BJJ Etiquette

[@BeFaithful00]

Whenever possible, I shower before class, and always clip fingernails and toenails. Also, I always shower immediately after class with shower gel (any brand) to which I've added about 3/4 of a teaspoon of tea tree oil to the full bottle. Awesome disinfectant to prevent mrsa, ringworm, etc.

[@AguyR1401]

Oddly enough, the less I shower, the less often I contracted ringworm. My mode was to rinse under a shower with cool or lukewarm water, and only lather up my private areas out of respect for my rolling partners, all done about 30-40 minutes before class. I stopped showering after class and would wait til I was home to shower, either right when I got home or after my dinner, or, occasionally not at all. In a time when I trained less often, but showered more frequently, I contracted all sorts of skin infections, and on a regular basis. I can't speak to the science, though I hear it is to do with the skin flora and their ability to fight infections is weakened when they are washed away by frequent showering. Unless a person is downright filthy from working in dirt all day, then I'd recommend this approach for skin health. I also do not trust these anti-bacterial lotions and the ingredients they contain.

[@fayyazalli1295]

Some good points. However I disagree with the bowing. Karatekas may be used to that, but not the rest of us. Bowing is an oriental way of showing respect. We can show respect according to other ways based on the culture of that country. Also disagree with the "coach or professor" title. My Jiu Jitsu instructor tells us to call him and his assistant instructors by their names. We all have mutual respect for each other. He says he does not need a title to extract respect from us. His conduct with us and our conduct with him will lead to mutual respect between us which will in turn lead to a long lasting training relationship. Our coach is a fantastic guy and a great teacher. No title needed to recognize that relationship. But to each their own.

[@ketvoski]

1. Always bow when entering the gym, getting on the mat, and leaving the mat if necessary 2. Always wear clean sandals or flipflops entering the gym, take them off before getting on the mat and put them back on before getting off the mat, only bare foot on mat 3. Line up accordingly if youre new go to the end of the line 4. Use respectful names when talking to the instructor (Coach, professor, ect...) 5. When you finish rolling with someone shake your partners hand or fist bump just any friendly connecting gesture 6. Be extra conservative and extra polite, respect is a big thing in any martial art 7. HYGIENE try to shower before practice, clip and file finger and toe nails, deodorant is a must but not too strong you are going to be on top of someone so you don't want overwhelming fresh alpine scent, always shower after practice with a body wash or something to disinfect your skin to prevent ringworm and other problems

[@hughesybjj8427]

At my gym we do not bow to the mat. As for needing the bathroom, I would definitely recommend NOT holding in your need to go to the bathroom until given time (if it's really urgent). If you're in the middle of rolling, it might be a bit embarrassing if someone puts their knee through your belly. If you're drilling with someone, let your training partner know, then give a heads up to the coach. Your training partner will likely just form a trio with another group for a couple minutes and continue drilling, or they'll wait. It's not the end of the world and people understand that you can't help needing the bathroom. You'll learn etiquette quickly by just observing what others do, and as you're new there, people expect you to ask questions. Don't be the idiot who doesn't ask questions.

[@tonysicily2687]

Different studios, different levels of etiquette.

[@toadamine]

It really helps you get on in life in general if people like you... If everyone likes you, you can do almost anything you want, if people dont like you, you will lead a hard life and always have people riding you.

[@f0cus2021SOT]

In my gym, we do not bow, some hardcore judo guys do it sometimes, or when entering the tatami for the first time but that's about it. We call the coach by his name, and there's really nothing too official going on. But I know it differs from gym to gym, better safe than sorry.

[@TheGrapplingAcademy]

Good comment! (-: Coach Tom

[@xkukubax]

Clipping finger and toenails!

[@hatch1892]

Of the two academies i have been to, and the few i have been told about by friends over the years, the instructor (in just about all these cases) has asked to just be called by their name (first name) by their students. Although i agree it is always up to the individual instructor to decide their title (any name they request is fine by me), it has been my experience first names are quite common in many BJJ classes (as long as you're given the OK by the instructor when you first meet).

