Thank you for helping us to ensure that our training space is healthy, welcoming, and safe for everyone.
UNIFORM/ATTIRE
Shoes
Please ensure that you bring clean, indoor-only athletic shoes for use inside the training space. We ask that outside shoes not be worn past the front lobby (even by parents), to ensure that we are not tracking dirt or moisture into the hallways or studio.
Students who forget their shoes may still participate in their socks, however please be aware that slippery socks on the mat will increase your risk of slipping, especially when running at higher speeds. In addition, please be aware that bare feet increase the risk of transmitting fungal diseases (such as warts and athletes foot). This is why wearing appropriate footwear is so important.
Uniform shirt
All students are expected to wear a uniform shirt to every class. Our uniform shirt is what binds us together as a community, just like wearing a gi to a karate class, or a leotard to ballet.
Students are welcome (and encouraged!) to decorate or modify their shirts as they see fit, as long as the logo remains intact.
As this is a physically active class where students are frequently grabbed by other students, any uniform shirts that are damaged in the course of training will receive a free replacement.
Other attire
We strongly recommend that you dress with self-defence and athletics in mind. The following are suggestions to bear in mind, but not requirements:
- We recommend that you do not wear jeans, as they heavily restrict your movement and don't breathe well when getting sweaty
- We recommend that you do not wear skirts or dresses
- We recommend that you do not wear heavy sweatsuits (unless you have lighter layers underneath) because you will likely overheat
- We recommend that you do not wear jewellery, particularly large earrings, necklaces, bracelets, or chunky rings that may be ripped off or cause injury to others during training
- We recommend that people with long hair tie it up and out of their face
Failure to adhere to uniform policy
To ensure that students are reminded of the importance of bringing correct footwear and wearing their uniform shirts, students who fail to meet the uniform standard will be instructed to complete a set of push-ups.
BEHAVIOUR
Abuse and Intolerance
Abusive, aggressive and offensive behaviour and language will not be tolerated. This space should feel safe for everyone to participate in, regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or political affiliation. Students who engage in behaviours that make other students feel unsafe or unwelcome may removed from the program.
Respect and Dignity
Students are expected to be respectful to all of their fellow students, and all instructors. Likewise, instructors are expected to treat all students with respect and dignity. If you have concerns about the behaviour of any of our instructors at any time, please do not hesitate to let us know so that we can address it.
Consent
As this is a highly physical self-defence program, students can expect that there will be a level of physical contact required in order to adequately learn the required skills. If you experience distress related to physical touch, please let us know so we can do our best to accommodate you.
While we encourage you to "get comfortable being uncomfortable" in regards to your training, your are still in charge of your body. You are welcome at any time to take a step back from a drill if the action causes you distress.
Physical Capabilities
If you are coming off of an injury or have limited mobility for any reason, please let us know so we can recommend adequate substitutions for movements that you may struggle with. If you would like to make your own modifications, please feel free to do so, as we recognize that you know your body better than anyone else.
USING THE SPACE
No outside shoes past the Lobby Area
See "Shoes" under "UNIFORM/ATTIRE".
Shoe Racks and Lockers
Please use the shoe racks at the front door for your outdoor shoes while in class to keep the path to the exit clear in case of emergency.
Students are also welcome to leave their indoor shoes on the racks between classes, however you do so at your own risk, as they are not monitored.
Lockers will soon be available for rent on a monthly basis in the coat room. These lockers can be used for leaving your shoes, training gloves, uniform shirts, etc. safely at the studio. More information will be provided once they are available.
Entrance and Exit into the Training Area
There are two doors into the training area. They are marked "IN" and "OUT". We ask that all students use the appropriate doorway to ensure a free-flow transition between classes without people running into one another.
Bathrooms
Students are welcome to use the bathroom at any time during class with the exception of during warm-up. Please notify an instructor that that's where you are going prior to leaving the room.
We strive to keep our bathrooms tidy, but during busy days there may be longer periods where we aren't checking in on them. Please let us know if anything needs to be tended to.