Safety Guidelines

Effective Date: June 2, 2026

At Elite Martial Arts, safety is our highest priority. We are committed to providing a clean, well-maintained, and supervised training environment. These Safety Guidelines apply to all members, visitors, and participants in any class or activity at our facility. By training with us, you agree to follow these rules and help us maintain a safe space for everyone.

1. General Facility Safety

  • Always be aware of your surroundings. Watch for other training pairs, equipment, and obstacles when moving around the mat or gym floor.
  • Walk, do not run, in the locker rooms, hallways, and lounge areas.
  • No food or beverages except water are allowed in the training areas. Water must be in a sealed, spill-proof container.
  • Report any damaged equipment, loose mats, or facility hazards immediately to an instructor or front desk staff. Do not attempt to fix equipment yourself.
  • Know the location of fire exits, fire extinguishers, and first aid kits. In case of a building evacuation, follow staff instructions.

2. Personal Protective Equipment

  • BJJ: A mouthguard is strongly recommended for all sparring sessions. Groin protection is optional but encouraged for male participants.
  • Boxing: Hand wraps and properly fitted boxing gloves (minimum 16 oz for sparring) are mandatory. Headgear is required for all sparring. No exceptions.
  • Karate: Groin protection and mouthguards are required for kumite (sparring). Hand and foot pads may be used for additional safety at the instructor's discretion.
  • All protective equipment must be in good condition. Cracked, torn, or ill-fitting gear must be replaced. The facility reserves the right to prohibit participation if equipment is deemed unsafe.

3. Injury Prevention

  • Warm up properly before each class. Arrive early to complete dynamic stretching and movement preparation.
  • Listen to your body. Do not train if you are sick, injured, or excessively fatigued. Inform the instructor of any pre-existing injuries or medical conditions before class begins.
  • Tap early and often in grappling. Your safety is more important than escaping a submission. Respect your partner's tap immediately.
  • In striking, control your power and speed when working with partners. Light contact only unless in supervised sparring with full protective gear.
  • Stay hydrated. Drink water before, during, and after training. Dehydration increases the risk of cramps, dizziness, and heat-related illness.

4. Hygiene and Infection Control

  • All mats and equipment are cleaned and sanitized multiple times daily with hospital-grade disinfectants.
  • Members must wear clean training attire for every session. Gis, rashguards, shorts, and hand wraps must be washed after each use.
  • Shower before training whenever possible. Use deodorant and ensure your body is free of strong odors.
  • Any open wounds, cuts, or abrasions must be covered with a secure, waterproof bandage before stepping onto the mat.
  • Do not train if you have a contagious skin condition such as ringworm, staph, or impetigo. Obtain medical clearance before returning.
  • Do not train if you have symptoms of a respiratory illness, including fever, cough, or sore throat.

5. Emergency Procedures

In the event of a medical emergency or serious injury:

  • Stop training immediately and alert the instructor or nearest staff member.
  • Do not move an injured person unless they are in immediate danger. Keep them comfortable and still.
  • Staff members are trained in CPR and basic first aid. A first aid kit and automated external defibrillator (AED) are located at the front desk.
  • If the situation is life-threatening, staff will call 911 and direct emergency responders to our location: 350 5th Avenue, Suite 5200.
  • All injuries, even minor ones, must be reported to the instructor and documented in our incident log.

6. Kids and Youth Safety

  • Children must be supervised at all times by a parent or guardian unless they are actively participating in a class with an instructor present.
  • Instructors working with children have undergone background checks and are CPR-certified.
  • Parents or guardians must remain on-site during kids classes. We have a designated viewing area for parents.
  • Any medical conditions, allergies, or special needs must be communicated to the program coordinator before enrollment.
  • We maintain a strict no-bullying policy. Any aggressive or inappropriate behavior will be addressed immediately.

7. Incident Reporting

If you are involved in or witness any accident, injury, or unsafe situation, you must report it to an instructor or manager immediately. We maintain a formal incident log for all safety-related events. Your cooperation helps us continuously improve our safety protocols.

8. Contact

For safety concerns or to report a hazard, please contact us:

Elite Martial Arts
350 5th Avenue, Suite 5200
New York, NY 10118
Phone: (212) 744-8932
Email: [email protected]