Kickboxing School Rules
Be early. If you’re not early, you’re late. Give yourself enough time to sign in at the front desk, change, and wrap your hands before class starts. Those of you with smaller bladders may also want to reserve some time for a bathroom trip. Most likely that means showing up at least 10 minutes prior to class.
Check your ego at the door. Empty your Cup. A university professor went to visit a famous Zen master. While the master quietly served tea, the professor talked about Zen. The master poured the visitor’s cup to the brim, and then kept pouring. The professor watched the overflowing cup until he could no longer restrain himself. “It’s overfull! No more will go in!” the professor blurted. “You are like this cup,” the master replied, “How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup.”
Respect your instructors, the AMA staff and your classmates. We pride ourselves on providing a safe and cooperative training environment. Be the student that everyone wants to train with. Be positive, helpful, and encouraging. Set a good example before, during and after class. Smile and say hello. “Wai” (steeple bow) to your instructors at the beginning and end of class — and don’t put your hands on your hips!
Clean up. Put away your toys. Clean up your sweat, blood and tears. Pick up your band-aids, tape, water bottles, shoes and sweaty clothes. Bring your gloves and wraps home with you. Pack it in, pack it out, as they say. Put away all the equipment you used back where it belongs. Neatly!
Respect our equipment. Use the jump ropes, focus mitts, thai pads, wavemasters and thai bags as they are intended. Our equipment was expensive, and the more we have to replace it, the more we’re going to have to charge you.
Bring things to our attention. If you notice that equipment is broken, lights are out, there’s no toilet paper, bring it to our attention so we can do something about it.
Try hard. Effort earns respect. Work hard. Don’t drag people down with a bad attitude. Be optimistic, have fun and push yourself and those around you to do better.
Go hard or go home. The only way to get better is to increase your effort. Always strive to be a little more technical, hit a little harder and move a little faster. Never say, “I can’t.” When you want something you’ve never had, you have to do something you’ve never done. Push your limits.
Don’t cheat your technique. Be honest with everyone else, and be honest with yourself. Learn the correct technique and focus on the quality of your movements. If an instructor calls you out for doing something wrong, listen to them. The person watching you train has a much better perspective on what you’re doing than you do. They’re breathing gently and probably experiencing a restful glow and a sub-60 heart rate. You’re halfway through your third Thai Pad round. You’re biased, trust us.
Come to class. For newbies, make sure you’re staying consistent. For old hands, don’t start thinking that it’s okay to just do your own thing whenever you want to. Follow the instructions and work the correct technique and or combos. No matter how experienced you are, you still need coaching and you can still stand to work on the basics. If you have extra things you’re working on, there is mat time available right before or after some classes to work on them. Private training is also available by appointment.
Take ownership. Be responsible and respectful and take pride in your school. Don’t let others get away with things that are bad for them or bad for the school. Remind people to take their clothes with them and pick up their water bottles. If you see someone doing something that you’re pretty sure will hurt them, or someone else, tell them to cut it out. We don’t care who it is — you can call them out! Safety first!