BJJ Etiquette: Essential Dos and Don’ts for New Practitioners in 2024

Welcome to the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, where respect is as important as technique! Did you know that 60% of BJJ beginners feel overwhelmed by unwritten gym rules? Don’t worry – we’ve got your back! As a new practitioner, understanding BJJ etiquette is crucial for your journey. Let’s dive into the essential dos and don’ts that’ll help you become a respected member of the BJJ community.

Brand new to BJJ? Check out my Ultimate Beginners Guide to BJJ!

The Importance of BJJ Etiquette

When you’re new to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, there’s so much to take in – techniques, terminology, and etiquette. BJJ etiquette isn’t about rigid rules or making anyone feel like an outsider. It’s the foundation of your dojo’s culture. When mindful of these unwritten guidelines, you can focus more on your technique and less on social uncertainties. It’s about creating a positive atmosphere where you and your training partners can thrive.

Remember, everyone starts somewhere. Even if you’re unsure about certain aspects of BJJ etiquette, your willingness to learn and adapt is what truly matters. As we dive deeper into specific dos and don’ts, remember that these guidelines enhance your BJJ journey, making it more rewarding for you and those around you.

Do Maintain Impeccable Personal Hygiene

Let’s discuss something that might seem obvious but is crucial in BJJ: personal hygiene. Trust me, in a sport where you’re in close contact with others, this isn’t just about being polite; it’s about respect and safety.

Here’s what I’ve learned: Always —let me repeat myself—show up to class with a clean gi. That means washing it after every single training session, with no exceptions.

Trimming your nails is another biggie. Long fingernails (and toenails) nails can scratch and potentially harm your training partners. I keep a nail clipper in my gym bag, just in case.

Showering before class is not just about smelling fresh; it’s about reducing the bacteria on your skin that could cause infections. BJJ is sweaty business, folks! And that sweat can become a breeding ground for all sorts of nasties if you’re not careful. If you’re dealing with skin issues or infections, sit out until healed.

And please, for the love of all things jiu-jitsu, wear deodorant. Your training partners will thank you.

Remember, good hygiene isn’t just about you – it’s about being a considerate training partner and contributing to a clean, safe training environment for everyone.

Don’t Refuse to Tap

Let’s talk about something that every BJJ practitioner needs to understand from day one – the art of tapping.

Here’s the truth, and it might be hard to swallow at first: as a white belt beginner, you will tap—a lot. We’re talking hundreds of times. And you know what? That’s completely normal. And it’s expected. It’s an essential part of the learning process.

I remember my first few weeks on the mats. I was tapping for a few seconds! But each tap was a lesson, a chance to learn what not to do, and an opportunity to improve. Tapping isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign that you’re actively learning and growing in your BJJ journey.

Tapping serves two crucial purposes. First, it’s our way of saying, “You got me; good job!” It’s a show of respect to your training partner who successfully applied a technique. Second, and more importantly, it’s how we keep ourselves safe on the mats.

A few folks at my school don’t like to tap. Once, I caught my training partner in an Americana during a roll. Instead of tapping, he tried to muscle his way out. Fortunately for him, I decided not to dislocate his shoulder and held him there until the timer went off, ending the roll. Don’t be that guy – too stubborn to tap when you should have – you will eventually get hurt.

The key is to tap early and tap often. Don’t wait until you feel pain —by then, it might be too late. (There are some submissions where you don’t feel the pain until it is too late.) Tap if you’re caught in a submission and know you can’t escape. There’s no shame in it. Tapping early shows you’re smart enough to prioritize your safety and long-term training over short-term pride.

So, as a beginner, embrace the tap. Tap, learn, reset, and try again. That’s the cycle of growth in BJJ. As you progress, you’ll find yourself tapping less and less – but always remember, there’s no shame in tapping at any level. It’s how we stay safe, learn, and enjoy this beautiful art for years.

Do Respect Your Training Partners

Never forget how crucial your training partners are to your success. Let me share some key lessons I’ve learned about showing respect in the dojo:

As a white belt, especially during open mat sessions, don’t ask higher belts to roll. Instead, stand aside and wait to be invited. This shows respect for their time and experience.

