1. Before You Step on the Mat: Preparation is Key

Respect begins before you even enter the training area. How you prepare for class directly impacts the health and safety of the entire team.

Personal Hygiene is Non-Negotiable

• Keep Your Gi Clean: Always wash your Gi (the uniform) and belt after every single training session. A dirty Gi can harbor bacteria and lead to skin infections like ringworm or staph. Never re-wear a Gi that has been trained in.

• Trim Your Nails: Keep your fingernails and toenails short and filed. Long nails can easily scratch and cut your training partners during rolls.

• Personal Cleanliness: Shower and brush your teeth before class. Avoid wearing strong perfumes or colognes, as some people are sensitive to scents.

Punctuality Matters

Arrive at the academy a few minutes early. This gives you time to change, prepare mentally, and be ready to line up when the class starts. If you are late, wait at the edge of the mat until the instructor acknowledges you and gives you permission to join.

2. On the Mat: The Sacred Ground

The mat is where we learn, train, and grow. It is our “dojo,” and it should be treated with respect.

Bowing

It is a tradition in martial arts to bow when entering and leaving the mat. This is a simple gesture of respect for the training space, your instructors, and the art of Jiu-Jitsu itself.

No Shoes on the Mat

This is a strict rule in every Jiu-Jitsu academy. Street shoes track in dirt and germs. Always take off your shoes before stepping on the mat. Similarly, you should wear sandals or flip-flops when you are off the mat (e.g., going to the restroom) to keep your feet clean before returning to train.

Pay Attention When the Instructor is Teaching

When the professor is demonstrating a technique, you should stop what you are doing, sit or kneel quietly, and give them your full attention. Do not talk to your training partners while the instructor is speaking. This is not only disrespectful but also means you will miss crucial details. Our world-class instructors deserve your full attention.

3. During Training: Be a Good Partner

Your training partners are your most valuable resource. Their safety and your own should be your top priority.

Tap Early, Tap Often

The tap is the most important signal in Jiu-Jitsu. It signifies that you are caught in a submission and are giving up to avoid injury. There is no shame in tapping. When you feel a submission is applied correctly and you cannot escape, tap firmly on your partner or the mat. If your hands are trapped, you can tap with your feet or verbally say “Tap!” Equally important, when your partner taps, you must release the submission immediately.

Control, Not Chaos

The goal is to use technique, not just brute force. Be mindful of your size and strength, especially when training with smaller or less experienced partners. The training room is for learning, not for winning at all costs. A good training partner is one who helps others learn and improve.

Spatial Awareness

Be aware of your surroundings. If you are rolling and get too close to another pair, the pair that started later should pause and reposition to a safer space. This helps prevent accidental collisions and injuries.

4. After Class: The Journey Continues

The respect and learning do not end when the training is over.

Thank Your Partners and Instructors

After the final line-up and bow, take a moment to thank your instructor and each of your training partners. A simple handshake and “thank you for the roll” goes a long way in building camaraderie.

Help Keep the Academy Clean

If you see a piece of trash, pick it up. Help wipe down the mats if asked. A clean academy is everyone’s responsibility and shows pride in your training home. This sense of team and community is what our Jiu-Jitsu programs are all about.