Office of the Planning, Development &

Physical Plant
October 28, 2019

THE DO’S AND DON’TS INSIDE THE MARTIAL ARTS GYM,

HABITS TO EMBRACE, AND ACTIONS TO AVOID
1. INTRODUCE YOURSELF AND MINGLE

Politeness goes a long way. When entering the gym, even if you are the most introverted
of introverts, you must introduce yourself to the instructor and the gym’s staff members. If time
allows before a lesson, meet and greet your fellow classmates. Also, address your teacher by
their chosen title such as coach, kru, or sensei, unless told otherwise.

2. DON’T BE LATE

Always be on time. Better yet, get to the gym early, because tardiness is extremely
disrespectful to your instructor and everyone else in the class. It disrupts the entire operation. In
some cases, the regimen will come to a halt and won’t move forward without you. Worst of all,
you’re robbing yourself of precious minutes you could be spending on refining your technique or
getting your sweat on.

Sure, things happen beyond your control and emergencies pop up unexpectedly. But if
you’re going to be late, or if tardiness may be a consistent issue, then talk to your instructor
about it first.

3. DON’T WALK ON THE MATS WITH YOUR SHOES ON

The best gyms in the world tend to have a dedicated staff member or two to clean the
mats daily, because they don’t want any germs or bacteria lurking on their padded floor. So,
naturally, the instructors and staff members turn into raging bulls whenever someone steps on the
mats with their shoes on.

Stepping onto the mats is considered immensely rude. By doing that, your sneakers are
bringing dirt and other unnecessary bacteria onto the padded surface. That said, be mindful and
take off your shoes before proceeding onto the mat. Also, if you need to go to the bathroom or
anywhere else in the gym that isn’t matted, then put on a pair of flip-flops and stroll to your
desired destination.

4. CLIP YOUR NAILS

Knives are sharp. Swords are sharper. Long fingernails and toenails, however, are the
sharpest. Ok, so maybe that’s an exaggeration, but nothing is more annoying than training with
someone who has long fingernails and toenails. Whether you are sparring with a pal in Muay
Thai or rolling with someone in BJJ class, nobody wants to be clawed mid-maneuver. Trim your
nails before you hit the mats, Wolverine.

5. BE NICE
 No one likes a jerk. This especially holds true in an environment where people come to
learn a craft, and refine and polish their skills. Some people are already self-conscious being in a
gym atmosphere, so the last thing they need is to be working out alongside a pompous person.
Simply put, leave your ego, the foul language and crude behavior at the door.

6. PRACTICE CLEANLINESS

You don’t want to punish your training partners by wearing foul-odored clothes, and you
certainly don’t want to be known as “that dude” or “that chick” at the gym who smells bad. 

So if your gym clothes are dirty or smell a little funny, wash them (soak them in a tub of
vinegar if you must), and shower after you train. Also, if you use a pair of gloves, shinguards, or
any other pieces of training equipment at the gym, then make sure you clean it with a disinfectant
after you’re done. Practice good hygiene habits and master them.

7. TREAT PEOPLE WITH RESPECT

Follow the golden rule: treat people the way you want to be treated. It’s so elementary,
yet so true. No one likes to be disrespected, so flash those manners you were taught when you
were younger. Maybe, with a little bit of luck, your fellow training partners and coaches will
become your gym family. 

8. DON’T INTENTIONALLY HURT YOUR TRAINING PARTNERS

Injuries happen. They are inevitable, especially minor ones during sparring sessions. But
not everybody is trying to compete in the ring. Some people just want to learn self-defense skills
and get a solid workout in, and that’s important to remember. Be aware of your skill level and
strength when working with another person. You’re training to train another day. Your partner is,
too.

9. COVER YOUR WOUNDS

If you have any pre-existing open wounds, cover them up. Throw a band-aid or some
other type of cohesive tape over it. You don’t want to run the risk of infection, and you don’t
want to gross people out during class. Not everybody is comfortable with blood and seeing
exposed flesh, and in worst-case scenarios, they might be sick all over the mats. 

The above-mentioned do’s and don’ts will be immediately implemented upon the
approval of the satellite college director.
Note: Students who will destroy, break, damage any equipment, materials and any parts
of the martial arts gym will be held accountable and will replace such equipment, materials and
any parts thereof.
Reference: https://www.onefc.com/lifestyle/gym-etiquette-101-the-dos-and-donts-of-
training-at-a-fight-gym

Prepared by:

DEN MARK G. ORQUIA, MSCJ

Chairman on Planning, Development and Physical plant

Approved by:
SEBASTIAN C. CADUCO, JR., PhD
Satellite College Director