We take the health and safety of our members very seriously at KJJ. Jiu Jitsu is a close-contact martial art, and maintaining high standards of safety and hygiene is essential to protect everyone who trains here. Please take the time to read and follow the guidelines below.
General Health & Hygiene
- 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.