Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is not only a martial art but also a community with its own set of etiquette and standards that help create a respectful, safe, and supportive environment for all practitioners. Understanding and following these guidelines is essential for anyone practicing BJJ, whether they are beginners or experienced martial artists. Here's an overview of the key etiquette and standards in BJJ:
1. Respect for Instructors and Training Partners
- Addressing Instructors: In most BJJ academies, it’s customary to address instructors with respect, often using titles like "Professor," "Coach," or the instructor's last name with "Sensei" (though "Sensei" is less common in BJJ compared to traditional Japanese martial arts).
- Respect for Partners: Treat your training partners with respect, regardless of their skill level. Remember that you are both there to learn and improve together.
2. Cleanliness and Hygiene
- Personal Hygiene: Maintain high standards of personal hygiene. Shower before and after training, keep your nails trimmed, and avoid wearing strong scents.
- Clean Gi and Gear: Always wear a clean gi and wash it after every session. Rash guards, shorts, and any other gear should also be kept clean.
- Mat Cleanliness: Respect the cleanliness of the mats by wiping your feet before stepping on the mats, and avoid walking on the mats with shoes or dirty feet. This helps prevent the spread of infections.
3. Proper Uniform
- Gi Requirements: Ensure that your gi fits properly and is in good condition (no tears or frays). Some academies have specific gi color requirements, so be aware of your school's policies.
- No-Gi Attire: When training no-gi, wear appropriate attire such as a rash guard, spats, or shorts without zippers or pockets to prevent injuries and maintain professionalism.
4. Punctuality
- Arrive on Time: Arriving on time for class shows respect for your instructor and fellow students. If you are late, some academies may have specific protocols for how to join the class without disrupting it.
- Warm-Up: Arriving early to participate in the warm-up is important, as it helps prepare your body for training and reduces the risk of injury.
5. Behavior on the Mats
- Tap Early, Tap Often: Safety is paramount in BJJ. If you are caught in a submission, tap out (submit) before the technique is fully applied to avoid injury. Similarly, when applying a submission, be mindful of your partner and apply it gradually, giving them time to tap.
- No Spazzing: Avoid aggressive or uncontrolled movements, often referred to as "spazzing." This can lead to injuries for both you and your training partner. Focus on technique and control.
- Be Considerate: Be aware of your surroundings on the mat. Avoid rolling into other pairs of students, and if you’re close to other people, pause and reposition to a safer area.
6. Rank and Experience Consideration
- Respect for Higher Belts: Respect the hierarchy of belts in BJJ. Higher belts have more experience and knowledge, and their advice and guidance should be taken seriously.
- Helping Lower Belts: As you progress, help newer students by guiding them through techniques and offering encouragement. However, avoid overwhelming them with unsolicited advice during sparring unless they ask for it.
- Appropriate Sparring Intensity: Match your sparring intensity to the experience level of your partner. When rolling with lower belts or beginners, focus on helping them learn rather than dominating them.
7. Training Attitude
- Leave Ego at the Door: BJJ is about learning and improving, not about proving dominance. Be humble in both victory and defeat during sparring sessions.
- Open-Mindedness: Be open to learning from everyone, regardless of their rank. Everyone has something to offer, and this mindset will help you grow as a martial artist.
- Positive Environment: Contribute to a positive and supportive environment. Encourage your teammates, celebrate their successes, and be a good training partner.
8. Communication
- Clear Communication: If you’re injured or uncomfortable with a particular technique, communicate this to your partner. Clear communication helps prevent injuries and ensures a safer training environment.
- Respectful Dialogue: Engage in respectful and constructive dialogue with your instructor and teammates. If you have questions or concerns, address them politely.
9. Competitions
- Sportsmanship: Whether you win or lose, always demonstrate good sportsmanship. Shake hands with your opponent and thank them for the match.
- Representing Your Academy: When competing, remember that you represent your academy. Uphold the values and standards of your school both on and off the mat.
10. Observing Traditions
- Bow on and Off the Mat: Some academies have a tradition of bowing when entering or leaving the mat area as a sign of respect for the training space.
- Saluting the Instructor: At the beginning and end of class, it’s common to line up and salute the instructor and/or the academy's flag or emblem. Follow the specific customs of your school.
By adhering to these etiquette and standards, you contribute to a respectful, safe, and effective learning environment in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. These practices help to build a strong community and foster a culture of mutual respect and continuous improvement.
