Academy Etiquette
How we train at Houzn (safe, clean, and respectful).
Etiquette here isn’t about being formal—it’s how we keep the room uplifting, organized, and safe so beginners can start confidently and experienced students can train hard with control.
Loaner Gi/Rashguard available. Trial can be Gi or No‑Gi.
Tell us your goals and availability—we’ll recommend the best start.
Quick Start (read this before your first class)
What to wear
Trial students: we can provide a loaner Gi and/or Rashguard. Trial may be Gi or No‑Gi.
Bring water and wear easy-to-change athletic clothing underneath (if you’d like).
Feet + footwear rule
Clean feet before stepping on the mats.
Any time you step off the mats (especially to the restroom), wear shoes/slides/flip flops.
If you’re late
Wait at the edge of the mat and ask the coach’s permission before joining.
Dress Code (Uniform Standards)
Uniform standards keep training consistent and safer.
Gi classes
Houzn uniform is required to attend class (clean gi + belt).
Keep fingernails/toenails short; remove jewelry.
No‑Gi classes
Clean rashguard + grappling shorts/spats (no pockets, zippers, or hard parts that can scratch).
Drop-ins
White Gi only, no team patches.
Please arrive early to confirm the best class level fit.
Health, Hygiene & Safety Standards (Required)
At Houzn Jiu Jitsu Academy we strive to provide an uplifting environment and the best possible instruction. Our high standards also aim to provide a safe and clean environment for practicing Jiu Jitsu.
Our facility is cleaned and disinfected multiple times a day as needed. However, diligence on our part is not enough—we need your cooperation.
To help keep the academy free of infectious agents (like parasites, ringworm, and staph) and to protect vulnerable students from allergens:
Show up clean and showered before class. Practitioners must be free of offensive odors and substances on the skin.
Wash your gi after every class (required). Dirty gis grow bacteria, mold, and offensive odors.
If you train more often than you can wash and only have one gi, you’ll need a second gi.
Clean hands and feet before stepping on the mats. If needed, use the shower prior to class.
Carrying cleaning wipes in your gym bag is a practical way to stay prepared.
Any child who has been playing barefoot before class should have hands and feet cleaned prior to arrival.
Keep fingernails and toenails short.
Long hair must be tied back as a courtesy to training partners and to reduce shedding of dander/allergens.
Wounds must be covered with a bandage and secured with tape if needed.
Abnormal skin lesions (not simple cuts): you must be examined/treated by a doctor and present a doctor’s letter stating you’re not contagious before training.
Shoes off the mats, always: whenever you step off the mats—especially to use the restroom—practitioners must wear shoes (slides/flip flops are ideal) to prevent tracking bacteria back onto the mats.
If we all follow these guidelines, we protect each other and prevent issues that can keep someone away from training for a while.
Mat & Facility Rules
No shoes, food, or drinks on the mats. (Water bottles stay off-mat.)
Store personal items (except water bottles) in the cubbies.
If you need to change clothes, use the restroom.
Be mindful of classes in session—keep voices low and respectful.
If you use a device, keep volume low or use headphones.
No horseplay.
Training equipment:
Reserved for Adults (17+) unless a coach instructs otherwise.
Class Conduct & Training Culture
Bow when entering or leaving the mat.
Listen during instruction; ask questions at appropriate times.
Tap early, release immediately when your partner taps.
Train with control—protect your partner so everyone can train tomorrow.
Character & Development
Encourage and support teammates.
Focus on progress over perfection.
Take ownership over your results.
Take action to overcome resistance.
Seek to adapt to a growth mindset.
Value your time—pay attention.
FAQs
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No. We offer loaner gi/rashguards, and your trial can be gi or no‑gi.
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Wait at the edge of the mat and ask the coach’s permission before joining.
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Yes. Expect structured coaching, clear standards, and training partners who help you learn safely.
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Please pause training and get examined. For abnormal lesions (not simple cuts), you’ll need a doctor’s note confirming you’re not contagious.
Ready to start? We’ll guide you step-by-step.
Loaner gear available. Gi or No‑Gi
Fast answers from our team