So many great memories have been made on the mats of FaMA - Fitness and Martial Arts. This is the very place where many fall in love for the first time (with martial arts, that is, not a person - but who knows). This is where friendships have been forged, frustrations and fears are dealt with, mental obstacles are overcome, and journeys are taken to the next level.
In some way, we can say that the mats are like sacred space. That is why we take good care of them, and make them a place for more beautiful memories to be cultivated. With the help of our very own Shaz once more, allow us to share some ways we practice good mat etiquette at FaMA.
On proper grooming and hygiene.
We cannot emphasise enough the importance of good personal grooming and hygiene. In our previous blog article about cleanliness within the academy, we talked about how the last thing anyone wants to encounter is a training partner with bad breath or odour. Martial arts is already mentally challenging - holding your breath or refraining from making a face when your partner comes close is an unnecessary added step to the whole process!
Read more about mat hygiene here.
On suiting up for class.
Rashguards are athletic shirts made of spandex and nylon, or polyester. You might see martial arts brands selling all sorts of rash guards with interesting designs. But beyond style and fashion, rashguards are created to perform the function that they are named after: to protect you from rashes. They are also designed to fit tight to the body, to prevent chafing, or from riding up your torso when you are on the move.
Rashguards are worn underneath the gi during Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) classes at FaMA, and recommended for No-Gi classes. We also avoid wearing sleeveless tops and shorts with pockets or zippers during No-Gi.
Coming for Muay Thai class? Be sure to bring your own gloves and shin guards!
Shoes and socks are also not permitted on the mats.
On snacking on the mats.
There are certain designated places in your home where food and drinks are out of bounds, and it is so that you can keep those spots clean and free from unwanted insect/animal infestations that are not only unpleasant, but could also lead to the spreading of viruses. Likewise, we desire this for our mats.
Everyone loves an occasional snack - instructors included - so we head over to the lounge area for a munch or a sip.
On permitted mat cheerleaders.
We all know how exciting it is to watch kids in action, especially as a caretaker, teacher, or parent. That’s why we don’t blame you if you want to cheer your children on during their sparring sessions - seriously, you should hear our instructors!
Cheer all you want - but leave the coaching and technique portions to the instructors. Part of the Kids Martial Arts class curriculum at FaMA involves training them to identify and trust authority figures in classrooms. We’d love for parents to partner with our instructors in this process.
Classes can also get busy and crowded, with many students joining us on the mats each time. Hence, if you are not a student or member of FaMA, please do not sit or stand inside the mats. You may hang out in the lounge or along the sides of the mats to spectate the action.
On trinkets, and their dangerous potential.
Off the mats, our members are pretty fashionable folk. They dress well, and accessorise well with smartwatches and jewellery. However, these come off and are kept in the lockers before our members step onto the mats.
The nature of martial arts demands close physical contact between parties. As such, accessories should be removed, to prevent injury to the wearer and his/her partner. It would also be quite unfortunate if your Apple Watch or Tiffany pendant gets scratched, broken, or damaged in the midst of the class! FaMA is not responsible for such damages. Keep those precious trinkets in your locker, because they deserve that much more care than being drenched in someone else’s sweat.
On physical safety.
It is our desire for all our members to be able to train for life. As such, only spar when under the supervision and permission of an instructor. Ensure that you are wearing the right gear, along with safety equipment like mouth guards, shin guards, headgear, and the like. And lastly, inform the instructor of any injuries prior to starting your workout!
FaMA - Fitness and Martial Arts Established in 2016, FaMA is a world-class martial arts academy located in the heart of the Central Business District in Singapore. Walking distance from Clarke Quay and Fort Canning MRT stations, FaMA’s main goal is to help people improve their lives through martial arts regardless of age or athletic capability. Our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), Muay Thai Kickboxing, Kids Martial Arts and Fitness programs are led by experts in their respective fields. So, whether it is weight loss, a fun workout, camaraderie, competition training, or just to break a sweat, FaMA has something for the whole family.
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