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Academy Code of Conduct

For All Students & Parents

1. Respect is Non-Negotiable

    •    Always show respect to instructors, teammates, and parents; on and off the mat

    •    Bow when entering and leaving the mat area.

    •    Address instructors with respect (e.g., Coach, Professor).

2. Hygiene is Mandatory

    •    Arrive clean and in a washed Gi or rash guard.

    •    Fingernails and toenails must be trimmed.

    •    Anyone with a skin condition must have medical clearance to train.

3. Mat Rules

    •    No shoes on the mats—ever.

    •    Always wear shoes or flip-flops off the mat, especially in the bathroom.

    •    Do not bring food or drinks onto the mats.

    •    No chewing gum during training.

4. Safety First

    •    Tap early, tap often. Respect your partner’s limits.

    •    No unsupervised sparring.

    •    Children must be supervised by parents before and after class.

5. Parents’ Etiquette

    •    Be supportive, not disruptive.

    •    Let instructors lead the class—no coaching from the sidelines.

    •    Encourage effort, humility, and growth.

6. Be On Time & Ready

    •    Arrive 5–10 minutes early to prepare.

    •    Late students must wait at the edge of the mat for permission to join.

7. Help Keep the Academy Clean

    •    Pick up after yourself and your child.

    •    Report any messes or hazards to staff immediately.

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Policies Procedures and Standards

Policy on Sexual Harassment, Bullying, Hazing, Abuse, and Sexual Abuse.

At Contender Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, we are committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment where individuals of all ages can learn, grow, and participate in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu free from any form of misconduct or harm.

Zero Tolerance Policy

Contender Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy regarding:

• Sexual harassment
• Bullying and intimidation
• Hazing or initiation rituals
• Verbal, physical, or emotional abuse
• Sexual abuse or exploitation

Any form of such behavior is unacceptable and will result in immediate disciplinary action, up to and including permanent removal from the program and reporting to the appropriate authorities when necessary.

Definitions

• Sexual Harassment: Unwelcome sexual advances, comments, gestures, or physical contact.
• Bullying: Repeated aggressive behavior intended to intimidate, harm, or control another individual.
• Hazing: Forcing or coercing someone to take part in humiliating or harmful activities as a condition of joining or participating in the academy.
• Abuse: Any behavior that causes physical or psychological harm, including neglect or exposure to violence.
• Sexual Abuse: Any non-consensual sexual contact or behavior, especially involving minors or vulnerable individuals.

Reporting and Response

We encourage anyone who experiences or witnesses inappropriate conduct to report it immediately to a staff member, instructor, or designated safeguarding officer. All reports and accusations will be taken seriously and investigated thoroughly and fairly. Knowingly making a false report or accusation with the intent to harm another individual’s reputation or standing within the academy is strictly prohibited. If an accusation is found to be intentionally false or malicious, the individual making the claim may be subject to disciplinary action, including dismissal from the training program.

Commitment to Safety

All staff, instructors, and volunteers at Contender Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu undergo background checks and are trained to uphold a culture of safety, respect, and professionalism. We promote open communication and hold ourselves accountable to the highest ethical standards.

Enforcement

Violations of this policy will be met with decisive and appropriate consequences, including:

• Verbal or written warnings
• Suspension or expulsion from the academy
• Reporting to legal authorities when required

Abuse Awareness and Mandatory Reporting Statement

At Contender Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CBJJ), the safety, well-being, and protection of our students and staff are our highest priorities. We are committed to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for everyone. If any staff member witnesses or suspects abuse, mistreatment, or neglect of any individual—whether physical, emotional, or otherwise—it is mandatory that the concern is reported immediately.

CBJJ will take all appropriate steps to:

    •    Ensure the immediate safety and well-being of the individual involved,

    •    Report the concern to the appropriate authorities, if necessary,

    •    Cooperate fully with any investigations by external agencies or law enforcement.

We take all allegations seriously and are committed to acting swiftly and responsibly to protect our community.

                                  Policy on Race, Religion, and Sexual Orientation

Contender Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CBJJ) is a Christian-based organization that embraces the values of respect, compassion, and community. While our foundation is rooted in Christian principles, we welcome and encourage individuals of all backgrounds—regardless of race, religion, or sexual orientation—to participate in and benefit from the art of Jiu-Jitsu. We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all students and staff. Therefore, any form of discrimination, harassment, or negative treatment based on race, religion, or sexual orientation is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

Key Principles:

• All individuals are treated with dignity and respect, without exception.
• CBJJ celebrates diversity and recognizes the strength it brings to our community.
• Any behavior or language that demeans or targets others based on their identity will result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from the program.

Our goal is to create a space where everyone can feel welcome, grow in their training, and be part of a united and respectful martial arts community

Social Media and Online Behavior Policy

At Contender Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CBJJ), we strive to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity—both on and off the mats. This includes all online activity and social media interactions.

Professional Conduct Online

Students and staff are expected to conduct themselves online in a way that reflects the values and ethics of CBJJ. This includes refraining from:

    •    Negative language or disrespectful behavior

    •    Written or verbal altercations with athletes, other academies, or members of the public

    •    Any behavior that could damage the reputation of CBJJ

Privacy and Consent

    •    Students must not be recorded, photographed, or posted on social media without prior consent from their parent/guardian (if a minor) or the individual themselves.

    •    Staff are strictly prohibited from privately messaging underage students for any reason on any platform.

Representation

All CBJJ members—students, staff, and affiliates—should remember that their behavior online is a reflection of our academy. We ask everyone to represent CBJJ with respect, humility, and integrity.

