herpes gladiatorum). Any skin infections must be reported to the instructor and fully cleared by a medical professional before returning to training.
- The Golden Footwear Rule: Never wear shoes, socks, or outdoor footwear on the training mats. Conversely, never walk off the mats, into locker rooms, or into restrooms barefoot. Sandals or shoes must be worn at all times off the mat. If your feet touch the bare floor outside the mat, they must be sanitized before returning.
- Gear Cleanliness: Wash your uniforms (Gi), rash guards, and training gear immediately after every training session. Never train in unwashed, damp, or malodorous apparel.
- Personal Grooming: Fingernails and toenails must be trimmed short and kept clean to avoid scratching or cutting your training partners. Maintain clean body hygiene, brush your teeth, or use a breath mint before training. Long hair should be tied back and secured.
Uniform and Equipment Code
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Gi): Uniforms must be clean and free of significant rips or tears. Your kimono jacket and pants should match in color. A rash guard must be worn underneath your Gi jacket (no bare chests or standard t-shirts). Ensure your belt is up to date with your correct stripes and rank.
- Submission Wrestling (No-Gi): Wear a clean, properly fitting rash guard and grappling shorts or spats. Clothing must not have pockets, zippers, strings, or velcro, as these pose a severe risk of catching fingers and toes and tearing skin.
- Mixed Martial Arts (MMA): Appropriate protective gear (mouthguards, MMA sparring gloves, and shin guards) is mandatory during live drilling and sparring.
- Prohibited Items: All jewelry, watches, piercings, necklaces, and metal objects must be completely removed before stepping onto the mat. Chewing gum is strictly prohibited.
Academy Culture and Etiquette
- Mat Demeanor: Sit attentively and quietly when an instructor is speaking or demonstrating a technique. No talking, profanity, or disruptive behavior is permitted during instruction.
- Maturation and Ego: Control your emotions. Emotional outbursts—such as yelling, swearing, slapping the mats, or throwing gear—are unacceptable. Be humble when you perform well and avoid making excuses when you are outperformed.
- Community: Greet your instructors and training partners upon arrival, and welcome visitors with open arms. Prioritize your partner’s safety and learning experience over winning a round. Help lower-ranked students build resilience and confidence.
- Media and Electronics: Focus on your training and keep cell phones silenced and off the mats entirely. Video recording of training sessions or sparring is encouraged, provided you have the explicit consent of the instructors and your training partners.
- Housekeeping: Clean up after yourself. Do not leave water bottles, tape, or personal belongings behind; take everything home with you each night. Abandoned clothing and equipment will be discarded monthly.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Violations of this Code of Conduct compromise the safety and culture of the academy. Standard disciplinary procedures include:
- Verbal Warning: A private discussion and reminder of academy policies.
- Temporary Suspension: Removal from training classes for a specified timeframe.
- Permanent Expulsion: Immediate and permanent termination of academy membership without a refund.
Note: Any behavior deemed intentionally malicious, dangerous, or harassing will bypass warnings and result in immediate expulsion.
Questions? Please contact us.