Code of Conduct
A code of conduct for a martial arts academy is essential for fostering a positive and safe training environment. Here at QuanWessels, much care has been taken to create an environment in which individuals are encouraged to work hard, show up with a willingness to learn and grow as part of a thriving martial arts community of like minded people. As such, everyone is expected to be accountable for how they behave and interact within our community.
QuanWessels Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Mixed Martial Arts Academy’s Code of Conduct
1. Respect for Oneself and Others:
- Strive to always conduct yourself to the highest level of ethics, integrity, accountability and responsibility.
- Treat all coaches, members, and staff with respect, courtesy, and consideration.
- Avoid disrespectful behaviour, including insults, bullying, or discrimination based on race, gender, age, religion, nationality, or any other characteristic.
- Respect personal boundaries and consent during training sessions and interactions.
- Use respectful language and behaviour, especially around minors and women.
- Modesty, we have different cultures and minors within our community. Please ensure you are properly dressed before leaving the change rooms, no walking around shirtless.
- Parents, you are ultimately responsible for your child’s behaviour and conduct.
2. Safety First
- Prioritise safety at all times during training.
- Follow all gym rules, safety guidelines, and instructions provided by your coaches.
- No wrestling, running or roughhousing anywhere in the academy.
- Members who have injuries or health concerns must notify their coach so that both the student and the coach are aware of any limitations while on the mats.
- Remove all jewellery. You can injure yourself, your teammates and damage the mats.
- If you are unwell, please stay home to recover before resuming training. Remember the 4 R’s Rest, Rehydrate, Recover and Return.
- Teenagers (13yr – 17yr) participating in any adult classes / adult open mat sessions MUST have a parent present; explicit permission from the head coaches and mutual consent from parents as well as pre-arranged training partners.
- Children students are required to be collected from inside QW, Coffee shop and or the Moove Play Area by their parent(s) or guardian and are not permitted to be alone outside in the parking lot.
3. Hygiene and Cleanliness:
- Maintain good personal hygiene by showering regularly, wearing clean training attire, and trimming nails.
- Wash your Gi and No Gi uniform after each training session. If you train more than 2-3 times a week you need multiple sets of training attire.
- Always wear a No Gi uniform (rash guard and spats) under your Gi.
- Keep the training area clean and tidy by picking up after yourself and disposing of trash properly.
- Wash your hands and feet before and after training to prevent the spread of germs and infections.
- If you have any skin blemishes or a rash that you are not sure of; please chat to your coach and stay off the mats. Staph infections are highly contagious and should be treated seriously.
- Keep the changing rooms and spectator’s area clean and orderly. Please clean up after yourselves; and parents, encourage the same from your child(ren). Leave HQ as you found it, remember to take all your stuff with you.
4.Training Etiquette:
- Arrive on time for classes and be prepared to start training promptly.
- Students must understand and respect the hierarchy within QuanWessels Martial Arts Academy. The longer you have trained or the higher your belt rank, the more seniority you hold.
- Respect all your coaches and training partners.
- Acknowledge your training partners, slap-fist-bump before and after the roll/round. Show gratitude, help your partner up and thank them for training.
- Every member has the right to choose their training partners in rolls, rounds, sparing or drilling. *No male can initiate a ‘roll’ with a female member.
- Listen attentively to coaches and follow their guidance during drills and techniques.
- Follow all instructions your coaches give you, we will never ask you to perform beyond your capabilities.
- When the coach assigns a task, continue doing that task until the coach says otherwise. You can never drill a technique too many times.
- Follow rules of good sportsmanship. If you cannot comply with this rule, you will not participate.
- Help and support fellow students in their learning journey, fostering a collaborative and positive training atmosphere.
- Only apply as much force as needed, never intentionally harm anyone.
- Avoid excessive talking or disruptive behaviour during class to minimise distractions.
- Don’t bring politics onto the mat.
5. Uniform Etiquette:
- No shoes on the mats and always wear shoes on non-training surfaces.
- QW Uniforms are mandatory. White QW Gi and QW black No Gi uniform.
- Rash guard and tights to be worn under your Gi at all times.
- Shorts are to be worn over your tights in NoGi, MMA and Muay Thai classes at all times.
- Maintain your training uniform, don’t wear torn/ripped or stained uniforms.
- Only Black Belts are allowed to wear black Gi’s on the QW mats.
6. Competitive Conduct:
- Compete with integrity, honesty, and sportsmanship.
- Remember that you represent QuanWessels, yourself as well as your teammates, competing embodying the virtues and values of our academy at all times.
- Respect the rules and decisions of referees and officials during competitions.
- Win and lose graciously, showing respect for your opponent regardless of the outcome.
7. Conflict Resolution:
- Resolve conflicts or disagreements peacefully and respectfully.
- Address concerns or grievances directly with the gym owners or coaches, following the appropriate channels for communication.
- Refrain from engaging in physical altercations or confrontations on or off the mats.
8. Representation:
- Conduct yourself in a manner that reflects positively on the gym and its values, both inside and outside of training.
- Avoid behaviour that could bring discredit to the gym, yourself or the ethos of martial arts.
9. Continuous Improvement:
- Strive for personal growth and improvement in your martial arts journey.
- Maintain a positive attitude, embrace challenges, and remain open to constructive feedback from coaches and peers.
- Strive to become 1% better than you were yesterday, embodying the virtues of QuanWessels; Strength, Honour, Courage and Mastery.
By adhering to these guidelines, members and coaches can contribute to a welcoming, respectful, and safe training environment that benefits everyone in the QW community.