Before You Step on the Mat

Respect for your training partners and the training space starts before class even begins.

• Hygiene is Non-Negotiable: Always arrive with a clean gi (your uniform) and make sure you are clean. Keep your fingernails and toenails trimmed short to prevent scratching your partners. Avoid wearing strong perfumes or colognes.

• Be Punctual: Arriving on time shows respect for your instructors and fellow students. If you are late, wait for the instructor to signal that it’s okay for you to join the class.

• Shoes Off: Street shoes have no place on the mat. Remove them before stepping onto the mat area to keep the training surface clean and sanitary.

On the Mat: The Rules of Respect

The mat (or “tatame”) is a sacred space for learning. Here’s how to conduct yourself.

• Bow In, Bow Out: It is a sign of respect to bow when you step onto and off the mat. This acknowledges that you are entering a space dedicated to learning and discipline.

• Address Instructors Correctly: Your instructors have dedicated years to their craft. Address them with respect, typically as “Professor” or “Coach.”

• Listen When the Instructor Speaks: When the instructor is demonstrating a technique, your full attention is required. This means no talking with your neighbor. It’s not only respectful but essential for your learning and safety.

• Respect the Tap: Tapping is your most important tool. If you are caught in a submission, tap firmly on your partner or the mat, or say “Tap!” verbally. Conversely, if your partner taps, you must release the submission immediately. There is no ego in tapping; it is how we learn safely and train for years to come.

During Sparring (Rolling)

Live training, or “rolling,” is where you apply your techniques. Safety and control are paramount.

• Be a Good Partner: Your goal is to learn, not to “win” in the gym. Control your intensity, especially with smaller or less experienced partners. The benefits of BJJ come from collaborative practice.

• Spatial Awareness: Be constantly aware of your surroundings. If you are about to roll into another pair, stop and reset. The pair with lower rank is typically the one to move.

• No Slams or Illegal Techniques: Safety is everyone’s responsibility. Dangerous moves like slamming an opponent or applying submissions to the fingers or toes are strictly forbidden.