Martial Arts Etiquette

There is a saying “Martial arts without philosophy is a street fight”. Etiquette plays a significant role in Martial Arts training regardless of style. Etiquette is a prescribed set of standards for a person’s conduct and attitude toward themselves and others. Good discipline ensures a positive and safe environment during BJJ training. In fact Etiquette is enforced to develop one's personal responsibility and respect for others within the club.

Jiu-Jitsu is as much the development of the person as it is about developing self-defense skills. Proper etiquette provides the necessary motivation to develop positive character traits. Furthermore etiquette as in every sport should not be challenged, but instead respected. Developing these values correlates directly to overall safety.

Our Academy Etiquette

1. General

  • Remove your shoes before stepping on the mats
  • Bow down when stepping on the mat and bow to the instructor or a person of higher rank on the mat (bowing down signifies respect and humility and is a strong tradition in all martial arts)
  • At the start of the class, line up in order of higher rank (left to right)
  • Be punctual to the classes. If you are late do not interrupt, instead wait until your instructor authorizes you to join the class.
  • Do not leave the mat without permission of your instructor. When you leave put on your shoes and remove them when you get back
  • Always show respect to higher rank students and to those who are senior in age to you
  • Be attentive when the Instructor is speaking or teaching
  • Students are not to teach
  • If at anytime during training you are in danger of being injured through an applied technique firmly tap your partner 3 times. If this is not possible say STOP. Your combat partner should immediately STOP applying any technique.
  • Be attentive during training or sparring. If you enter or approach another groups training space you should STOP.
  • If a throw or take down is being practiced ask your partner if they are confident in breaking the fall, if not, practice the move without releasing your partner and pay special attention to placing them on the ground safely.
  • Parents, friends or any observers outside the mats should remain quiet during the classes. This helps the students maintain concentration and avoids unnecessary disputes.
  • When the class ends, line up again like at the beginning of the class. Wait for the instructor to announce the end of the class. Then bow to the instructor, shake hands with other students and file out in order of grades.
2. Prohibited Techniques

Safety in technical practice is the number one concern when training in Jiu-Jitsu.

The following techniques are prohibited for all ranks during normal in-class sparring.

  • Straight cervical neck cranks
  • Small joint manipulations (fingers and toes)
  • Fingers or hands in the mouth or ears
  • Attacking the groin
  • Hair pulling / grabbing
  • High velocity slams from the guard
  • Pinching or crushing the trachea (windpipe)
  • Face crushing (face choking)
  • Striking or uncontrolled dropping of body weight of any kind

The following techniques are prohibited for White through Blue Belt

  • Heel hooks or twisting foot locks
  • Knee bars
  • Toe holds
  • Wrist locks
  • Guillotine on Guard and Mount position

If you wish to use any or all attacks on Purple, Brown, and Black belt students, you shall inform them prior to the start of the match.

3. Personal Care Hygiene

Attention to personal hygiene is a must. Students should be clean and free of foul odors. In order for the class to maintain the highest standards of hygiene the following rules must me followed:

  • Finger and toenails must be trimmed short.
  • Hair if long must be pulled back and secured.
  • A daily bath and use of under arm deodorant is required
  • No lubricants, analgesic cream, and or skin creams may be worn that may place an inconvenience to the opponent or allow an unfair advantage to the wearer of such products.
  • The kimono (Gi) and or training attire shall be washed and thoroughly clean prior to every use. We recommend a cotton T-shirt be wear under the Kimono to minimize the odors.
  • The uniform shall be in good condition and have no foul orders including tobacco smoke
  • The Jiu-Jitsu belt shall not be washed
  • Earrings and all others body piercing, wrist and ankle bracelets and rings or any types of jewelry are prohibited. In case it is not possible to remove, they should be covered with athletic tape during trainee.
  • Wound or superficial cuts should be covered with athletic tape prior and during training.
  • If you are not feeling well, perhaps a start of flu or cold, you should not train.

Self-control and good sportsmanship are a must in the class. Mutual benefit is a major theme in training and sparring and allows for a strong TEAM concept to be developed.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is to be used in daily practice as training and in last resource as a self-defense. Inappropriate behavior and use that leads to: street fights, challenge matches such as club fights, and/or bullying will not be tolerated and will result in the expulsion or suspension of the student involved.

Any activity or behavior not in accordance with the guiding principles of the school can result in your termination as a student.

 

 

Ortiz BJJ & Martial Arts
is an affiliation of
Will Machado Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Affiliated with Will Machado