Policy on Fraternization Between Students and Staff

At Contender Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CBJJ), we strive to create a family-oriented environment where individuals can grow and evolve through the art of Jiu-Jitsu. We are committed to maintaining a culture of respect, professionalism, and inclusivity that fosters camaraderie, safety, and mutual trust among all members of our community. To preserve this environment, we strongly encourage staff and students to keep dating activities and personal relationships outside the gym setting. This policy is not meant to restrict personal freedoms but to help prevent conflicts of interest, favoritism, discomfort, or disruption within the training environment.

Key Points:

• Staff and instructors are expected to maintain professional boundaries with students at all times while on CBJJ premises or during official CBJJ activities.
• Any romantic or personal relationships between staff and students must be disclosed to management to ensure transparency and appropriate measures can be taken to prevent conflicts of interest or the appearance of favoritism.
• Staff members may be reassigned or removed from instruction roles involving individuals with whom they have a close personal relationship, to maintain a fair and unbiased learning space.
• Unprofessional conduct stemming from fraternization, including displays of favoritism or behavior that creates discomfort for others, will be addressed swiftly and may lead to disciplinary action.

This policy exists to protect the integrity of the CBJJ community and to ensure that all members—students and staff alike—feel safe, respected, and equally supported in their training journey.

Media Policy

At Contender Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, we understand that parents and students may want to capture special moments during training. While we support this, we ask that all individuals respect the privacy of others when taking photos or videos.

Guidelines:

    •    You are welcome to take photos or videos of your own child or yourself, but please avoid capturing other students or staff without their permission.

    •    When posting on social media or sharing content online, please ensure others are not included in your media unless they have given consent.

    •    Filming during class should be discreet and non-disruptive to the instruction and training environment.

    •    Staff may occasionally take photos or videos for promotional purposes, but permission will always be requested or notice provided in advance.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in protecting the comfort and privacy of everyone in our CBJJ community.

Privacy and Confidentiality Policy

At Contender Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CBJJ), we value and respect the privacy of all our students, parents, and staff. We are committed to protecting personal and sensitive information entrusted to us.

Policy Guidelines:

    •    All client information—including contact details, medical information, and emergency contacts—is kept strictly confidential.

    •    Physical and digital records are securely stored and accessible only to authorized personnel who require the information to perform their duties.

    •    Information will not be shared with third parties without prior written consent, except as required by law or in emergencies.

In the Event of a Data Breach:

    •    CBJJ will take immediate action to contain and investigate the breach.

    •    Anyone affected by the breach will be promptly informed.

    •    Corrective measures will be implemented to prevent future incidents, and appropriate authorities will be contacted if necessary.

We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all members of our CBJJ community.

Emergency Action Plan

                                                     (Fire, Injury, or Other Emergencies)

At Contender Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the safety and well-being of our students and staff is our top priority. In the event of an emergency, the following action plans will be followed:

Fire Emergency:

    •    CBJJ staff will immediately evacuate all students and staff from the building using the nearest safe exits.

    •    Once everyone is safely outside and accounted for, staff will contact emergency services (fire department).

   •    After ensuring the safety and well-being of all students, parents and/or guardians will be contacted promptly.

Serious Injury:

    •    CBJJ staff will isolate the area and the injured individual to prevent further risk.

    •    Emergency services will be contacted immediately for guidance and assistance.

    •    All other students will be instructed to remain seated and out of the way to allow staff and first responders to manage the situation effectively.

    •    Once the situation is under control, parents or guardians of the injured student, as well as all other parents as necessary, will be notified.

Acknowledgment of Policies and Guidelines

I hereby acknowledge that I have received, read, and reviewed the following Contender Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (CBJJ) policies with a member of the CBJJ staff:

• Policy on Sexual Harassment, Bullying, Hazing, Abuse, and Sexual Abuse
• Policy on Race, Religion, and Sexual Orientation
• Policy on Fraternization Between Students and Staff

I understand the standards of behavior expected of me and agree to abide by all CBJJ policies and procedures. I also understand that any violation of these policies may result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from the program.

By signing below, I confirm that these policies have been explained to me, and I agree to uphold the values, conduct, and code of ethics outlined by Contender Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Student Name {name}

Waiver and Release Form

Assumption of Risk, Waiver, and Release of Liability 

I, the undersigned, hereby acknowledge and agree to the following:

  1.     Voluntary Participation

I understand and acknowledge that my participation in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), including training, sparring, drills, and related activities at Contender BJJ is voluntary and inherently involves risks of physical injury, including but not limited to bruises, strains, sprains, broken bones, or more serious injuries. 

2.    Assumption of Risk

I knowingly and freely assume all such risks, both known and unknown, and accept full responsibility for my participation. 

3.    Health and Fitness Certification

I certify that I am in good health and have no physical conditions that would prevent me from safely participating in the physical activities at Contender BJJ. I understand that it is my responsibility to consult a physician before starting any exercise or martial arts program. 

4.    Waiver and Release of Liability

I hereby release, waive, discharge, and hold harmless Contender BJJ, its owners, instructors, staff, volunteers, and affiliated parties from any and all claims, demands, or causes of action arising from any injury, damage, or loss sustained by me as a result of participation in activities at the facility, whether caused by negligence or otherwise. 

5.    Photography and Media Release

I grant permission to Contender BJJ to use photographs or video recordings taken of me during training or events for promotional or educational purposes, without compensation. 

6.    Rules and Conduct

I agree to abide by the rules and policies of Contender BJJ, and to conduct myself in a respectful and sportsmanlike manner at all times.