• Always train in clean kit. Gi and rash guard must be freshly washed before every class.
• Rash guards are now mandatory in all classes for health and hygiene reasons.
• Members have raised concerns about training with dirty kit. Please be self-aware and considerate — do not come to class in unwashed clothing.
• Shower or bathe regularly and maintain good personal hygiene.
• Keep nails short and clean to prevent scratches and cuts.
• Remove all jewellery and piercings before training (or securely tape over if they cannot be removed).
• Wear footwear (flip-flops/sliders) off the mat. Never walk onto the mats with outdoor shoes or bare feet from changing rooms or toilets.
• Cover and clean any cuts or wounds before training. If you bleed during class, stop immediately, clean the area, and disinfect before returning.

Training When Sick or Injured

• Do not attend class if you are unwell. Even a mild cough or cold can spread quickly to training partners.
• Never train with a skin infection (ringworm, staph, impetigo, herpes, etc.). These spread rapidly and can shut down the academy if not controlled.
• If you pick up an injury, be honest with yourself and your partners. Avoid movements that aggravate it.
• Inform your instructor of any relevant health conditions or injuries before training.

Leg Lock Training Policy

At Kingston Jiu Jitsu we have a progressive approach to training leg locks. We believe everyone should learn them in a safe, structured environment. Because leg locks carry specific risks, especially advanced submissions like heel hooks, they must be trained with care and respect.

KJJ Leg Lock Training Rules

• Control first, always: Apply submissions slowly and with precision — never crank or explode into the movement.
• Tap early, tap often: Defenders must tap as soon as discomfort is felt.
• Catch and release: Secure the position, then release. Focus on control, not “finishing.”
• No twisting escapes: Never roll or twist explosively to escape a locked-in leg submission.
• Progress gradually: Start with basic ankle locks; only move on to more advanced submissions (heel hooks, knee bars) when taught by the coach.
• Respect the reap: Understand the risks of knee reaping and avoid reckless pressure.
• Coach supervision required: Leg lock training must always be overseen by an instructor.
• Communicate: Let your partner know immediately if something feels unsafe or painful.
• Protect your partner: Release the hold if your partner moves dangerously or resists improperly.
• Culture of safety: Prioritise your training partner’s health over winning the roll.

For more detail, please read Marc’s article on safe leg lock training:
How to Train Leg Locks Safely

Our Safety Culture

• Respect your training partners at all times.
• Safety comes before ego — protect your partner even if they do not tap.
• Report any unsafe behaviour, illness, or hygiene issues to an instructor.
• Remember: we train to learn and improve, not to injure each other.