Keep your cool when tapped out by a higher belt. It’s not a personal failure – it’s an opportunity to learn. You’ll always see someone who shows their frustration after being submitted. While people are generally friendly and don’t say anything, it’s noticed around the gym and not respected when people react this way.

During open mat sessions, when people move from roll to roll, don’t expect higher belts to spend extra time explaining techniques after your roll. Let them roll with others during this period to show respect for their time. If you need help, wait until after the session to ask questions.

It’s okay to ask for advice but do it respectfully and at the right time. Instead of interrupting their flow, try saying after the session, “That was great. Could you show me how you set that up when you have a moment?” Most higher belts are happy to share their knowledge if you approach them with humility and consideration for their time.

Adopt a helper’s mindset. Focus on helping your training partner improve rather than “winning” every drill or roll. This attitude shift can make a huge difference in your training experience.

Here’s a quick list of other ways to show respect on the mats:

• Always ask before initiating a roll, even with peers.
• Be a good uke during drills. (Pronounced “you-kee,” uke is the receiving partner – or the “bad guy” during self-defense drills). Don’t resist too much – help your partner learn the technique.
• Adjust your intensity to your partner’s size and skill level.
• Maintain impeccable hygiene. Show up clean, with trimmed nails and a fresh gi.
• Thank your partner after each roll or drill session, but keep it brief during open mat to allow them to move on.
• Listen attentively when your instructor is demonstrating techniques.
• Help keep the mats clean. If you notice any dirt or debris, take a moment to clean it up.
• Respect the tap. If your partner taps, release immediately, regardless of whether you felt the submission was fully applied.
• Be punctual. Arriving on time (or even a bit early) shows respect for your instructor and classmates.
• Leave your ego at the door. Remember, everyone is here to learn and improve together.

By following these guidelines, you’ll show respect and create a positive training environment. You’ll likely find that more people want to roll with you, and your progress will accelerate. Remember, your training partners are your greatest assets at BJJ. Treat them well, and your jiu-jitsu journey will be all the richer for it.

Don’t Ever Wear Shoes on the Mat

One of the first rules you’ll learn in BJJ is the strict “no shoes on the mat” policy. This fundamental rule is crucial for maintaining hygiene and respect in the training space.

The mats aren’t just some random floor covering. They’re where we sweat, roll, and sometimes even bleed (hopefully not too often!). Keeping them clean is essential for everyone’s health and safety. Street shoes can bring in dirt, bacteria, and other contaminants from the outside world, precisely what we want to avoid in our training environment.

Here’s what you need to know about mat etiquette regarding footwear:

• Always remove your shoes before stepping on the mat. Most gyms have a designated area for shoes near the entrance to the mat area.
• Pay attention to and follow the gym’s rules about bowing when entering or leaving the mat. Some schools have specific traditions around this, and it’s important to respect them.
• Put on flip-flops or slides if you need to leave the mat area (say, to use the restroom). Don’t walk around barefoot off the mats, and NEVER go barefoot into the bathroom!
• Generally, assume no shoes are allowed on the mat unless told otherwise. If you have wrestling shoes and want to use them, always check with your instructor first to see if they’re allowed. Some gyms permit them to do certain types of training, while others don’t let them do so at all.

Pro Tip: Invest in inexpensive flip-flops or slides you only use at the gym. This makes it easy to transition from the changing area to the mats without risking any contamination.

Remember, respecting these rules isn’t just about following gym policy. It’s about showing consideration for your training partners and the shared space you all use. By adhering to these guidelines, you’re contributing to a cleaner, safer training environment for everyone. And in BJJ, where we’re in close contact with each other, every practitioner can appreciate that.

Lastly, if you’re unsure about the specific rules at your gym, don’t hesitate to ask your instructor. They’ll appreciate your commitment to respecting the dojo’s customs and keeping the training environment clean and safe for everyone.

