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Alpha Combat Academy Code of Conduct

The principles and standards that guide every practitioner at Alpha Combat. Our code of conduct ensures a safe, respectful, and focused training environment for everyone.

Ricardo Serrão

Ricardo Serrão

Head Instructor

5 min read
Alpha Combat Academy Code of Conduct

The academy is more than a training space — it's a place of discipline, respect, and continuous improvement. These principles guide every practitioner at Alpha Combat, regardless of which discipline you train.


Dojo Principles — Adult Summary

  • Absolute respect for the dojo, the instructor, and fellow practitioners.
  • Technique with control is superior to brute force.
  • Your partner's safety comes before victory.
  • Always adjust your intensity to match your partner.
  • Stop immediately at any sign of submission.
  • Dangerous techniques are not used in free training.
  • In Open Match: learn, don't prove.
  • Upon entering: clear mind and prepared body.
  • Upon leaving: gratitude, humility, and silence.

"He who controls himself never dishonors the art."


Dojo Principles — Youth Version

  • Greet the dojo upon entering.
  • Listen to the instructor with attention.
  • Care for your training partner like a friend.
  • Use strength only when the instructor allows.
  • Stop when the other asks.
  • Never mock or humiliate.
  • Help those who are learning.
  • Leave the dojo with gratitude.

"To be a martial artist is to be strong and gentle at the same time."


Hygiene & Preparation

Close-contact training demands impeccable hygiene — for your safety and everyone else's.

  • Wash your gear after every session. Rash guards, shorts, spats, gi — everything gets washed. Own multiple sets if you train frequently.
  • Trim fingernails and toenails short. Long nails cause scratches and cuts. Check them before every session.
  • No training with open wounds, skin infections, or illness. If you have any skin condition, rash, or illness, stay home. Report any concerns to your coach.
  • Remove all jewelry before stepping on the mat. Rings, earrings, necklaces — all must come off. Silicone rings may be permitted with coach approval.
  • Wear sandals off the mat. Bare feet on the mat only. Use flip-flops when walking to the bathroom or elsewhere.
  • Maintain personal hygiene. Shower before training if possible. Brush teeth, use deodorant. Avoid strong fragrances.

Conduct & Etiquette

  • Be on time. Arriving late disrupts the class. If you must arrive late, enter quietly and wait for acknowledgment from the coach.
  • Listen when the instructor is speaking. Stay quiet and attentive during demonstrations. Save questions for appropriate moments.
  • No foul language or aggressive behavior. Keep the atmosphere positive and professional.
  • Do not coach during rolls. Unless you are a senior belt explicitly helping a beginner, save instruction for after the round.
  • Help keep the academy clean. Clean up after yourself. Wipe down equipment if needed. Leave the space better than you found it.
  • Thank your training partners. A simple acknowledgment after each roll shows respect and builds community.

Zero Tolerance Policy

Zero Tolerance Policy: Alpha Combat has zero tolerance for harassment, discrimination, or inappropriate behavior of any kind. Any violation will result in immediate termination of membership and all relationships with our academy. If you witness or experience any form of inappropriate conduct, you may report it immediately and confidentially — we guarantee complete anonymity for all reports.


Quick Reference

HYGIENE

  • Wash gear after every session
  • Trim fingernails and toenails short
  • No open wounds, skin infections, or illness
  • Remove all jewelry
  • Sandals off the mat, bare feet on

RESPECT

  • Be on time
  • Listen when instructor speaks
  • No foul language or aggression
  • Thank your training partners
  • Help keep the academy clean

These principles form the foundation of our training philosophy at Alpha Combat. They are not merely rules to follow but values to embody — on the mat and in daily life.

True strength lies not in overpowering others, but in mastering ourselves. The code of conduct reflects this philosophy, emphasizing mutual respect, controlled technique, and the responsibility we have toward our training partners.

For young practitioners, the youth version simplifies these principles into clear, actionable behaviors that build character from an early age. By learning to greet the dojo, listen attentively, and help others, children develop habits that serve them throughout their lives.

Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or just beginning your journey, these guidelines create the environment where everyone can grow, learn, and improve together. Welcome to Alpha Combat.

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