Welcome to Dark Path Grappling! Our goal is to maintain a positive and respectful training environment where everyone feels welcome and happy to train. Please take a moment to review our gym etiquette:

No Ego: Leave the idea of "leave your ego at the door" behind; we all have an ego. Just be mindful of the attitude you bring to training. Ask yourself if that's someone you'd want to train with. Grappling is about learning and improving together, so be humble, open to feedback, and willing to tap when caught in a submission.

Grade Order: At the start and end of each class, line up with the highest grade at the front. If you're new or unsure, start at the back; you will work your way towards the front as you learn.

Slap and Bumps: Before and after each roll, slap hands and fist bump with your training partner. It's a sign of mutual respect that we value, and if respect is lacking, it may impact your invitation back to the gym.

Tap Early, Tap Often: Tapping out is a natural part of training. Do it early to avoid injuries and tap often to learn from mistakes. There's no shame in tapping, and it's crucial for improving your skills.

Helping Others: Be willing to help training partners, especially if there's a significant skill gap. Share knowledge, offer constructive feedback, and foster a supportive and positive atmosphere in the gym.

Positivity: We promote a positive training environment. Leave your issues at the door, escape them, and come in to enjoy yourself. Try to put a smile on someone's face!

Clean Up After Yourself: After class, lend a hand with cleaning. This includes picking up water bottles, tape, body parts, or any personal items. Contributing to the gym's cleanliness helps maintain a happy and clean space.

No Shoes on the Mat: Always remove your shoes before stepping onto the mat. This ensures cleanliness and prevents bringing dirt onto the training surface, considering we're rolling around on the floor.

Top Trumps: When rolling, remember that the highest grade has the right of way. If you get close to them, stop your roll, give them room, and reset.

Punctuality: Arrive on time for class. If you're late, avoid disrupting the class; simply shake the instructor's hand and jump in.

*Personal Hygiene: Maintain good personal hygiene by cleaning your kit every session, trimming your nails regularly, washing your kit after each training session, and using deodorant. This contributes to a more pleasant training environment for everyone.

At Dark Path Grappling, the foundational principles of respect, safety, and hygiene are considered paramount, forming the cornerstone of the training ethos. These values are not merely recommendations but non-negotiable prerequisites that every individual, regardless of Jiu-jitsu rank or experience level, must adhere to before engaging in any training activities.

Respect is the keystone upon which the entire community at Dark Path Grappling is built. It extends beyond the mat, encompassing interactions within and outside the gym. Respect for instructors, training partners, and the facility itself is not just an expectation but an ingrained part of the gym's culture. This respect creates an atmosphere where everyone feels valued, fostering a sense of camaraderie that contributes to a positive learning environment.

Safety is of utmost importance at Dark Path Grappling. The nature of grappling and martial arts training inherently involves physical contact, and every participant must take responsibility for their actions to ensure the well-being of themselves and their training partners. Strict adherence to safety protocols, including the proper use of technique and controlled intensity when applying submissions during sparring, is mandatory. The gym places a premium on injury prevention, recognizing that a safe training environment is crucial for the long-term development of its members.

Maintaining hygiene standards is a collective effort that contributes not only to the well-being of individuals but also to the overall health of the gym community. Every member is expected to adhere to stringent hygiene practices, such as regular showering, laundering training gear, and maintaining personal cleanliness. This commitment to hygiene not only safeguards against the spread of illnesses but also enhances the overall training experience for everyone involved.

While Dark Path Grappling prides itself on being a welcoming and inclusive environment, the enforcement of these standards is not optional. Individuals who demonstrate a lack of respect, compromise safety, or neglect hygiene are not permitted to participate in training. This policy is in place to keep the community safe and to maintain a positive and constructive atmosphere for learning. By upholding these fundamental principles, Dark Path Grappling aims to cultivate a space where individuals can grow both as martial artists and as individuals, fostering a culture of mutual support, discipline, and continuous improvement.

Remember, be the person you'd want to train with.

Enjoy your training at Dark Path Grappling!