Basic Jiu Jitsu Etiquette

The art of Jiu Jitsu is an old timeless tradition, for a person to learn this art they must enroll in a class and follow basic etiquette.
Jiu Jitsu etiquette is practiced by everyone, with absolutely no exceptions. If you find yourself forgetting as what to do then the best advice is to do what the senior student is doing.

The first rule is that the proper uniform must be worn, if you have not been given one then until such time as you are given one just wear a t-shirt and shorts or sweat pants.

The second thing to remember is that during the class it will be hot so make sure you have a towel along with plenty of water to avoid getting dehydrated.

You are allowed to take notes during the class, that way you can review when you get home that evening. These notes should be turned over to your sensei. This is one component which you are graded on so that you can earn your next belt.

Your instructor no matter if they are male or female must be referred to as “Sensei” meaning the one that has gone before. Outside of the class environment you can call your instructor by their first names. If you are being taught by someone who is not an instructor you can refer to them as sir or ma’am.

In addition to calling your instructor sensei one must also bow which is the way to salute in Jiu Jitsu. Bowing is done before you work with a partner and afterwards, this is a way to show respect. To properly bow you need to stand with your feet together and both of your hands on the front of your thighs, it is important to maintain eye contact when bowing, along with sliding the hands down the thighs for a second before standing back up.

You should also bow when you enter or leave the mat or dojo, this is seen by others as a sign that you are there to practice with them. Also it tells others that you are there and not distracted by the worries you may have in the outside world, once the class is over and you bow you are ready to return to your outside life.

If the class is already in progress and you are leaving or entering the mat make sure your instructor knows this so they know where everyone is.

In a Jiu Jitsu class there is a seating arrangement. Brown belts will sit on the left of the instructor, blue on the right side and the beginners or white belts face the instructor.

Sitting during a class is also important, the proper way is to sit on your knees with you rear resting on your feet. Another way to sit is cross-legged; any other way can be looked upon as being disrespectful unless you are injured.

During a match one way to show submission is to tap either your opponent or the mat, when this is done the person must stop what they are doing. Jiu Jitsu etiquette is a must all the time as to avoid serious injury to someone, when in doubt ask the sensei or a senior student.