Youth Student’s Corner
by Chantal Moylan
Fu For You Summer 2025
In Kung Fu, we learn to be strong, focused, and respectful, but this also applies to how we take care of ourselves and others. Good hygiene helps keep everyone safe, healthy, and comfortable during training. Here are five important rules to follow:
- Short Nails: Nails should be kept short for safety and hygiene. Long nails can scratch or cut you or your training partners during sparring and partner drills. Dirt and bacteria can get stuck under long nails, which is unhygienic and can even lead to infections if you accidentally scratch someone. Long nails can also break, which can be painful. Short nails ensure you can make a good fist. Long nails can get in the way of this, which will affect your technique. Lastly, it shows discipline and respect. It is a basic part of martial arts etiquette and it lets us know that you care about your fellow classmates and you take your training seriously.
- Clean Uniform: Uniforms should be clean and worn properly. You should always keep your martial arts uniform clean because it shows respect for your teacher, your classmates, and yourself. A clean uniform keeps germs and bad smells away, so everyone can train safely and have fun. It also helps you feel more confident and focused, like you’re ready to learn and do your best. Taking care of your uniform is part of being a responsible and disciplined martial artist!
- Hair Tied up: If you have long hair, tying it up for class is important because it keeps you safe, you can see better and it even helps you focus. Loose hair can get pulled or stuck when you’re moving or practicing with a partner. Also, hair in your face can block your eyes, and you need to see clearly to do your moves right! Lastly, when your hair is tied up, you’re not busy fixing it or brushing it away, so you can focus better on your training!
- No Jewelry: Jewelry including rings, bracelets, dangly earrings, necklaces and watches shouldn’t be worn in Kung Fu class. Jewelry can scratch and poke you or a partner or get pulled by accident when you’re training. It can also fall off or get damaged while you’re moving around. So, before class, it’s best to take off all jewelry. That way, you and your classmates stay safe and nothing gets broken or lost!
- Stay Home When Sick: If you’re feeling sick, stay home and rest. Staying home will help you get better and keep germs from spreading. Resting helps your body heal faster, so you can come back strong. If you’re sick, you might accidentally make your classmates or instructors sick too. It’s also hard to train when you’re not feeling well because Kung Fu takes lots of energy and focus so you won’t be able to do your best!
By following these five important rules, we can keep everyone safe and healthy!
