At Valor, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of health and safety. Maintaining a clean and secure training environment is a shared responsibility. The facility rules outlined below must be followed by all members at all times.
ValorFit / Fitness Facilities
Etiquette
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If You Load It, You Unload It: Strip your bar and put your plates, kettlebells, and dumbbells back in their designated spots immediately after use.
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Don’t Drop Empty Bars: Bumper plates are designed to be dropped; naked barbells & 5kg plates are not. Treat the equipment with respect so it lasts.
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Don’t Hoard the Equipment: In a circuit or WOD (Workout of the Day), use what you need. If you are resting, allow others to “work in” on the rack or machine if safe to do so.
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Chalk in the Bucket: Chalk is for your hands, not the floor. Keep the dust in the bucket.
Safety & Spatial Awareness
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The “Danger Zone”: Give people space. Never walk directly behind someone squatting or swinging a kettlebell. If someone is doing a lift, wait until they finish the rep to walk past.
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Form Over Ego: If your form breaks down, lower the weight. Injury in the weight room means time off from training.
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Control Your Dump: If you must bail on a lift, do it safely. Ensure no one is behind you before dumping the bar.
Hygiene
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Wipe Down Everything: We are in Queensland; we sweat. After using a bench, assault bike, rower, or floor mat, you MUST spray and wipe it down.
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Towels: When using a bench, use a towel when possible.
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Shoes Required: For your safety, enclosed footwear is mandatory in this area. No barefoot lifting (unless specifically authorized for deadlifts) and definitely no thongs.
Class Standards
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Cheating Reps = Cheating Yourself: If the workout calls for 10 reps, do 10. Cutting corners builds a weak mindset that will show up in the rest of your life.
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Scale Don’t Fail: There is no shame in scaling a workout. It is better to complete the workout with lighter weight and good intensity than to hurt yourself trying to keep up with the pros.
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Support the Last Person: The workout isn’t over until the last person finishes. If you finish first, catch your breath, then cheer your teammates on.
- Be Punctual: Arrive on time and refrain from talking during the workout briefing.
Martial Arts
Respect & Ego
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Leave your ego at the door: We are here to improve, not to prove a point. If you want to hurt people, go elsewhere.
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Respect the Tap: In grappling, the tap is non-negotiable. If your partner taps, you release immediately. If you are caught, tap early and tap often to avoid injury.
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Respect the Coaches: Listen when the coach is speaking. Do not talk over them or try to “teach” other students unless you have been asked to.
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Greet the Room: It is customary to shake hands or fist-bump your teammates and coaches when you step onto the mats.
Hygiene
In Queensland’s humid climate, skin infections (staph, ringworm) are a serious risk. We have a zero-tolerance policy on hygiene.
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Shower Before & After: If you are coming from a job site or have been sweating all day, shower before class. Always shower immediately after training.
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Clean Gear Only: Never wear the same gi, rash guard, or shorts twice without washing them. If your gear smells, you will be asked to leave the mat.
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Trim Your Talons: Fingernails and toenails must be kept short and filed smooth to prevent scratching your partners.
- Borrowed gear: All borrowed gear is to be put back neatly and thoroughly cleaned.
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Cover All Cuts: Any open sores, scratches, or pimples must be securely covered with tape. If you have a suspected skin infection, stay home.
Mat Etiquette & Safety
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No Shoes on the Mats: strictly barefoot or wrestling shoes (if approved) only.
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Shoes in the Toilet (The “Lava” Rule): You MUST wear shoes (thongs/slides are fine) when walking from the mats to the bathroom. Walking barefoot in the toilet and then tracking bacteria back onto the mats is the fastest way to spread infection.
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Arrival & Punctuality: Arrive 10-15 minutes early to wrap hands and stretch. If you are late, wait at the edge of the mat for the coach to invite you in.
- Shirt Policy: Shirts or rash guards must be worn in the reception/weight areas. No “shirts off” until you are actually on the mats (and even then, rash guards are preferred for hygiene).
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Blood Rule: If you are bleeding, stop immediately. Clean the mat with the provided disinfectant and bandage the wound before returning.
Sparring & Equipment
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Protective Gear is Mandatory:
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Striking: 16oz gloves, shin guards, and a mouthguard are required for any sparring.
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Grappling: A mouthguard is highly recommended.
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Match Your Partner: Adjust your intensity to your partner’s skill level and size. Do not “head hunt” or go 100% on someone significantly smaller or less experienced.
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Controlled Chaos: We spar to learn, not to fight. If you are swinging wildly or losing emotional control, you will be sat down.
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No Pockets or Zippers: For grappling/MMA classes, wear board shorts without pockets or zippers (or proper fight shorts) to prevent fingers and toes from getting snagged.