Frequently Asked Questions
​What should I expect in my first class?
When you walk in we have a tablet kiosk at our front desk that you will use to either scan a QR code or use the tablet itself to fill out our Intake Waiver. Once you’re done with that one of our coaches will help you find a spot for your things and give you instructions for the class that's about to start. Most classes start with a warm up drill and then move into structured step by step instructions. There are multiple coaches and experienced students on the mat at all times that will help you, answer questions and make sure you know what to expect.
What should I wear for my first class?
Athletic clothes, no buttons or zippers. Remove all jewelry and piercings before class. T-shirts or rashguard on top and shorts, sweatpants or leggings with no pockets for the bottoms. Females should try to avoid wearing bras that have any type of metal or plastic, it can break, scratch or cut you or your training partner.
All classes are done without shoes, unless you’re training for something specific like a boxing or wrestling match where you would wear boxing or wrestling shoes on the mats.
Personal hygiene is an important part of showing respect to yourself and your training partners. Make sure your nails and toenails are clean, trimmed short and neat to prevent scratches. Your clothes are clean and odor free. If possible shower before and after training, this will help to prevent odor, bacteria and other skin issues.
Is there any kind of rules or etiquette that I should follow?
Show respect for your instructor and team mates by arriving a few minutes early so that way you are ready with gear on when class begins.
Respect the instructor, pay attention when the instructor is demonstrating or coaching.
Respect your training partners, we are all here to learn and grow, avoid using aggression or excessive force. We work very hard to maintain a safe training environment, take care of your training partner by demonstrating care and caution while working together.
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Please do not wear shoes on the mats. Please wear shoes when you go into the restroom.
As a parent what should I do or expect?
You should be prepared to observe your child in class, our seating allows you to be close to the class as it is operating. We know it makes a big difference in children’s confidence and sense of security to look up and see you watching, smiling and encouraging. Keep in mind that we are teaching self defense and combat in a very real but safe way. We understand that as parents you might feel protective or like you need to give your child instructions, but we ask that you be patient and let our coaches handle the interactions while participating in class.
Do I need to be in great shape to train?
No! Our program is designed to work for everyone regardless of whether your goal is to get back in shape, or if you want to compete professionally, our coaches will handle your training with your best interest in mind.
What if I don't want to get hit?
No one at ACS is forced to do anything they don't want to do. We focus on building up your skill sets so that you can defend yourself using proper technique. Once you feel comfortable with that you will lightly and slowly practice going through the motions of striking/defending.
My career involves shift work, what if I can't always train?
We have programs that will accommodate most people's schedule. We know that here in Houston many men and women deploy, work offshore, or do shift work that makes a traditional schedule hard to fit. We are a locally owned gym and understand and can help you train around your schedule.
Do I need prior experience to join ACS MMA?
No, you do not need to be proficient or have any experience in martial arts to start here. We have both beginner and advanced classes. The beginner classes are designed to help you learn the fundamentals.
Gear Care
Taking the time after each training session to properly care for your gear is essential to the longevity and sanitation of your clothes and equipment. It’s also essential to being a good teammate and training partner, you don’t want to be the “stinky” person in class.
Boxing gloves
MMA gloves
Shin guards
Headgear
After every use, spray the inside and outside with disinfectant spray like Lysol and put it in front of a fan to dry completely. If you regularly spray your gear and dry it but there is still an odor present, contain the dry gear in a ziploc or trash bag and place it in your freezer for at least 24 hours to kill all bacteria and fungus that may be causing the odor.
Jiu Jitsu Gi
Rash guards & all other training clothes
Hang to dry immediately after use or put straight into the washing machine(do not let sweaty clothes lay around in piles, bacteria, mold and mildew will grow quickly and cause odor and fabric damage). We recommend that you do not use fabric softener on any of your athletic clothing (fabric softener leaves a waxy build up that traps odor causing bacteria and oils). Wash in hot water with OxyClean Odor Blaster only. If your clothes still have odor or generate odor quickly when you start warming up you may need to soak them for a couple of hours or overnight in a high concentration of OxyClean Odor Blaster (instructions on Oxy container) and rinse multiple times. We are not paid sponsors for OxyClean, this is our personal experience based on 25 years of washing and wearing training clothes.
MouthGuard
Rinse immediately with water to remove saliva. Daily after use gently scrub with toothbrush and mild soap, don’t use toothpaste it can scratch. Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry completely. Store in a ventilated hard case with airflow. Never store it wet or in a sealed container.
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Download gear care instructions
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