Designed for your safety first
At ARKA, we want to ensure a safe, respectful, and enjoyable environment for our students and staff. That is why we ask that you abide by the following school rules.
General Mat Rules
No food or drink is permitted on the mat. Shoes are required off the mat, and may not be used on the mat to help keep it clean. No foul or offensive language in the school. Shake hands with your partner before commencing training. Refer to the instructor as “professor” or “coach” and be quiet as they speak. For questions, please only ask your professor to ensure you receive safe instructions.
personal hygiene and care
For your safety and the safety of your partner, we ask that you please remove all forms of jewelry prior to entering the mat, and keep your fingernails and toenails short at all times. Please keep your uniform, hands, and feet clean, and contain your hair at all times. Make-up should be removed so it cannot rub off onto your partner’s Gi.
Kindness and Respect
At ARKA School Of Jiu-Jitsu, we pride ourselves on cultivating a family environment where all our students, regardless of skill, feel safe, welcome, respected, and supported. Higher belt levels are expected to be patient and supportive of their junior counterparts, and should present themselves as an example to others with patience and kindness. While we are competitive and strive to win, we also see jiu-jitsu as a window for physical and mental wellbeing, and our goal is to all thrive together.
Sitting Protocol
When inactive, sit with your legs crossed or kneel with your feet tucked under you and maintain a respectful posture on the mat. Avoid sprawling and ensure your Gi remains fastened. Even during resting periods, uphold proper appearance and behavior.
Class Commencement and Conclusion
At the class’s start and end, students will line up by rank, with the more experienced individuals at the left. This arrangement facilitates orderly class proceedings and acknowledges varying skill levels. Rank is organized by color with the highest being black, followed by brown, purple, blue, and finally white for beginners. Each color also has up to four stripes to signify advancement within each rank.
Uniform Requirement
All enrolled students are required to adhere to the ARKA uniform. Wearing a uniform is important to make us all equal on the mat, so that we are united by the goal of growing together as a team with equal respect to all. Please speak with your professor if you have any questions. Please visit our merchandise page for uniform options.