Grapple House NYC — Code of Conduct
The Grapple House
Standard.
These are the rules that keep everyone safe, respected, and focused on getting better.
Mission & philosophy
What we are — and what we're not.
Our mission is to build confidence, physical literacy, and technical skill in the youth of Queens through serious Jiu-Jitsu training. We create an environment where discipline and fun are partners, not opposites.
Not a fight club
Aggression is replaced with technical precision. We don't glorify violence.
Not a daycare
Instructors are educators. Timely pickup and independent hygiene are required.
Not a boot camp
We enforce standards to build safety and respect — not to break spirits.
The rules
What's expected on and off the mat.
I
The Uniform
- Active members must train in the official Grapple House rash guard or a plain black rash guard. Spats and shorts required, all black. A mouthguard is required.
- Trial students may wear athletic clothing (no zippers or pockets) until enrollment.
- One-grace rule: a forgotten uniform is allowed once. A second offense means sideline observation for that class.
II
Hygiene & Facility
- Footwear is mandatory off the mats at all times. No bare feet in hallways or restrooms. No shoes on the mat.
- Nails must be trimmed short before every class — fingers and toes.
- Deodorant is mandatory for teens.
- Gear must be washed after every class. Shower immediately after training.
III
Sickness Policy
- The school rule: if they're too sick for school, they're too sick to train.
- Must be symptom-free — no fever, no vomiting — for 24 hours before returning.
- Skin conditions (ringworm, impetigo) require a doctor's note before returning to the mat.
- Coaches reserve the right to send visibly ill students home.
IV
Mat Safety & Discipline
- The tap is law. Release holds immediately when a partner taps. Violation is grounds for expulsion.
- Mouthguards are mandatory during sparring.
- Striking, biting, or anger-driven aggression results in immediate expulsion with no refund.
V
Attendance
- Late arrivals (within 10 minutes) must complete an independent warm-up before joining class.
- Students arriving more than 15 minutes late will not be admitted to that class.
- Parents must be timely for pickup. Instructor time is not to be treated as extended childcare.
VI
Parent Conduct
- The viewing area is a quiet zone. Keep conversations low and respectful during class.
- No sideline coaching. If a child is listening to you, they're not learning. Disruptive parents will lose viewing privileges.
- Filming is permitted for your own child only. Stop immediately if asked.
VII
Shared Space
- Students and parents are permitted in the lobby, mats, and bathrooms only. No other rooms.
- Do not touch facility equipment without explicit permission.
- All concerns go to Coach Keith via email or phone — not during active instruction.