Frequently asked questions

What are your general rules & policies?

ONLY STUDENTS AND STAFF ALLOWED ON THE MAT WHEN CLASS IS IN SESSION. NO Parents or Spectators. Students:

  • Follow the instructor’s commands at all times.
  • Welcome new students by introducing yourself. Treat them with the same respect and kindness that you received at your first class.
  • No shoes on the mat. Wear flip flops when not on the mats or using the restroom.
  • Be on time to class. If you are late, wait at the edge of the mat until the coach permits you to join.
  • Participants must wear appropriate attire in order to participate:
  • BJJ Classes: CLEAN uniform with shirt or rash guard underneath.
  • No-Gi, Trial Students, & all other classes: athletic shirt/rash guard & shorts. 
(No metal, buttons, zippers, snaps or pockets etc.)
  • Maintain good hygiene:
  • Fingernails and toenails must be properly trimmed.
  • Long hair must to be pulled back and secured.
  • If you are sick or suspect you may be sick, please rest until you are healthy.
  • All jewelry should be removed before training.
  • We are not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items.
  • Clean up after yourself and do not leave behind any items or equipment.
Parents:
  • Parents and spectators must keep noise and distractions to a minimum or they will be asked to leave.
  • Parents are solely responsible for their children prior to and following scheduled class times.
  • Children must be supervised at all times by a parent when not in class.
  • Children are not allowed on the equipment/mats except for their designated class time.
  • Children are not allowed on the equipment/mats without instructor supervision.
  • Please do not drop your children off early and please pick them up promptly at the end of their class.
  • We do not offer supervision nor do we take responsibility for your child before or after scheduled class times.
*We reserve the right to ask anyone not observing these policies to leave at any time*



What is the class cancellation policy?

We generally run our schedule consistently throughout the year. However, certain occasions force us to shift class times or cancel classes outright. Events, promotions, or holidays: If there is an upcoming event that will cause a change in the normal schedule, we will make an announcement at least 2 weeks prior to the event by email to give students an opportunity to shift their training schedules. This information will also be posted on our Facebook page and in our Facebook member group. Inclement weather: If there is a State of Emergency or Travel Ban in effect, we will inherently be closed. In the event of inclement weather, we will make the decision on whether or not to cancel classes at least 1 hour prior to class start times (9-10AM for morning classes, 4:30PM for evening classes). We will post on our Facebook Page at those times if a cancellation is deemed necessary. If you do not have a Facebook account, you can check the home page on our Website which has our Facebook feed embedded in it. Remember, schools may close but we may remain open so double check before heading over.



I have no experience. Is this for me?

YES! You do not need prior experience to receive the benefits of our program. The vast majority of our members come to us with no experience and our teaching style makes it easy to jump in and start learning.



I'm not in great shape. Should I hit the gym for a while before joining?

It is a common misconception that you need to be in peak physical condition to train martial arts. In fact, many of our students use our training as an alternative to the same old gym routine. Whatever shape you're in, we can work with you to help achieve your goals.



What do I need to get started?

If you're just getting started with us, the minimum you'll need to participate is 1) A water bottle 2) Workout clothes, free of any zippers or metal pieces. Our staff will get you up to speed for your first class with us and direct you toward any program specific equipment you may need.



Is this dangerous? Will I get hurt?

As with any physical activity there is always a potential risk of injury. Safety is a top concern for our students and staff. We are NOT a fight club. Our trainers are experienced with years of training to provide safe instruction and a friendly environment for our students.



How much does this cost?

Our membership pricing is comparable to similar activities such as yoga, dance, crossfit, gymnastics, etc., however we do not compete on price. We compete on value! You will not find more experienced staff, a more welcoming community, or better valued training in the area. We offer a free trial class to any new student to experience that value first hand. At the conclusion of the free trial, you will receive access to our pricing and membership options with no obligation to continue. Our memberships are month-to-month with no long term fishy contracts. Our members are with us because of our beginner friendly and knowledgeable staff, along with the unmatched quality of training we provide here in the Southern Tier.