1. Bow When Entering and Leaving the Mat

The mat is our training ground, our sanctuary. Bowing before stepping on and after stepping off is a sign of respect for the dojo, your instructors, and your training partners. It is a moment to clear your mind, leave the outside world behind, and focus on your practice.

2. Maintain a Clean Gi and Good Personal Hygiene

This is one of the most important rules for the health and safety of everyone.

• Clean Gi: Your gi (uniform) must be washed after every single training session. Never come to class with a dirty, smelly gi. This prevents the spread of skin infections like ringworm and staph.

• Personal Hygiene: Keep your fingernails and toenails trimmed short to avoid scratching your partners. If you have long hair, tie it back. Come to class clean, and avoid wearing strong perfumes or colognes.

This shows respect for your teammates and is a non-negotiable part of training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

3. Respect the Higher Belts and Instructors

In Jiu-Jitsu, the belt color represents time, dedication, and knowledge. Always show respect to those who have been on the path longer than you.

• Address your instructor as “Professor” or “Coach.”

• When a professor is demonstrating a technique, give them your full attention. Do not talk while they are teaching.

• Higher belts are an invaluable resource. They have overcome the same challenges you are facing now. Be respectful when you ask them for help or advice.

4. Be on Time for Class

Punctuality is a sign of discipline. Arriving on time ensures you participate in the full warm-up, which is essential for preventing injuries. It also shows respect for the instructor and the rest of the class, as late arrivals can be disruptive. If you are unavoidably late, wait at the edge of the mat until the professor acknowledges you and gives you permission to join.

5. Tap Early and Respect the Tap

The tap is the universal signal for submission in BJJ. It is your most important safety tool.

• When to Tap: If you are caught in a submission and feel pain or pressure, tap immediately. There is no shame in tapping; it is how we learn. Tap firmly on your partner or the mat, or verbally say “tap.”

• Respecting the Tap: The instant you feel or hear your partner tap, release the submission immediately. Your partner’s safety is your number one priority. Winning in the gym means nothing if you injure your teammates. This is a core principle of training for self-defense and sport.

6. Control Your Ego and Be a Good Partner

Leave your ego at the door. The academy is a place for learning, not a competition to prove you are the toughest person in the room.

• Spar with Control: Do not try to win every roll using only strength and aggression, especially with smaller or less experienced partners. The goal is to learn and help your partners learn.

• Be a good training partner: This means being clean, controlling your strength, respecting the tap, and providing constructive resistance. Your reputation as a good partner is more valuable than any submission you get in class.

7. Pay Attention to Your Surroundings

The mats can get crowded. Always be aware of your surroundings when drilling or sparring. Avoid colliding with other pairs. If you and your partner are about to run into another group, the lower-ranked pair should be the one to move and reset.

8. Ask Questions

Do not be afraid to ask questions. If you do not understand a technique or a concept, ask your professor or a higher-ranking student. Curiosity is a sign of an engaged student. At Gracie Barra Lake Elsinore, we encourage questions as they benefit the entire class.