BJJ Etiquette 101: Respect, Hygiene & Mat Culture

Starting Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is exciting, but if you walk onto the mat without understanding the unspoken rules, you may unintentionally come off as careless—or worse, disrespectful.

At Tradition Jiu Jitsu Academy, we believe that how you show up on the mat is just as important as what you learn. Whether you're an adult beginner, a parent enrolling your child, or a seasoned athlete visiting for a class, understanding BJJ etiquette helps maintain a respectful, clean, and safe training environment for everyone.

What Is BJJ Etiquette? First Impressions Matter

BJJ etiquette refers to the cultural norms, behaviors, and hygiene standards that help keep training respectful and effective. While different gyms may have slightly different traditions, the foundational values remain the same:

• Respect for your instructors and teammates
• Personal and mat hygiene
• Mindful behavior before, during, and after class

Think of etiquette as the “invisible belt” you wear—it's how others judge your character on the mat.

The Foundation: Respect for the Mat and People on It

In martial arts, respect is more than a formality—it’s a way of life. In Jiu Jitsu, respect takes many forms:

Bowing On and Off the Mat

When you step onto or leave the mat, you bow. This small gesture signals that you're entering a space for learning and self-improvement. It also shows gratitude for your training partners and instructors.

Greeting Instructors and Teammates

It’s common to shake hands or bump fists before and after training. At Tradition Jiu Jitsu Academy, we teach kids to always greet their instructors with eye contact, a handshake, and a simple “Good evening, Professor.”

Listening Without Talking Over Others

When the coach speaks, students listen—no exceptions. This isn’t just about discipline, it’s about safety. Talking during instruction could mean you miss important details that protect you or others during drilling.

Mat Hygiene: Cleanliness Is Mandatory

Nothing will get you sidelined faster than showing up dirty or smelly. At Tradition Jiu Jitsu Academy, we maintain strict hygiene standards to protect everyone from skin infections like ringworm, staph, or impetigo.

🧼 Student Hygiene Checklist

• Wash your Gi after every class.
• Shower before class if you're coming from work or the gym.
• Clip your nails (hands and feet) to avoid scratching others.
• Cover any open wounds with athletic tape or bandages.
• Wear deodorant—but skip heavy cologne or perfume.

🧽 Mat Hygiene Policies

• Our mats are disinfected after every session.
• No shoes on the mat—ever.
• No bare feet off the mat—in bathrooms or common areas.

Even young students in our Little Troopers and Junior Troopers classes learn these habits from day one. Hygiene is a life skill—not just a mat rule.

Rolling Etiquette: The Right Way to Train With Others

Sparring (aka “rolling”) is where Jiu Jitsu gets real—and fun. But it can also be dangerous if etiquette is ignored.

🤝 Don’t Be a Mat Bully

We match beginners with experienced students to create a safe learning environment. The goal of rolling isn’t to win—it’s to learn. If you’re going too hard, being overly aggressive, or spazzing out, someone could get hurt.

🕊 Tap Early, Tap Often

If you’re caught in a submission, tap. There’s no shame in it—only safety. Likewise, when applying submissions, go slow and controlled. Respect your partner’s tap even if it’s a little early.

🚫 Avoid Coaching While Rolling

This is especially important for newer students. Don’t bark instructions to your partner during a roll unless you're a coach. Let everyone learn at their own pace.

What Parents Should Know About Etiquette for Kids

If you’re a parent thinking about enrolling your child at Tradition Jiu Jitsu Academy, here’s what we teach every young student:

• Show respect by calling instructors “Coach” or “Professor”
• Line up by belt rank at the beginning of class
• Pay attention, follow directions, and help new teammates
• Keep your Gi clean and ready
• No horseplay before or after class

We also ask parents to follow a few rules:

• Keep phones silent during class
• Let coaches handle corrections—we’ve got it!
• Encourage your child to be responsible for their gear and hygiene

Teaching your child these habits in BJJ often spills over into improved school behavior, home discipline, and social responsibility.

Common Etiquette Mistakes to Avoid

Here’s a quick list of don’ts for new students:

Advanced Etiquette: The Subtleties of Mat Culture

As you progress, you’ll pick up on some of the more subtle cultural cues in BJJ:

• Let higher belts pick partners first
• Don’t ask for promotions—focus on learning
• Help newer students without overwhelming them
• Never brag about tapping someone out

These nuances may seem minor, but they speak volumes about your character and understanding of the art.

Our Core Etiquette Philosophy

At our academy in Port St. Lucie, etiquette is taught from your first class and reinforced every time you train. We want students who:

• Respect themselves
• Respect their teammates
• Respect the art of Jiu Jitsu

Our goal is to help build better martial artists and better people.

A Cleaner, Kinder Mat Starts With You

Learning BJJ isn’t just about submissions and escapes—it’s about becoming part of something bigger. By practicing etiquette, you contribute to a positive, safe, and respectful training environment.

So next time you bow onto the mat, remember: how you act is just as important as how you roll.

Want to experience our academy firsthand? Get started with your first week free at Tradition Jiu-Jitsu Academy in in Port St. Lucie.