Mat etiquette

Studio

1. Remove footwear before entering the studio.
2. Always check in before class begins.
3. No foul language or derogatory remarks inside the studio.
4. Be mindful of classes in session. Speak quietly and respectfully.
5. Shoes, food, and phones stay off the training area.
6. No filming or photographing without coach approval.
7. Bowing on and off the mats is optional. Many members do it; it isn’t required.

Before you train

1. Come clean. Wear a white gi that has been washed and fully dried after every class.
2. A rash guard must be worn under your gi.
3. Keep fingernails and toenails short and clean.
4. Remove makeup, jewellery, piercings, necklaces, and anything hard that could injure a partner.
5. Wear footwear in the bathroom.
6. Don’t train while sick. Protect your teammates.

During class

1. Prioritise your partner’s safety over speed or intensity.
2. Apply techniques and submissions slowly and under full control.
3. During drilling, no resistance. Let your partner learn the movement cleanly.
4. If you get a cut or scratch, leave the mats until bleeding has stopped and is covered.
5. If you’re unsure about a technique or situation, ask a coach. Don’t experiment.
6. Leave coaching and corrections to the coaches. Don’t instruct partners during class.
7. If you’re late, wait off the mat until the instructor invites you on.
8. Clean up after yourself (tape, bottles, gear) before you leave.

Live sparring

1. Match the room. Train with awareness of your partner’s skill, size, and experience. Respect their boundaries.
2. Start and finish with respect. Shake hands (or bow) before and after each roll.
3. Long hair tied up so it doesn’t catch or distract.
4. Verbal taps count. A yell, grunt, or wince is a tap. Stop, reset, and continue safely.
5. No slamming, scratching, or striking.
6. No grabbing or bending individual fingers.
7. Apply submissions gradually so your partner has time to tap.
8. Respect every tap. Release immediately.
9. Stay calm. Emotional rolls lead to reckless decisions and injuries.
10. Watch the space around you so you don’t collide with other pairs.
11. Don’t coach mid-roll unless your partner asks.
12. Speak up if you’re uncomfortable or in pain. Training is for learning, not proving toughness.
13. Use skill, not brute force. Overpowering a smaller or less experienced partner isn’t the goal.
14. Keep a supportive attitude. Everyone is here to get better.

Illegal techniques and belt-restricted moves are listed below. Know them before you roll.

Character

1. Never brag about tapping someone, or about not being tapped.
2. Check ego and negative energy at the door.
3. Work on your weaknesses in class. This is training, not competition.
4. Use what you learn constructively and defensively. Never to be abusive or offensive.