BJJ Etiquette for Beginners

Welcome to the world of Jiu Jitsu! The best sport in the world. Before you pick a gym and show up for your first class, it’s crucial to become aware of certain etiquette guidelines. These guidelines not only promote a positive training environment but also ensure the safety and well-being of all practitioners.

Overall Etiquette

Be Kind and Respectful: 

The number one rule is to treat your fellow practitioners with kindness and respect. BJJ is a community where everyone supports each other’s growth and development.

Hygiene Etiquette

  • Stay home if you’re sick: Avoid training if you’re feeling unwell with a cold, flu, or any contagious illness. Prioritize the health and well-being of yourself and your training partners.
  • Shower before (and after) class: Shower before and after training sessions to prevent skin infections. 
  • Clip your nails: Trim your nails regularly to avoid injuring your training partners.
  • Wear deodorant: Be mindful of your body odor and use deodorant or mouthwash as needed.
  • Wear flip-flops off the mats: Wear flip-flops or shoes off the mats to maintain cleanliness. Never wear shoes on the training mats.
  • Wear clean clothes: Wash your training gear after every session to prevent the spread of infections.
  • Stay home if you MIGHT have an infection: Monitor your skin for any abnormalities. Do NOT show up to class if you think you have an infection.

Class Demo Etiquette

  • Show up on time: Arrive on time for class, preferably at least 10 minutes early. Showing up late disrupts the flow of the class and shows disrespect to your instructor and fellow practitioners.
  • Be quiet during instruction: Refrain from talking when techniques are being demonstrated; save questions for appropriate times.

Drilling Etiquette

  • Take equal turns with your partner: Share drilling time equally with your partner. Respect their learning process and contribute positively to their development.
  • Focus on technique: Practice drilling with a non-resisting partner to refine your technique before adding resistance.
  • Give suggestions sparingly: Only offer technique suggestions when you’re confident, otherwise defer to the coach’s guidance.

Rolling Etiquette

  • Right to decline: You have the right to decline any roll at any time for any reason.
  • Starting a roll: Signal the start of a roll with a hand slap and bump.
  • Post-roll courtesy: Thank your partner after every roll, regardless of how it went.
  • Learning over winning: Approach rolling as an opportunity to learn and grow, rather than focusing solely on winning.
  • Prioritize safety: Avoid injuring your partner during rolling. Release submissions immediately upon your partner tapping.
  • Don’t be a weight bully: When rolling with smaller partners, avoid relying solely on size or strength.
  • Respect for private parts: Incidental contact with private areas is normal in grappling sports. Acknowledge incidental contact without making a fuss; apologize if needed.
  • Yield to higher belts: Move out of the way of higher belts when rolling. If you are getting close to them, take the initiative to stop your roll and move away.
  • Keep personal hygiene: Keep fingernails short and clean to prevent injury to your training partners.
  • Leglocks and wristlocks: Exercise caution when applying leglocks and wristlocks, especially with partners of lower ranks. These bones are fragile and it’s easy to apply more pressure than you think.
  • No ginger grabs: Avoid grabbing individual fingers; grip three or more fingers if necessary.
  • Avoid slamming or stacking: Refrain from using aggressive techniques like slamming or stacking, which can cause injury to your partner.
  • Honor the tap: Tap out when caught in a submission to avoid injury. Respect your partner’s tap and release the submission promptly.

By adhering to these guidelines, you contribute to a positive and respectful training environment that fosters growth and camaraderie among practitioners. Embrace the principles of BJJ etiquette, and enjoy your journey!