Do Listen to Your Instructor

When I started BJJ, I quickly realized that listening to my instructor wasn’t just about learning techniques – it was about respecting the art, maximizing everyone’s growth, and using class time efficiently.

Here’s what I’ve learned:

• First and foremost, when your instructor is demonstrating a technique, give them your full attention.
• Stop any conversations with your training partners!
• Face the instructor and make eye contact.
• Avoid fidgeting or practicing other moves while they’re teaching.
• Remember, your instructor has likely spent years, if not decades, honing their skills. They’re not just showing you a cool move but sharing their hard-earned knowledge with you.

Here are some additional tips to show respect and get the most out of your instruction:

• If you’re a beginner in an advanced class, resist asking questions when the instructor opens the floor for questions. This might sound counterintuitive, but nine times out of 10, your question will be basic and the answer obvious to everyone else in the room.
  
  Holding off means respecting everyone else’s time since time with the class instructor is always limited. Instead, wait until the group breaks out in pairs to drill the technique. Then, you can politely ask the instructor to come over and address your newbie question one-on-one.
  
• When working with another lower belt, don’t hesitate to call over your instructor if you’re unsure about the technique. It’s crucial to get the right direction early on. I’ve learned that even purple belts don’t hesitate to call the instructor over because they realize the value of not practicing a technique incorrectly, especially since the details in BJJ are so crucial to making the method work as it should.
  
• Avoid coaching another lower belt, especially a white belt, just because you think you know something—I can assure you that as a white belt, you don’t. This is a common mistake I still occasionally make because I want to be helpful. It’s understandable, but it’s important to remember that as a beginner, it’s better to focus on your own learning and let the instructor do the teaching.
  
• When asking questions, be specific and concise. “I didn’t get it” isn’t as helpful as “I’m not sure where my left hand should be during the transition.”
  
• If your instructor corrects you, take it graciously. Remember, they’re not criticizing you – they’re helping you improve.
  
• After class, it’s okay to approach the instructor with questions but be mindful of their time. If they seem busy or are preparing for another class, ask for a better time to discuss your questions.

Pro Tip: If you’ve trained elsewhere or with different instructors, you may notice variations in how techniques are taught or performed. I quickly learned that even among black belts in my school, each one might have slight variations in how they execute a technique. This is to be expected and is a valuable part of your BJJ education.

Relish your time with different black belts and appreciate the nuances they bring to their instruction. Generally, don’t try to correct a black belt on their technique because you “thought” another black belt showed you a different way. Just do what they tell you to do.

If you’re curious about the differences, it’s okay to ask them to compare and contrast methods politely, but don’t assume that one way is better. Remember, these variations often reflect personal style, body type adaptations, or different schools of thought within BJJ – all of which contribute to the rich tapestry of the art.

By being a respectful and attentive student, you’re showing appreciation for your instructor’s knowledge and contributing to a positive learning environment for everyone in the class. Remember, in BJJ, as in life, how you learn is often just as important as what you know. So, keep your ears open, your mind receptive, and your attitude humble – your future black belt self will thank you for it!

Don’t Use Excessive Force or Strength

When we first step onto the BJJ mats, many unknowingly mimic what we might do in a real self-defense situation: go all out with strength and energy. It’s fascinating. At my school, we’re taught that an untrained opponent will likely expend all their energy in the first 30 seconds to a minute before burning out in a street confrontation. As beginners in BJJ, we often behave the same way.

I’ve seen it repeatedly – brand new white belts come in, and they’re all explosive movement and strength for the first minute of a roll. They’re huffing and puffing, using every ounce of power they have. And then, suddenly, they’re gassed out. Sound familiar? I know it does to me.

But here’s the thing: BJJ isn’t about that initial burst of energy. It’s about learning to control, to pace yourself, and to use technique over raw power. A big part of developing your BJJ skills is learning to rest and modulate your intensity when rolling. It’s about staying calm under pressure, conserving energy, and applying technique efficiently.

This approach helps you last longer during rolls and reduces the risk of injury – both to yourself and your training partners. When you’re all-strength and have no technique, you’re more likely to make erratic movements or apply submissions too forcefully, leading to accidents.

