BJJ Academy Etiquette

Here's a list of common BJJ etiquette.  It should be noted that etiquette will vary slightly from school to school.  Some schools will choose to follow a more traditional etiquette system, so with this we'll highlight the most common elements of BJJ school etiquette. 

1.  RESPECT YOUR INSTRUCTOR, TRAINING PARTNERS, AND YOUR SCHOOL. 

• When your instructor is speaking, do not speak.  
• Respect your training partners by not purposely harming them physically or emotionally.   
• Train seriously.  You're not the only one there to learn.  The way you train not only effects your ability to improve, but will negatively effect your partners training experience. 
• Ask for permission to enter and leave the training area.
• Keep all cell phones off during class.

2.   MAINTAIN GOOD HYGIENE. 

• Shower and brush your teeth regularly.  
• Wash your GI and rash guards after every class!
• Make sure to cover all open wounds, scrapes, etc.  This is how harmful bacteria such as MRSA, Ringworm and staph are prevented. 
• DO NOT TRAIN WITH ANY CONTAGIOUS SKIN INFECTIONS!

3.  KEEP FINGER AND TOE NAILS CUT SHORT and clean to prevent injury to yourself and others. 
 
4.  COME TO CLASS ON TIME!  This is very disrespectful to your instructor and fellow students.  If you cannot show up to class on time, please talk to your instructor.  Sometimes, work schedules will conflict with class. 

5.  BARE FEET ON THE MAT ONLY!  It is integral to keep your shoes off the mat, to ensure that the mats are clean and sanitary. Do not step off the mat with bare feet. You must wear flip-flops, sandals, sneakers, etc. while not on the mat and when entering and leaving the restroom. 

6.  DO NOT USE PROFANITY IN THE ACADEMY!  We're all family, thus, our academy/school is a family atmosphere where profanity is considered disrespectful.

7.  WEAR PROPER ATTIRE WHEN IN PUBLIC AREAS OF THE ACADEMY.  

Proper attire is considered:

• Gi
• T-shirt
• Tank top
• Grappling Shorts
• Rash guard
• No bare backs!  PLEASE CHANGE AND LEAVE YOUR BELONGINGS IN THE LOCKER ROOM!

8.  Always bow or shake hands(show respect) before live training or sparring. 

9.  Be aware of your surroundings and stop sparring if you realize other students are too close. 

10. (this will vary... Our School follows some of these) RESPECT THE RANK.

• It is disrespectful to ask an instructor or a higher ranked belt to train or roll with you, so wait until they ask you to roll.
• If you are sparring next to someone who has a higher belt rank then you or your partner, then you and your partner must move.
• All black belts should be referred to as “Professor” at all times in the Academy. Any other instructors should be referred to as “Coach."