Part 1: The Code of Hygiene and Attire

The mat is a shared space. Maintaining impeccable personal hygiene is non-negotiable. It protects your partners and demonstrates professionalism.

1. The Clean Gi and Gear

Your Gi (Kimono) is your uniform and a symbol of your dedication. It must be clean for every single class.

• Cleanliness is Mandatory: Never wear a dirty, sweaty, or smelly Gi. Wash your Gi immediately after every training session. Bacteria and odors are easily transferred on the mat.

• Uniform Policy: Adhere to the specific Gracie Barra uniform standards. Wear only the appropriate Gi and rash guard underneath. If you are training no-gi, ensure your shorts and rash guard are clean and free of offensive logos or aggressive graphics. The benefits of no-gi training are vast, but hygiene rules remain the same.

2. Personal Care and Preparation

Small details matter greatly in close-contact martial arts.

• Fingernails and Toenails: Always keep them trimmed short. Long nails can easily scratch a training partner, drawing blood or tearing skin—a serious breach of safety.

• Footwear Off the Mat: Never walk barefoot off the mat. Wear flip-flops (or “mat slippers”) when you go to the bathroom, step off for water, or enter and leave the academy. This prevents contaminants from being tracked onto the training area.

• Jewelry and Piercings: Remove all jewelry, watches, rings, necklaces, and piercings before training. They can injure you, your partner, or damage the jewelry itself. If piercings cannot be removed, they must be securely covered with tape.

• Strong Scents: Avoid wearing strong perfumes or heavily scented lotions.

Part 2: Respect for the Mat and the Instructor

The instructor is the leader, and the mat is considered the sacred place of learning. Your conduct here reflects your commitment to the art.

3. Bowing On and Off the Mat

This is a fundamental act of respect and tradition.

• Entering: When stepping onto the mat, pause at the edge, face the center, and perform a quick bow. This signifies respect for the training space and the lineage of the art.

• Leaving: If you need to leave the mat during class (e.g., for water, bathroom), ask the instructor for permission first. When you return, bow again before stepping back onto the mat.

• Punctuality: Aim to arrive at least 10 minutes before class starts. If you are late, you must wait respectfully by the side of the mat until the instructor acknowledges you and grants permission to join the class. Do not interrupt the class flow or the instructor’s teaching.

4. Listening and Focus During Instruction

Your attention must be fully on the instructor when a technique is being demonstrated.

• Silence and Stillness: When the instructor is talking or demonstrating a move, stop everything. Sit or kneel down and stay quiet. Do not talk to your partner or practice moves. This prevents you from missing crucial details.

• Ask Questions Thoughtfully: If you have a question, raise your hand. Do not interrupt the instructor mid-sentence. When practicing, if you need clarification, keep your voice low so you don’t distract other groups.

5. Respecting Higher Belts

The belt hierarchy is a core tradition of BJJ, signifying experience and dedication.

• Address: Refer to your instructor respectfully as “Professor,” “Coach,” or “Sensei,” depending on the academy’s preference. At Gracie Barra Lutz, we teach humility as part of the overall philosophy of what BJJ means.

• Rolling: When sparring, show extra deference and care to both lower and higher belts. Higher belts have earned their rank through years of practice, discipline, and commitment, which is reflected in the BJJ belt system.

Part 3: Safety and Sparring (Rolling) Etiquette

Sparring (rolling) is where you apply what you’ve learned. It requires mutual cooperation and extreme focus on safety.

6. The Tap is Law

Tapping is the most important safety rule in BJJ.

• Tap Early: As a beginner, do not wait until you are in severe pain or about to pass out before tapping. Tapping is not failure; it is a sign of intelligence and recognizing danger. Tap early and often. It allows you to rest, reset, and start the roll again safely.

• Tap Clearly: Tap your partner’s body, the mat, or loudly yell “Tap!” if your hands are restricted. Ensure your partner acknowledges the tap.

• Release Immediately: If your partner taps, release the submission immediately. This is paramount. Even a split-second delay can cause injury.

7. Awareness of Surroundings

Collisions are a common cause of injury. It is your responsibility to be aware of your training area.

• Boundary Avoidance: Do not roll near the edge of the mat, walls, or other hazards. If you find yourself too close to a hazard or another rolling group, stop, stand up safely, and restart in the center.

• Controlled Movement: Do not drop your body weight heavily onto your partner during drills or transitions. This is one of the common mistakes for BJJ beginners that can lead to injury. Use control, even when passing guard.

8. Choosing and Treating Your Partner

Rolling is a cooperative learning process, not a street fight.

• Ask to Roll: Always ask a person to roll first. Never assume they want to spar with you. A simple “Want to roll?” works best.

• Protect Your Partner: Never try to finish a submission by yanking, jerking, or applying excessive force. Apply submissions slowly, giving your partner ample time to tap.

• Rolling with Women: If you are a male student rolling with a female student, maintain the utmost professionalism and respect. Focus purely on the technique. We emphasize that BJJ is the best martial art for women precisely because of the safe and controlled training environment we foster.

9. Post-Roll Etiquette

When the roll ends, always acknowledge your partner.

• Shake Hands/Fist Bump: Always shake hands or offer a fist bump before and after the roll. Thank your partner for the training. This is a sign of respect and sportsmanship.

• Debrief: If you or your partner made a mistake or want feedback, discuss it briefly and constructively. This reflective process is key to rapid learning.