If you are an older practitioner, it’s even more important. You likely won’t have the energy reserves and strength to match someone who’s 20 years younger than you. This has been my issue as a white belt in my late 60s—the good thing is that it has forced me to learn to keep an eye on my energy usage and reserves every time I’m on the mat.

Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Try to relax and breathe, even in challenging positions. This will help you think clearly and move more efficiently.
• Focus on executing techniques correctly rather than forcefully. If a move isn’t working, it’s probably because your technique needs improvement, not because you’re not using enough strength.
• Adjust your intensity to your partner’s level and size. Use these opportunities to work on your technique and control rather than overpowering your partner.
• When drilling techniques, use only the force necessary to execute the move. This allows you and your partner to feel the proper mechanics of the technique.
• If you find yourself grunting, gritting your teeth, or straining excessively, that’s a sign you’re probably using too much force. Take a deep breath and refocus on smooth movements.
• Be especially careful with joint locks and chokes. Apply them slowly and with control, giving your partner ample time to tap.

Remember, the beauty of BJJ is that it allows a smaller, weaker person to overcome a larger, stronger opponent through technique and efficiency. By learning to modulate your intensity and rely on technique rather than strength, you’re becoming a better BJJ practitioner and a more formidable martial artist overall.

So next time you’re on the mats, try to catch yourself if you start going into that ‘street fight’ mode. Take a deep breath, relax, and focus on applying your techniques with precision rather than power. Your endurance, technique, and training partners will all improve!

Do Practice Good Sportsmanship

Good sportsmanship is a cornerstone of BJJ culture and can set you apart as a respected gym member.

Here’s what I’ve learned about practicing good sportsmanship in BJJ:

1. Humble in victory, gracious in defeat

This is probably the most important aspect of sportsmanship in BJJ. Whether you tap someone out or get tapped yourself, always show respect. A simple fist bump and a “good roll” goes a long way.

2. Leave your ego at the door

BJJ has a way of humbling even the most athletic individuals. There will always be someone who can submit you, regardless of your skill level. If you get worked up every time you get tapped out, then you are going to be very frustrated and miserable. Let it go. Checking your ego before you step on the mat will make your BJJ journey much more enjoyable and productive.

3. Be a good training partner

This means being reliable, attending class consistently, and giving your best effort during drills and rolls. It also means being mindful of your partner’s skill level and physical limitations. At some point, you will encounter someone who goes hard every time, regardless of the drill. You will notice that there are people with whom no one wants to roll, and this is usually why.

On the other hand, being an excellent training partner means being willing to talk to your training partner and set expectations. It’s perfectly fine to say, “Can you go a bit easier?” when you think things are heading south regarding the intensity you are comfortable with. As an older athlete, I always set the stage with a quick conversation about intensity before we drill or roll. I find that nine times out of 10, just a bit of a reminder will cause people to adapt quickly. Most people aren’t out to hurt you and want to be a good partner, just like you do. A little conversation can go a long way.

4. Respect the tap

When your partner taps, stop immediately. On the other hand, don’t be afraid to tap when you need to. Tapping is a sign of respect for your opponent’s technique and recognition of your own limitations. It’s how we stay safe and keep learning.

5. Offer help to newcomers

Remember how lost you felt when you first started? Be that friendly face for the new people at your gym. Offer to show them where things are and make them feel welcome. It not only helps them but also reinforces your own knowledge.

6. Handle wins and losses with equal grace

How you handle both victory and defeat in competitions says a lot about your character. I’ve seen people throw tantrums after losing, and it’s not a good look. Similarly, gloating after a win is poor form. Stay humble, shake hands, and look for lessons in both outcomes.

7. Respect the decisions of referees and judges

In competition settings, it is crucial to accept officials’ decisions, even if you disagree. Arguing or showing disrespect not only reflects poorly on you but also on your gym.

8. Maintain good hygiene

This might not seem like sportsmanship, but showing up clean with a fresh gi is a sign of respect for your training partners and art.

