Dojo Etiquette
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is by nature more relaxed and less rigid than traditional martial arts. But as a sport and martial art, is paramount that all involved follow common sense and apply rules that nurture a safe and healthy environment.
In order to maintain a positive environment that is both conducive to learning and welcoming to potential students, we require our students, parents of students in the kids’ classes, instructors and staff to fully adhere to the Rio Grappling Club‘s Dojo Etiquette guidelines:
Dojo Etiquette
Always show respect to your instructors, training partners, and fellow human beings.
Respect in training means many things, among them: do not seek to harm fellow students physically, mentally or
emotionally. Any form of bullying is unacceptable.
It also means that you must train seriously and hard enough for you and your partner to improve his or her skills, conditioning, and fighting spirit.
Maintain good hygiene (i.e. shower, brush teeth regularly, keep feet and hands clean).
Keep finger and toe nails short and clean.
Always wear a full Gi at BJJ classes, with your belt properly tied.
For No Gi classes bring a rash guard and shorts (or gi pants).
Always wear your Gi top, a T-shirt, or a tank top while in public areas of the gym.
Keep uniforms neat, clean, and odor free.
NEVER wear shoes on the mat. Remove shoes before entering the mat area. Put shoes, bags and coats neatly away and do not leave anything on the mats or on the way.
Do not walk outside with bare feet. If you have to go outside, wear sandals or shoes. Remember that we constantly have our faces against the mats so keeping it clean is especially important to prevent the spread of skin conditions and other diseases.
No jewellery may be worn on the mat. Piercings, rings, bracelets or any accessory that can harm yourself or others must be removed before class.
Do not shout loudly or use profanity in the Club. This should go without saying.
Do not talk while the instructor is talking.
Avoid distracting the others with conversations not related to training and keep the volume down, not disturbing the class.
Do not show up for training if suffering from any sickness or illness that can affect your performance and/or infect your training partners.
Stand, sit with your legs crossed, or kneel during classes and practices. No lounging.
Arrive 10 minutes prior to scheduled class to allow enough time to change clothes and start on time.
Classes begin with a formal bow to the instructor, with students lining up in descending grade order.
Classes end with a formal bow to the instructor and a hand shake among all students.
If you are late for class, wait outside of the training area and ask permission from the instructor to enter.
If you need to leave the Dojo during practice or leave earlier ask the instructor before doing so.
Salute your partner before and after practices.
Keep cell phones always off during class. This rule does not apply only if you work with emergencies that require your immediate attention (doctors, firefighters, police officers etc).
If the instructor has not changed the task, then continue doing the task he or she has given. You can NEVER do a technique too many times.
Attend class on a regular and consistent basis, at least 2 classes per week. Only persistence and consistence will allow you real improvement.
Notify staff if you will miss classes for vacation, leave, work, illness or injury.
Parents and guests are encouraged to watch classes but are requested not to speak to or distract the studentsduring a lesson.
Students and guests must not talk towards people sparring or engage in parallel conversations.
Motivating students is sole task of the instructor, others must not talkduring practice.
No horseplay, no sparring, no running around the mat, or using equipment or toys in between or after classes.
Practice on the mat when classes are not in session must receive permission of an instructor.
Help keep our school clean by throwing away cups and garbage.
Do not try techniques on friends, brothers, sisters, or school mates.
Do not ask to test for belts or stripes, nor assume you will be promoted. Your instructors and coaches will grade you when you are ready based on our requirements, so to avoid disappointment, do not ask!
Students may take part in trainings or seminars outside our group and are encouraged to do so when they have at least a year of constant practice, provided they are respectful anywhere they go and consult with their instructor first.
However, regular members and competitors can only enter tournaments under Rio Grappling Club, expressed authorised by the instructor. Any athlete training regular with us that competes for another team or receives a belt outside the group will be expelled from it.
Please also read thorougly the statement below:
The Rio Grappling Club is a global sports organisation linked to martial arts development.
Our mission is to provide a safe and friendly environment where all can train and learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Grappling; help our students improve beyond the scope of martial arts, developing skills that can be used on their lives; and expand BJJ and Grappling worldwide.
We aim to focus on the technical and competitive aspects of the sports we teach, grow our network without compromising our pursuit for excellence, and become one of the best teams in the world of BJJ and Grappling.
Rio Grappling Club values and principles: Unity, Respect, Loyalty, Humility, Honesty and Bravery.
It is rigorously forbidden the association of the group, its brand and members in religious, political or social movements.
Racist or xenophobic statements or manifestations that could link the group, its brand and its members in discriminatory acts due to race/ethnicity, gender, origin, religion or philosophy will result in immediate expulsion.