🥋 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Rules, Ethics & Unspoken Codes

At Martial Arts of Waco, we honor the lineage and integrity of Jiu-Jitsu. These are not just rules, but principles that define our culture.

✅ BASIC RULES OF JIU-JITSU

These are the non-negotiable expectations that help keep our academy safe, disciplined, and effective:

Bow when entering and leaving the mat.
A universal sign of respect for the art, your coaches, and training partners.
Always wear clean uniforms and gear.
Personal hygiene is non-negotiable. Wash your GI, rash guards, and gear after every class.
No shoes on the mat — and never barefoot off the mat.
Shoes carry bacteria. Always wear sandals when off the mat.
Respect the tap.
When your partner taps verbally or physically, let go immediately.
No striking or slamming.
This is grappling. Slamming out of submissions or takedowns is forbidden.
Nails trimmed short.
Long fingernails or toenails lead to cuts and infections. Keep them trimmed.
No jewelry or piercings on the mat.
Remove earrings, rings, chains, and any other item that could cause injury.
Tie your belt before class starts.
Tie it properly, facing away from the instructor and flag.
Ask permission to join late.
If you’re late, wait off the mat until a coach signals you to enter.
Always thank your partner after each roll.
Gratitude is a daily practice in Jiu-Jitsu.

🧭 ETHICS OF A JIU-JITSU PRACTITIONER

Ethics separate competitors from martial artists. At Martial Arts of Waco, character matters as much as technique:

Show humility in victory and grace in defeat.
Ego has no place on the mat.
Be coachable.
Accept feedback and corrections, regardless of your rank.
Respect higher belts and set an example for lower belts.
Your behavior sets the tone for the academy.
Train with control, not aggression.
Flow, don’t fight. You’re here to improve, not dominate.
Do not seek to injure your partner.
Protect your team. Train hard, but with care.
Keep what happens on the mat, on the mat.
Gossip and drama damage team unity. Leave personal conflicts outside the academy.
Be inclusive and encouraging to all ranks, ages, and genders.
We’re a team, not a clique.
Report any misconduct or bullying to your coach.
We maintain a zero-tolerance policy.
Clean up after yourself.
Pick up trash, equipment, and clothing. Respect the space.
Give back to your team.
Help new students, stay late to clean, or assist in classes when asked.

🤫 UNSAID RULES OF JIU-JITSU (MUST KNOW)

These are not written in textbooks, but they are lived daily by serious students and respected practitioners:

If you ask about a belt promotion, you just delayed it.
Promotions are earned through consistency, not requests.
Don’t teach if you’re not the coach.
Help when asked, but don’t correct others during class unless you’ve been instructed to do so.
Don’t roll with a partner who refuses or seems uncomfortable.
Consent on the mat is critical. Respect boundaries.
If you stink, you can’t train.
Wash your uniform. Shower before class. Use deodorant.
Don’t call out higher belts for rolls.
Let them invite you. This is tradition. Some academies may allow exceptions, but it’s polite to wait.
Don’t coach during someone else’s roll.
Let them figure it out. Coaches will step in if needed.
Avoid coaching your own matches unless instructed.
You’re a teammate—not the instructor.
Don’t celebrate submissions.
This isn’t the UFC. Respect your partner and stay humble.
Respect the “no cross-training” rule unless approved.
Talk to your coach before training elsewhere.
If a higher belt is near you while rolling, move.
Lower belts yield space to upper belts, especially during sparring.
Fix your belt between rounds.
It shows pride in your rank and respect for the art.
Don’t skip warm-ups.
It’s part of class, and skipping them shows laziness.
Don’t roll without a rash guard.
This reduces skin infections like ringworm and staph.
Stay off the mat if you’re sick or contagious.
Don’t risk the health of others.
Don’t be a mat bully.
If you’re using strength to win instead of technique, you’re doing it wrong.
If you’re hurt, speak up.
We train hard, but safety always comes first.
Respect every rank.
A white belt with discipline is just as valuable as a black belt with humility.
Don’t roll to win—roll to learn.
This is training, not competition.
Don’t leave during class without telling someone.
Your coach is responsible for your safety.
Have fun. But take it seriously.
This is a martial art, a life path, and a team. Treat it with the respect it deserves.

🔁 FINAL THOUGHT

Jiu-Jitsu is not just a sport. It is a way of life. At Martial Arts of Waco, we uphold the highest standards of behavior, discipline, and respect—on and off the mats. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned athlete, your actions shape our academy’s culture.