BJJ Gym Etiquette: The Unwritten Rules

Contents

Why Etiquette Matters in BJJ

BJJ is a contact sport where you're in close physical proximity with training partners for hours. The culture of respect, hygiene, and mutual care is what makes the environment safe and sustainable. Break these norms and you'll find training partners avoid you — or you'll get injured.

Hygiene — Non-Negotiable

Wash your gi after every class. No exceptions. A dirty gi harbors bacteria and is deeply disrespectful to training partners.
Shower before training if you've been sweating during the day.
Cut fingernails and toenails. Long nails scratch faces and rip skin. Check before every class.
Cover cuts and wounds. Any open wound must be covered with a bandage and medical tape before stepping on the mat.
No shoes on the mat. Shoes track bacteria from the floor. Remove them before the mat line, every time.
If you're sick, stay home. Training through illness spreads it to everyone.

Bowing and Respect

Bow when you step on and off the mat — this is standard in most Brazilian and Japanese-influenced schools.
Address the head instructor respectfully. "Professor" or "Coach" is standard; follow your gym's convention.
When a higher belt is instructing, listen fully — don't do reps while they're talking.

Rolling Etiquette

Ask before rolling: A nod or "want to roll?" is the standard invitation. Never grab someone and start rolling without their acknowledgment.
Match intensity: If a higher belt rolls light with you, reciprocate. If a visibly smaller/newer person asks to roll, dial down.
Tap early: Don't make your partner wonder if they should release. Tap clearly and immediately.
When your partner taps — release immediately. This is the cardinal rule. Holding after a tap, even a second, is a serious breach of trust.
No slamming: In a gym setting, you don't slam your partner to escape a submission. Period.
Control your strength: Strength is fine; uncontrolled explosive force on a smaller partner is not.

During Class

Arrive on time — or early. Walking in late disrupts warmups and instruction.
Line up by rank when the instructor calls for it.
Don't coach your drilling partner unless they ask. Let them figure it out first.
If you need to leave early, inform the instructor before class starts.
Phone on silent. Emergency calls outside the mat area.

At Open Mat / Competition Events

If you visit another gym's open mat, introduce yourself to the instructor first.
Be a guest — match the room's energy, don't impose your gym's style.
Win and lose with class. Don't celebrate submissions loudly; don't pout at losses.

💡 The golden rule of gym etiquette: Treat every training partner the way you'd want to be treated if you were the smallest, newest person in the room. That mindset covers 99% of etiquette situations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it okay to say no to rolling with someone?

Yes — absolutely. You can decline any roll for any reason. Common reasons: you're tired, injured, or the person has a reputation for being rough. A simple 'I'm going to sit this one out, thanks' is sufficient and no explanation is owed.

What do I do if someone is rolling too hard and it feels unsafe?

You have two options: (1) verbally say 'can we slow it down?' mid-round, (2) end the round early by tapping and explaining you need to stop. If someone consistently rolls dangerously, talk to the instructor. You are never obligated to continue a roll that feels unsafe.

How long should a round be?

Most gyms run 5-minute rounds with 1-minute rest. Some run 6 or 7. Follow your gym's convention. For open mat, 5–6 minutes per round is standard — starting the next round immediately after a tap is considered bad form.