[@TheGrapplingAcademy]

This is true 100% in some academies. DIfferent cultures for different gyms. SO "When in rome, do as the romans do". If in doubt, be extra polite. (-: Coach Tom Davey

[@evolvep2747]

We bow, we call our coach coach, We line up by rank, we shake hands, eye contact and say our names, when we roll, we slap and fist bump, we bow in and out when we leave the mats, last ones to stay also have to clean the mats... lots of us roll after class,... shower before and trimmed fingernails should be common sense. always wear shoes or slippers off mats, and of course no shoes on mats

[@thisisthelifeichose....5326]

I enjoy every video this professor posts. He knowledgeable and courtesies

[@ncooty]

Some of this was practical, but overall, it was a bit too sanctimonious for me. Some of this is etiquette; some of it is just Tom's personal preference for hierarchy or tradition. I wouldn't call someone else rude for not abiding by my preferences. (Nor do I think Tom's preferences are the criteria for "better behaved"--@4:03.) There are many ways to show respect, and intention matters. It's not inherently rude not to bow upon entering the gym. (Why not kneel? Why not kiss the instructor's ring or recite a chant of adoration? Why not sacrifice a goat?) Likewise, it's not inherently rude to call someone by their _name._ That's what names are for. If an instructor insists on being called "professor" in their gym, that's their prerogative, but it seems like an unnecessary ego-stroke. (I'm not saying instructors should tolerate being called names that are inherently or intentionally derisive, but formal titles are unnecessary.) Jiu-jitsu is utilitarian; it's a practical set of skills. Don't turn it into a sanctified, performative, formal, dogmatic hierarchy with rituals, taboos, etc. It's a useful set of skills; that's enough to warrant _actual_ respect without making it into a quasi-religion. And be wary of looking down on the practitioners who are less hung up on the formalities, ego, hierarchy, etc., none of which has anything to do with their skills or teaching efficacy.

[@kabirlyons7402]

A simple bow show’s so much respect, and also its the polite thing to do.

[@Bluis5445]

I don’t bow to men or objects.

[@MrCcromwell]

Really useful advice. Wish I had seen this before I started. Fortunately I was with a small friendly club and everyone was patient with me and politely informed me of etiquette as we went. This included me lining up ahead of the highest belt ranking without knowing it mattered. I believe etiquette and respect are important when starting out at any club. It takes time to earn the right to fit in (yes, you have to earn it) and to be accepted as a mate and club member. These tips really help.

[@michielvanregenmortel7804]

i feel like an arse after this video xD. Thx for the advice and dearly noted i really had a hard time with finding out some of the unspoken rules.

[@TheGrapplingAcademy]

Happy to help! ENjoy your BJJ journey! (-: Coach Tom Davey

[@SKCodesForFun]

I like bowing to myself in the mirror

[@loko007hernandez4]

If you dont respect yourself you cant respect others

[@demorvie]

Hespect

[@tonysicily2687]

Great upload,

[@john-michaelforrestall9265]

the bow thing is a odd. If i did that in my gym id get a look. other then that good

[@rufio.tf2]

Nice video. Thanks. I'm pretty new, and I've violated a few of these without knowing. This video clears up the things that I hadn't been told.

[@iamgaybut6075]

If you're rolling and approach the end of the mat, when you move inwards do you 1.Keep your position and move inwards 2.Get out of position, move inwards, then return to position or 3. Restart entirely.

[@TheGrapplingAcademy]

Depends on every club! Just ask! (-: Coach Tom Davey

[@RAPEDBYBLACKS]

it doesnt matter, its not a grappling world championship lol bjj attracts autistics for some reason

[@AxelMattias]

This is exactly what I don't like about all these martial arts though.. It felt more like I was going to a "behaving school" than a gym.

[@gerardaguila2049]

Great video! Thank you Coach Tom!

[@StillRolling]

Nice to see a little tour of your gym👍 Even on this channel etiquette is import because we come to learn so thank you "Coach Tom"

[@TheGrapplingAcademy]

Thanks Breck! Hopefully you make it down to Aus one day and can head out here! (-: Coach Tom

[@chaosdweller]

I agree! , I do have trouble with the hand shake and fist bumps , cause I'm always drewling and spewing snot bubbles, and I try not to get it on them , lol! , but I guess that means I'm being courdeaus 🤔.

[@CoIdnestea]

Lol. If i have to go to the bathroom I ain't waiting. THAT is the adult thing to do.

[@AguyR1401]

Emptying your bowels ahead of time, and subsequently cleaning yourself, is the mode you should adopt. Getting up to take a deuce is fine if it's necessary, but there are slobs who will shamelessly run for a poop at the oddest times during class, and make a regular habit of it. The sense you get you when you need to piss happens slowly, occuring over 10, 15, 20 minutes. Warmups are 5-10 minutes long, and technical demos are even shorter. Therefore, the period of time when you practice the demo'd move, or during a water break, is more than feasible for the student feeling the need to run for a wee, which should never feel so urgent based on the short timing of the class intervals explained above (unless, of course, you were hindered by some compulsory pissing condition, in which case the instructor would be more than happy to accommodate you for). Getting up during the formal moments of the class is inappropriate unless absolutely urgent. To shamelessly disrupt a class is no better than those who chat over an instructor's lesson. It's good to show some shame, and to plan ahead, and show some composure. You might even say it's the "adult thing to do".