Remember, in BJJ, your reputation often precedes yours. By consistently practicing good sportsmanship, you’ll become a better martial artist and a valued member of your BJJ community. Plus, you’ll find that people are much more willing to train with someone known for being a good sport.

So next time you’re on the mats, win or lose, tap or get tapped, remember to embody the spirit of good sportsmanship. It’s not just about being nice – it’s about upholding the values that make BJJ such a unique martial art.

Don’t Neglect Your Belt and Gi Etiquette

Unless you have practiced another martial art, when you first start BJJ, you likely do not know that there is etiquette surrounding the gi and belt. Precisely what that is will vary by school. Here are some key points to remember about belt and gi etiquette:

1. Keep your gi clean and well-maintained

This isn’t just about looks. A clean gi is crucial for hygiene and shows respect for your training partners. I wash my gi after every single training session, no exceptions.

2. Wear your belt properly

Your belt should be tied correctly and kept tight during training. If it comes undone during a roll, you don’t need to stop rolling; you can pause and retie it when there is a break.

3. Make sure your gi fits appropriately

A gi that’s too big can be used unfairly in grappling, while one that’s too small can be uncomfortable and restrict movement. Plus, an ill-fitting gi looks sloppy.

4. Be mindful of patches and logos

Some schools have rules about what patches you can wear on your GI. Always check before adding anything to your uniform.

5. Take care when borrowing a gi or belt

If you ever need to borrow a gi or belt, treat it with utmost respect and return it clean and in good condition.

Now, here are some practices that definitely will differ between schools. Be aware of these and always check with your instructors or observe how things are done in your specific school:

6. Belt washing

Some schools follow the tradition of never washing the belt, seeing it as carrying the essence of your journey. Others prioritize hygiene and encourage regular washing. The thought process is that the belt constantly rubs against the mat and picks up germs. Ask your instructor about their preference.

7. Belt respect

In some schools, there’s a strong emphasis on not letting your belt touch the ground unnecessarily or stepping on it. Others are more relaxed about this. Observe how higher belts treat their belts.

8. Gi colors

While white, blue, and black are commonly accepted, some schools have specific rules about gi colors, particularly for beginners. Always check what’s acceptable at your school.

9. Removing the belt when leaving the mat

Some schools have a custom of removing the belt before stepping off the mat, symbolizing leaving your rank behind. In my experience, most schools don’t follow this practice. But I want you to be aware of it. Watch what others do in your gym.

10. Wearing a belt outside the dojo

Attitudes towards wearing your belt outside the gym can vary. Some consider it disrespectful, while others may not mind for special occasions. When in doubt, ask.

Remember, these traditions help create a respectful training environment and connect us to the history of BJJ. However, the specifics can vary. The key is being observant, respectful, and willing to adapt to your school’s culture. Don’t hesitate to ask your instructor or a senior student when in doubt. They’ll appreciate your effort to understand and respect the dojo’s customs.

Conclusion

As we wrap up our journey through BJJ etiquette, it’s clear that there’s more to this martial art than techniques and submissions. The respect, discipline, and camaraderie that come with practicing good etiquette truly set BJJ apart.

Remember, everyone starts as a beginner. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you make a mistake – we’ve all been there. The key is to stay humble, keep learning, and strive to be a positive presence on the mats.

By following these dos and don’ts, you’re not just respecting the art and your fellow practitioners – you’re setting yourself up for a rewarding, long-term BJJ journey. From keeping your gi clean to moderating your strength, from listening attentively to your instructor to practicing good sportsmanship, each aspect of BJJ etiquette contributes to creating a safe, enjoyable, and productive training environment for everyone.

As you continue your BJJ journey, remember that etiquette differs slightly from school to school. This is especially important to be aware of if you plan on dropping into their schools to attend a class or open mat. Always be observant, and don’t hesitate to ask if you’re unsure about something. Your instructors and senior students will appreciate your commitment to respecting the dojo’s customs.

Embrace these principles, and you’ll find that BJJ becomes more than just a martial art –a way of life. So, tie that belt, step onto the mat with confidence and respect, and enjoy the incredible journey of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.