Hey friend,
Wanna know something that almost got me kicked out of my first open mat?
It wasn’t my lack of skills. It wasn’t me going too hard. It was… my feet. 😅
Yeah, I walked across the mat in my flip-flops, thinking, “No big deal, right?”
Wrong.
My coach saw it and called me out in front of everyone. I wanted to disappear under the mat.
He wasn’t being rude. He was protecting the gym—and teaching me what I should’ve already known…
👉 Etiquette matters in Jiu-Jitsu. A lot.
If you’re new to BJJ (or just need a refresher), here are the unwritten rules nobody talks about, but EVERYONE expects you to know:
Rule #1: Be the Clean Roll, Not the Funky One
This one’s simple: Shower, trim your nails, and wear clean gear.
Nobody wants to train with someone who smells like last night’s pizza and BO. Also, don’t roll if you’ve got a skin infection—protect your teammates like you’d want them to protect you.
Rule #2: Respect the Gi
If your gym has uniform rules, follow them.
No wild colors unless allowed. Rash guard under the gi? Yes. Jewelry? Nope. And for the love of armbars, wash your belt too—yes, it’s allowed!
Rule #3: Don’t Be the Late Guy
If class starts at 6:00, don’t roll in at 6:07 like you’re some BJJ rockstar.
Be early, warm up, and respect the structure. Late arrivals disrupt the flow and annoy everyone—even if they don’t say it.
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Rule #4: Shut Up and Listen
Yeah, the mats are fun, but they’re also sacred. When the coach is teaching, don’t chat. Don’t correct others unless asked. Listen. Learn. Be coachable.
Rule #5: Know the Rank Game
White belts don’t school black belts. Respect higher belts. Learn from them. Thank them after rolls. And if you’re a higher belt? Be a mentor, not a mat bully.
Rule #6: Roll with Respect
Tap early, tap often, and always respect the tap.
Control your intensity. You’re not in the UFC. Ask before rolling, match their energy, and say “thank you” after. Simple.
Rule #7: Be a Good Guest
Visiting another gym? Be humble.
Ask about mat fees, introduce yourself, and follow their rules—even if they’re different than yours. You’re a guest in their house. Act like it.
Rule #8: Celebrate Others
When someone gets promoted, clap, cheer, and high-five like crazy.
Their journey is your inspiration. BJJ isn’t a solo sport. Celebrate every win, big or small.
Here’s the truth:
Etiquette isn’t just about rules. It’s about respect. It’s what keeps this beautiful art from turning into chaos.
Every class is a chance to show integrity, humility, and love for the grind.
Next time you’re on the mat, ask yourself:
👉 Am I adding to the team energy, or just taking from it?
Keep rolling smart. And keep being a good human.
P.S. Got a funny (or embarrassing) mat etiquette moment? Hit reply and share it—I might feature it in the next story!
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