[@JRettMTX]

"You're an adult, behave like one" Wait for the teacher to dismiss you! Like adults do all the time. Totally not similar to a child in elementary school.

[@rustynoland]

He was basically saying your an adult so show some respect and wait for the break :) I definitely wait till breaks so I don't look like a pussy lol my 5th MMA class is tomorrow and I'm so glad I watched this before I joined :)

[@EdmundSnyder]

The coach may be able to go an hour with one water break in the middle, but he isn’t doing the warmups, nor the positional sparring. I’ll drink water when I need it, thanks. I am an adult who doesn’t ask for permission to take care of my basic human needs.

[@C_Castillo]

In no gi, i feel like its alot of foot locks, in gi, theres so much more grip and alot more chokes, just alot more in general

[@alankirkpatrick6619]

I love coach Tom.

[@growapair100]

Hi tom. I recently started bjj, been to 5 or so classes. If im trying to break my opponents closed guard, can i dig my elbows down my side and between there thigh to force their leg off me or is it considered a dick move? Thanks for reading

[@TheGrapplingAcademy]

Go for it. Best to stand up instead. I have several videos on this. Happy rolling (-: Tom Davey

[@matteomondo1421]

If you're driving your elbows into his thighs then it's a dick move and the other guy will do the same If you just try to get them in between you'll be arm barred. If you stand up then you'll get swept. If your hands aren't getting grips to control his posture then you'll never pass. It accomplished nothing and will label you as a dick noob. Learn proper guard passes.

[@Bilistickpitbull]

Standard procedure do you know the Brazilian handshake with Elbows

[@troybramich785]

Where is your academy coach tom

[@EdmundSnyder]

Etiquette be damned, if the coach goes too long without water breaks, I’m going to take one when I need one because, yes, I am an adult and don’t need permission to hydrate.

[@vibeyjoint8345]

Don’t do bjj if discipline is a problem

[@saulherrera7335]

@@vibeyjoint8345 but dehydration is

[@wink3319]

If you have no respect for anybody, the sport is not for you.

[@robb00]

​​@@vibeyjoint8345 Here it's not about discipline, but common sense. If I'm about to pass out because I'm dehydrated I don't need of permission to drink the water. Same if I'm about to throw out, I don't need of permission to go to the bathroom. Common sense.

[@NoEggCraig]

I've been doing bjj for like 2 weeks and my coach didn't teach me like any of this 😂 even when I haven't been doing the right things.

[@Matto_Harvo]

Great stuff.

[@ophiophagus9933]

Coach Tom is that your land cruiser in the back?

[@sgt7]

I think respect is essential in a dojo but I think the amount of bowing/handshaking is excessive in BJJ. For example, in my dojo (and I believe most dojos), I bow before I enter the mat. Then I need to walk around and shake the hand of everyone who is already on the mat (including a bow here too for each person individually). At the end of class, after bowing to the instructor, we need to repeat the process we did at the beginning of class. This is all in addition to some other etiquette rules that need to be followed.

[@matteomondo1421]

Does everyone there do that? Seems like it would take an hour just to get started. Some people choose to do that but I've never seen where it's mandatory for someone to go around to everyone on the mats.

[@sgt7]

@@matteomondo1421 well definitely in the school I attend. Maybe its not as widespread as I think.

[@kadinevanrooyen5312]

I wish I watched this before my first class. I didn't know about the line and ended up standing next to a purple belt😭

[@MikeVieira]

Thanks for the video coach Tom! Question... What would you suggest for counter when I go for baseball choke from my half guard. Give him the pass to lock it in but he passes via scarf hold instead of regular. What can I do with that? I lose the baseball choke everytime.

[@TheGrapplingAcademy]

The baseball choke from bottom will always be risky if your partner knows you are going for it. I have several of these attempted on me each day by various students. You must surprise them and act with conviction before he settles into top position. (-: Coach Tom Davey

[@MikeVieira]

The Grappling Academy ah yeah. I see. Gotta work on not making it obvious! Thanks for the reply!

[@Murcielag0scuro]

If you're an arse, you get the D'arce

[@jackjack4412]

I actually do get annoyed by people who are too polite.

[@Madden24burner]

I took a quick drink during a drilling technique but questioning if that is frowned upon

[@hilly2387]

Ty coach Tom! I didnt know about the line up. Here I am in front of some many white belts that have been there longer than me. Oh gosh I feel dumb now. No one ever told me! I dont even have a stripe!😆

[@Ilusionariat]

So, Sensei isn't used to address JJ instructors?

[@TheGrapplingAcademy]

Not often. Mostly professor 90% of the time in bjj (-: Tom Davey

[@Ilusionariat]

@@TheGrapplingAcademy Thanks for the reply professor. :)

[@DavidLee-no9uc]

Great Video!... Traditional Martial arts edicate!

