Rules & Regulations

The following are UMA’s school rules & regulations for the training environment.

If you have any questions concerning these regulations, by all means, ask the instructor.

EQUIPMENT & ATTIRE

  • Attire is informal, yet should allow for free range of movement. No metal snaps, exposed zippers, jewelry, or anything hazardous that could harm your training partner or damage the mats.
  • You must wear wrestling shoes or train barefoot on the mats. No street shoes!
  • Hand protection is mandatory when striking focus mitts, pads, punching bags, etc.
  • At a minimum, inexpensive boxing handwraps will suffice. (Wraps can be purchased from UMA or ask the Instructor for a list of recommended equipment suppliers.)
  • Use of personal equipment needs approval by the Instructor and must be kept clean and in good repair. Please use your own cleaning products and reserve UMA products for UMA gear.
  • Store your gear and personals so the floor remains uncluttered.


SAFETY

  • Free sparring & grappling is only allowed under the direct supervision of an instructor.
  • If engaged in sparring, students must wear proper safety equipment. Mouth guards and gloves are mandatory. Males should have and use a groin protector.
  • Members assume total responsibility for their safety and physical condition. Inform the Instructor and your training partner of any injury or condition which may limit or restrict your movement.
  • Any injuries must be reported to the Instructor at the time they occur.


HEALTH AND HYGIENE

  • Stay hydrated. Bring a water bottle and replenish yourself whenever needed. Keep bottles clear from the training environment.
  • Keep fingernails and toenails trimmed and clean. Long hair should be tied back and jewelry removed.
  • After class clean all equipment you used.
  • Read club information and educate yourself about MRSA and staph infection.
  • Don’t chew gum while training.
  • All students training at UMA are fully vaccinated for Covid including all current boosters.


IN ADDITION…

  • Keep the bathroom & changing room clean and tidy. Let the Instructor know when supplies (first aid, cleaning, etc.) need restocking.
  • A person causing damage to UMA property shall be liable for repair or replacement.
  • These rules are intended as a general guideline. A student should endeavor to behave in accordance with good manners, common decency and common sense.

The will to win compares little with the will to prepare to win.

Coach Bear Bryant
Testimonial

I trained at UMA on and off for several months and really enjoyed the experience. Previously I studied Shotokan karate for ten years in New Orleans and Muay Thai Kickboxing at another Bellingham school for a few months. I really appreciated Rob’s level of knowledge, training, and technical skill, and the way that he seamlessly combines traditional concepts and techniques with newer and less universal techniques. His classes are well-structured and I appreciated knowing how each class would proceed every evening – starting off with intensive conditioning and ending with the application and practice of core martial arts concepts. So in each class I was able to strengthen and condition my body, as well as practice sparring, working on combos, take-downs, etc. The instructor’s many years of experience are evident – he draws from his diversified and extensive experience regularly, exposing students to a wide range of information, resources, and making evident his impressive skill level.
The facilities are extremely clean, a rare thing in MMA gyms and martial arts schools. Everything has its place and is very organized. I was very impressed with the extensive array of equipment that is made available for the students to use.
While the classes are very structured, the environment is laid-back and casual; all are welcome to come and train and you aren’t made to feel inadequate. In fact, Rob customizes the classes to individual ability and levels of training. So while one group of more experienced students is performing a specific exercise, a newer group with less experience can still participate at a modified level.
The cost is unbeatable and only further serves to show the dedication of the instructor; he is doing this solely for his love of martial arts, not for the money. Having worked out at another local MMA gym where I was scammed out of more than $1,000, I really appreciate this about UMA.

~ Lindsay Hilton, freelance writer

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