Studio Code of Conduct
Client Obligations
We train hard, but we train with control, kindness and an open mind toward each other. You can expect a safe, respectful and friendly environment, and other people can expect this of you. This document outlines our values and inclusion policy, along with our zero-tolerance approach to threatening or intimidating behaviour.
Please tick the box at the bottom of the page to confirm you [and any dependents in your care attending the studio] understand and agree to abide by the Grounded Self Defence & Movement Studio Code of Conduct.
Respect
Please treat yourself, other people and studio property with respect.
This includes:
instructors;
staff;
training partners;
parents and guardians;
children;
visitors; and
other people using our venues.
Our studio welcomes people of all ages, cultures, genders. Everyone starts at their own level of experience, fitness, confidence. Your generosity in helping us welcoming new people to the studio has a bigger impact than you could imagine.
Train With Control
Look after your training partners. Self defence training involves controlled contact and absolute respect for any person you’re paired with. We expect our clients to actively avoid inflicting injury on others during training. Control does not prevent you getting a good, sweaty workout, moving with force or testing your limits - it enhances your understanding of exactly what you’re capable of and how to move with power, presence of mind and physical precision. Train according to the exercise, your partner’s experience and the instructor’s direction.
Please do not:
deliberately hurt another person;
use excessive force;
escalate contact because you’re frustrated;
continue after someone taps or asks you to stop;
turn a drill into a competition unless the instructor has made it one; or
perform techniques that have not been taught or authorised.
Contact and Personal Boundaries
Physical contact is part of some Grounded classes. Contact should always be appropriate to the exercise and controlled. Respect your training partner’s boundaries. If someone asks you to reduce contact, change an exercise or stop, do so. Instructors may modify or stop contact where they consider it necessary.
Follow Instructor Directions
Our instructors are responsible for managing the class and maintaining a safe training environment. By being here you agree to listen when an instructor is speaking and follow instructions regarding:
technique;
contact;
equipment;
training intensity;
partner selection;
movement around the training space; and
stopping or modifying an exercise.
An instructor may ask you to change, stop or modify an activity if they believe it is unsafe or inappropriate.
Respect Your Own Limits
Don’t be tough. Work within your ability and tell the instructor if something doesn’t feel right. Stop and speak to an instructor if you experience:
significant pain;
dizziness;
shortness of breath;
unusual discomfort;
an injury; or
anything else that concerns you.
Everyone Is Welcome
Grounded welcomes all people. You don’t need to look, move, train or think like everyone else. You do need to treat people properly. If something happens that makes you uncomfortable or concerned, speak to an instructor or Grounded management.
Grounded has a zero-tolerance policy regarding:
bullying;
harassment;
discrimination;
intimidation;
threatening behaviour;
sexual harassment;
unwanted sexual or physical behaviour;
abusive language; or
deliberately excluding or humiliating another person.
What We Expect of Kids and Teens
Kids and Teens participants are expected to follow the same basic standards of respect and safety as adults, with expectations adjusted for age.
Parents and guardians must:
provide accurate emergency contact information;
advise Grounded of relevant health or safety information;
ensure participants understand the expectations of the program; and
remain contactable while their child is participating.
Parents and guardians should not coach, correct or intervene in another participant’s training.
If there is a concern, speak to the instructor.
Hygiene
Good hygiene matters in any training environment and is particularly important in self defence as there is contact with other people. If you have an injury, wound, skin condition or illness that may affect another participant, please inform us before training.
Please:
wear clean training clothes;
maintain appropriate personal hygiene;
regularly clip your fingernails and toenails to avoid scratches;
cover open wounds;
clean equipment after use;
use appropriate footwear where required; and
Stay home if you’re sick. Rest if you’re injured.
Phones, Photos and Video
TV off. Put down the phone. No recording is permitted during classes, workshops or training sessions without prior permission from the relevant Grounded instructor or management.
This includes filming yourself. Take a selfie by all means and give us some love on social @groundedselfdefence but make sure you’re the only one in the image.
If permission is given to record something, that does not automatically mean you have permission to publish it - please ask before posting or sharing.
Do not film or photograph other participants without their permission.
Do not publish footage of other participants without appropriate consent and we have a blanket rule that nobody except Grounded management takes images of minors to keep children and families protected.
Alcohol and Other Drugs
Don’t train intoxicated or impaired.
If an instructor reasonably believes that someone is impaired and cannot participate safely, they may be asked to leave.
Any person suspected of bringing drugs or open containers of alcohol onto the premises, or consuming drugs or alcohol on site, may be asked to leave.
Weapons
Grounded teaches self-defence. That does not mean real or unauthorised replica weapons belong in class.
Do not bring weapons or dangerous items into training unless they have been specifically authorised by Grounded for an approved training activity. Training equipment is to be used only as instructed.
Keep the Space Clean
Treat the Studio and our venues as if they are your own.
Clean up after yourself.
Put equipment away.
Respect the venue.
Leave bathrooms, common areas and training spaces as you found them and advise management if there is a cleaning or hygiene issue.
Please Report Any Issues
If something doesn’t feel right, tell us. We would rather hear about a problem early and deal with it properly than have someone sit on it and walk away.
You can speak to us in-person or via email: