🛡️Our Safe Training Policy

At The Butcher Shop, your safety is our top priority. We work hard to make sure our gym is a secure, supportive, and respectful environment for all members—kids and adults alike.

This policy outlines what we all need to do to keep training safe, enjoyable, and injury-free.

Our Commitment

We believe everyone has the right to feel safe and supported while training. Our safety policies are designed to:

• Prevent injuries and accidents

• Protect everyone’s well-being

• Encourage open communication

• Create a positive space where people can grow

👊 Responsibilities of Coaches

Our coaches are trained to maintain a safe environment. They are responsible for:

• Keeping mats clean and free of hazards (e.g., no water bottles on or around the mat)

• Making sure students understand how to tap and stop immediately when someone taps

• Teaching understanding and safe application of techniques, especially joint locks (apply slowly and with control)

• Watching the room closely and stepping in early if something looks unsafe

• If a coach intervenes, please understand it’s for everyone’s safety—even if it feels awkward in the moment.

🤝 Safe Training Tips for Students

Speak Up!

Let your coach know if you:

• Have an injury or health condition

• Are feeling unwell or need an adaptation of a technique or drill

• Don’t feel safe for any reason

We’re here to help and support you.

Your Priorities During Training

1. Your own safety

2. Your partner’s safety

3. The safety of others around you

4. Technical progress and practice

5. Winning or losing the round (this comes last)

General Safety Tips

• Be careful how you apply your weight onto people, especially when partnered with someone lighter

• Be aware of the space around you, taking care not to collide with nearby groups

• Sparring from standing? Only if the coach says it’s safe and be aware of surroundings and other students

• Go slow with submissions—tap early and respect the tap

Consent

Everyone is entitled to refuse to roll or train with somebody, you do not need to give a reason. Do not pressure people to train with you and be understanding if they refuse. 

Outside the gym context, no one should feel obliged to engage with any members or visitors on social media platforms or otherwise.

❌ Banned Techniques

These techniques are not allowed:

• Jumping guard

• Scissor takedowns

• Slams

• Anything banned by IBJJF (e.g., biting, striking)

🧼 Hygiene & Clothing

• Arrive clean, in freshly washed gear

• No shoes beyond the front desk

• Only bare feet or clean socks on the mat

• Wear a rashguard guard/compression shirt under your gi

• Keep nails short to avoid injury.

• Remove jewelry or tape it securely

• Wear clothing without pockets or zips (avoids scratching or trapped fingers)

⚠️ If an Incident Happens

1. Check that your training partner is okay

2. Let your coach know immediately

🤒 Feeling Sick?

Please stay home if you:

• Feel unwell

• Might have a skin infection (e.g. ringworm, staph)

• Have a contagious condition

📢 Reporting a Concern or Incident

If something happens that makes you feel unsafe, you can talk to:

1. Your Coach

All of our coaches have the duty to maintain a safe environment in their classes and are available to discuss any issues with you. Ask to talk to them in private after the class.

2. Gym Owner – Kevin McGalde

📧 hello@butchershopjiujitsu.ca

 (Kevin is the only one who sees this inbox.)

3. Safeguarding Officers

👩 Naomi Stevens

📧 nomstevens@gmail.com

Naomi works in long term care and has extensive safeguarding experience. She’s not a staff member but trains at the gym regularly.

👨 Connor Green

📧 c.larsongreen@gmail.com

Connor is a police officer and long-time gym member. 

Everyone has the right to feel safe.

If something doesn’t feel right—please speak up. We’re here to listen.