Academy Etiquette 101

Be on time for class. Don’t be lazy and skip the warmup. If you are late for class, wait for acknowledgment from the Instructor to enter onto the mat.

Always bow or greet the Professor or instructor leading the class when you enter the mat. To give and show respect, even if you are late.

No shoes, food or drink on the mats! Pick up your empty water bottles after training.

Never question your instructor’s decisions.

Respect and obey all instructors and black belts.

Try to arrive 10 – 15 minutes before class.

Please be quiet when instructors are demonstrating techniques.

Remain off the training area while waiting for your class to begin.

Guests are welcome, but please introduce yourself to the instructors.

Small children will be supervised at all times.

There will be no abusive language, attitude or behaviours of any kind.

Leave your ego out of the academy.

Don’t bad talk other schools or engage in negative gossip about other BJJ students.

If using the washroom or changing rooms during class, wear shoes or flip flops when doing so.

Keep your kimono/uniform clean and washed at all times.

Wear clean No Gi attire at all times, especially during the warmer seasons.

Fingernails and toenails must be kept short at all times.

Remove all jewellery before class for your classmates’ safety and yours (this includes rings, necklaces, watches, bracelets, earrings, etc.)

Practice good hygiene.

Learn how to tie your belt properly – if you need help, just ask or go on Youtube.

No chewing gum during class.

If you have ring worm or another communicable health condition, please stay off the mats until it is better.

If you are sick, please get better before returning to the mats as this sport is a close contact sport and much higher risk for others to get sick as well.

If you get a bloody nose or open wound during training, please walk off the mats, put on a pair of sandals or flip flops and wash up in the washroom. The instructors will be with you if you need any further assistance.

Always come to class “Ready and Prepared to Train!”

Work hard and be encouraging to your teammates.

Know which techniques or body manipulation is off limits; especially for white belts.

During class, when the instructor is demonstrating the techniques, talking should be kept to a minimum level and should relate to the class subject.

If someone is rolling too aggressively, don’t be afraid to tell them to calm down.

Be aware and observant during your rolls at the end of each class to see your surroundings.

Be Gracious in Victory and Defeat – Don’t boast about submitting someone, Do not make excuses when submitted.

When you are rolling and are within the space of higher belts rolling – always give way to the higher rank and restart your roll in a clear area of the mat.

Know when to bow.

Respect the tap; ALWAYS.

Show respect for higher belts in the class.

Show respect for your teammates when drilling and rolling; don’t be a spaz, stay focused.

Show respect for the class and instructor – Be on time, leave on time and be focused.

Sit with respect and pay attention when your Coach or Professor is teaching.

Use a fist bump and slap to start a roll with your training partner.  It is a sign of respect and a way to signify that we are training and not “fighting” each other.

End a roll with a handshake and a good word

At the end of each training session, line up quickly with your belt properly on in order of belt rank to listen and thank your instructors and teammates at the end of each session; we do this no matter how tired we are as a sign of respect to the academy, the instructors, and your teammates.