Academy Rules & Etiquette

1. Students must always show respect to all peers and instructors. Please treat everyone with courtesy.
2. All students share the responsibility of keeping the Academy safe and clean.
3. Do not chew gum, candy etc during classes.
4. No using cell phones, texting, or filming etc. in main dojo area without permission.
5. Please do not arrive late to class or leave early. If you must, obtain permission from your instructor first.
6. If you are late arriving for class, wait for Professor to come to you, politely ask if it is ok to join the class.
7. Sign in is required before any student is allowed on the mats. 
8. Class begins with students lining up in descending rank.
9. Everyone must warm up before doing class, do not arrive, skip bow in and warmups. 
10. Help beginners become familiar with the dojo.
11. Students must remain quiet and attentive in class and not engage in idle, unnecessary chatter. This is of particular importance when the Professor is speaking or demonstrating a technique. 
12. Students must properly wear a clean, odor-free uniform at all times.  The uniform must be in peak condition for every class. Professors have the right to deny training if a student’s Gi is unsanitary.
13. Always strive to make sure your belt is tied & presentable (when “we roll” we understand that it might come off). Never take a higher belt color and use it as yours. You must first earn the right to wear it – it is disrespectful to put on anything other than your own rank. 
14. Students are not allowed on the mat area in street attire during any class sessions.
15. Hats, outdoor shoes, or jewelry are prohibited in the mat area. The Academy does not hold itself responsible for any lost, damaged, or stolen items.
16. All students must maintain impeccable personal hygiene due to the close-contact nature of the art of Jiu-Jitsu.
17. All students are required to report any injury, health, or skin condition to their instructor prior to class. Any skin condition must be addressed immediately before a class begins.
18. All students must keep fingernails and toenails short for safety reasons.
19. Obscene language, ill temperament, or discrimination (of any kind) will never be tolerated at the Academy. Control your temper at all times while training.
20. Do not abuse your knowledge of martial arts. Martial arts should only be used to protect yourself and others.
21. Footwear/Flip-flops must be worn when off the mats. And especially in the restrooms at all times – NO EXCEPTIONS.
22. No student is to train with any symptoms of flu, covid etc. Running nose, sore throat, coughing etc. Please respect your fellow students and help keep everyone healthy by not training while sick. We will miss you – and will be here when you get back.
23. Visitors must be clean. Skin checks may be done by the staff to ensure the safety of our students.
24. If anyone is caught training with infections, this could lead to being banned from the academy.

Master Renzo’s Practical Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Training

• Train to the best of your ability and always apply maximum effort.
• To get the most out of your training, attend classes regularly.
• Be on your best behavior at all times, and respect the Academy’s etiquette.
• Listen to your instructor carefully.
• Improve and train the skills you already have.
• Learn any new skills with precision, concentration, and motivation.

While some of these rules may seem strict and formal, they exist for a reason:

The Academy Etiquette Guidelines are crucial in order to instill the respect and discipline necessary when practicing martial arts.

Without committing to these guidelines, practicing this art form could be dangerous.

Thank you,

~ Master Renzo Gracie