Behaviour towards Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at SJJA
A relaxed frame of mind is always welcome at Sydney Jiu Jitsu academy.
However, there is still a minimum expectation of respect that needs to be brought to the mat when training. From a coach’s perspective:
Kids and Adults
First and foremost be presentable. Always come to training in a clean and dry uniform. This is one of the basic forms of respect that you can show your training partners and your coach in the academy. No coach wants to have the talk with a student that they are exhibiting poor hygiene practice and need to be sent off the mats.
Jiu-Jitsu is a close contact sport, if basic sanitation is not at hand, infections may start to present themselves.
Be attentive when the coach is speaking/teaching. Coaches often teach multiple classes a day and are constantly talking/moving around. Please listen when they are talking.
It is acceptable to have friendly chatter with your drilling partner when he/she has finished demonstrating a technique provided it is not loud and distracting other students.
Be proactive and ask for help when unsure. If you are unsure about one of the techniques, it is always best to ask one of the coaches attending the session.
If you are a beginner in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, try not to teach the person you are training with. Coaches hired at SJJA are very experienced and it is their job to coach you through technique and sparring.
If there are many people in your class and you are not getting the attention you require, it is always best to try, and problem solve with your partner until the coach can come help you.
Training is not a competition environment. Cheering and being vibrant if you submit a partner during sparring is seen as disrespectful. It is always good to give a maximal effort during training and to do your best; though always be humble, treat others how you wish to be treated.
If you are late to a class, it is always good to ask the coach’s permission to join the class. If you are permitted to enter the mat, the polite thing to do is to go shake the coach’s hand and apologise for being tardy. We are all busy as humans, sometimes life (or traffic!) gets in the way!
Train within your means. This means if you are a white belt. DO NOT ATTEMPT MOVES THAT YOU ARE FORBIDDEN TO PERFORM.
This is emphasised for everyone’s safety. Unless you have explicit permission from the coach and the partner you are training with, do not attempt moves that are illegal or forbidden in your belt or in the Gi (as opposed to no-gi). Inexperienced students may not know how to react to certain moves they have never encountered and could end up injuring themselves.
If you are unsure of any rules. It is always great to chat with a coach or ask the front desk. We are always optimistic and friendly! SJJA creates an environment that wants students to return and enjoy Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.