STUDENT HANDBOOK

Building training relationships is one of the most important things you can do.  At times, you will be partnered with someone who is more experienced than you.

And, at times, you will be partnered with someone less experienced than you.

Here are some guidelines to make your training as productive as possible.

• Please refrain from “side coaching” or offering too much advice unless it’s requested.  It is the coach’s job to teach.
• For live drills, safety first.  That means not punching above your weight class, and also not dominating the round.  Unless the specific goal of the drill is competitive, hard training, each partner should get something out of it.
• Absolutely refrain from any inappropriate comments or contact.  If your partner is making you feel uncomfortable, tell a coach immediately!
• You are not obligated to work with anyone/everyone.  You can refuse a partner for any reason at any time.

Maintaining an environment where we all feel safe pushing our limits is incredibly important.  As such, please respect the boundaries of your training partners and coaches.

This includes:

• Avoid unsolicited contact outside of the gym (DMs, texting, etc).
• Keep political and religious comments and opinions to yourself.  Let’s focus on things we have in common, not things we don’t.
• Avoid “tap and talk” conversations — try not to brag about how you performed against other students in sparring, drills, etc.  It can be difficult to keep to yourself but we want to save the competition for the actual arena, not the practice mats.  If you want to compete, speak with a coach!
• Finding a small group and community within the academy is encouraged; being exclusive, petty, or disagreeable is not.
• Please keep all membership and admin related questions off the mats.  When a coach is teaching, let them focus on teaching.  It can wait for an email or a chat at the desk.
• Coaches are here to help, but we are not therapists, philosophers, or spirit guides.  And besides, why would you want to take life advice from someone who gets punched, slammed, and choked for a living? 🙂

Tuition is due when it’s due, and it is your responsibility to abide by all billing and tuition policies as outlined in the student agreement/contract that is signed upon enrollment.

Tuition is due whether you attend class or not.  There are no refunds or pro-rata options available.

Your failure to plan does not constitute an emergency on our end.

Our billing policies are direct and fair, and — more importantly — up front and transparent.

The best way to resolve any billing issues is to contact the front desk and maintain a dialogue.  We are here to help you, first and foremost.

The most important thing is to simply have fun!

Comparing yourself to others, or setting unrealistic goals for yourself will only ever end in frustration.

Training alongside elite athletes has its perks, but don’t forget — if you’re not training like an elite athlete, you won’t have the skills of an elite athlete.  And that’s fine.

We are all on our own, personal journeys.   Focus on consistency, gratitude, and maintain a long-term outlook.

There is more to learn than can be achieved in any one lifetime, so just have fun and stay curious and everything will fall into place!