Dojo Etiquette & Policies

1. Respect & Dojo Conduct

• Address black belt instructors as Professor (Portuguese), Sensei (Japanese), or Coach.
• Bow when entering and exiting the training area.
• Keep a respectful posture in the training area at all times.
• Line up by descending rank at the start of class and bow formally to begin.
• End class with a bow to the instructor and our lineage.
• If late, sit quietly on the edge of the mats and wait for permission to join.
• If you need to leave early, inform the instructor before class.
• Keep talking to a minimum and related to the class subject.
• No foul language, gossip, or disruptive behavior.
• No coaching from the sidelines—leave instruction to instructors.
• Always treat your training partners with respect, regardless of size, skill, or background.

3. Participation & Behavior

• All students must sign in before class begins.
• Be quiet and attentive when class is in session.
• You may not film instructors or students without their permission.
• Tap early, tap often—your safety and your partner’s well-being come first.
• Don’t celebrate submissions—this is a place to grow, not keep score.
• Unless caught in a clean submission, show heart and continue to work through tough spots.
• Always bow or slap and bump your partner before and after rolling.
• Follow the instructor’s guidance during drills—avoid freelancing unless instructed.

5. Culture & Communication

• We are a team—build each other up, on and off the mats.
• Keep personal drama and conflict off the mats. Speak privately and respectfully if issues arise.
• No side cultures, no rumors, no indirect feedback.
  If something’s off, bring it directly to leadership—with respect and maturity.
• We’re building a unified team. Everyone here must support the direction we’re moving or communicate openly if they cannot.
• Passive resistance, backchannel leadership, or gossip erodes the culture and won’t be tolerated.
• You are welcome here, but we must move together—not against each other.

2. Hygiene & Uniform Standards

• Remove all metal jewelry, piercings, and accessories before training.
• Do not train if you’re sick.
• No shoes, food, drinks, or cell phones in the training area.
• Always wear flip-flops or sandals when off the mats or in restrooms.
• Keep fingernails and toenails short for safety.
• Maintain excellent hygiene—a clean body and clean uniform are signs of respect.
• Always wear a rash guard/training shirt and underwear under your gi.
• For No-Gi and MMA, wear shorts/spats and a rash guard or training shirt.
• Face the edge of the mats when tying your belt.
• A clean, presentable uniform is mandatory at all times.

4. Mat Awareness & Safety

• If you roll into another group’s space, immediately move back to your own area, regardless of rank.
• Stay aware of your surroundings to avoid collisions or injuries.
• Use controlled technique, not strength or aggression—especially with smaller or less experienced partners.
• Report injuries or unsafe behavior to an instructor immediately.
• If you feel unwell or injured during class, communicate and step off the mat safely.