[@chaosdweller]

I just wanted to say I found That Rousmier fighter character very interesting, even though I don't condone or encourage his behavior.

[@bassamerica7203]

Thank you

[@zen3506]

you would make a good life coach

[@TheGrapplingAcademy]

Thank you Emily! I like to think that, despite it being accidental, that the benefits of my teaching go beyond choking necks! Happy rolling (-: Coach Tom Davey

[@zen3506]

thanks coach tom. I just started watching your videos cause i wanted to know what jiu jitsu was!!! never tried it in my life, but i am learning a lot God bless

[@magcitrate]

Is it proper to submit your professor? I’m sure that my professor is not going 100%, but we are rolling pretty hard. Sometimes i catch him in a solid submission, but haven’t cranked it to make him tap. I’m 100% sure that I can make him tap, or put him to sleep. Can I go all the way to make him tap?

[@slappypumkineater8226]

I am a grown man that pays for my lessons. I will go to the bathroom whenever I please.

[@cesaralvesdemoraes3187]

You are a grown man paying another grown man to teach you in HIS gym. Respect the rules

[@ShqipeKnocksMMA]

Damn straight! This culture is gonna be the end of the sport I swear, it’s soo retarded

[@derekaugust872]

Get smacked then

[@teammbk]

Stubbornness

[@MrRobiuan]

Comon man, are u serious or trolling? I don t think at work you Just Jump up and go to bathroom while your boss Is talking to you

[@MoonLight-zd3sb]

Finally, thank you so much coach I have had to struggle so much to find these gems an still this video had some more fundamentals of etiquette to add to my courtesy. I have been smashed subbed an looked at badly by instructors an there favorite students even to the point of professors giving me bad advice that had adverse affects on my jiujitsu I have even had to change academy's several times for all these unwritten rules! I am so triggered now, I would have acted accordingly an more if I would have known but jiujitsu is weird an has all these unwritten rules Ahhh!!! I am so triggered now!!! but hey I have understand that if I do something an I don't know it's wrong I'm innocent an the professor that let me walk out door without telling me is the guilty one! Professor thank you so much for this video I will do all these to a T! Bow out...

[@TheGrapplingAcademy]

Great stuff Moonlight! We have all been guilty of some of these but hopefully you feel right at home at your new academy! (-: Coach Tom Davey

[@RAPEDBYBLACKS]

is it really that hard to just be polite? its not rocket science

[@Bluis5445]

I don’t bow. I don’t ask to use the restroom. Karate mindset.

[@hedialaya3230]

Your coach may be looking for respect through protocol rather than competence. In that case start looking for a new one.

[@michaelmiller8418]

My Instructor demands we Call him Daddy 🤨

[@dyerdude8490]

Jesus didn’t know that these academy’s are so strict like surely most of these are common sense? Only two things u missed I think are super important are finger and toenails needs to be cut it’s the worst when u get cut with one of them things. And shower before hand or at least apply some deodorant like no one wants to choose to partner up with the sweaty/smelly dude

[@seekn.destroy4064]

Each gym has its own unwritten rules. Mine is you can't ask the one guy what he does for a living. He's some dude on disability that's at EVERY CLASS. Takes it like it's life or death. Obviously mental. If you ask him why he doesn't work he won't come back for weeks. He got found out because someone drove him home and he lived in a section 8 crack house. Weird lifestyle.

[@4spida2fingaz0]

I wish I knew this 2days ago I feel bad about it now

[@jsjdhdfbdjdjddjfjdbdndkdbd9825]

Bowing bruh

[@Lagspikee]

If you're training leg locks, ALWAYS ask your training partner for permission before you roll.

[@beck9507]

Not everyone can wait for a break to go to the toilet...Many people have health issues or women who have had kids may not be able to wait for a break to go toilet

[@gregstokes7169]

Great stuff. Common sense for most but then again some folks never learned basic manners at home.

[@SA_7_7_7]

Oss

[@arnulfoaguirrejr3060]

not sure if this goes for all academies but ive been told at mine that f you see a blackbelt before class starts or at an open mat to go and shake their hands and bow as a sign of respect.

[@TheGrapplingAcademy]

That is an interesting cultural insight! (-: Coach Tom Davey

[@arnulfoaguirrejr3060]

I was told its a sign of respect for their years of training .I'm a newer older white belt {58} and this part of my life is really fun.. getting to become friends with so many people and watching them compete in jiu jitsu tourneys and mma fights is amazing .Thanks for all the really helpful videos coach

[@tiredrummertube]

Shaking alot of hands spread a lot of germs; not good

[@RAPEDBYBLACKS]

@@tiredrummertube you are laying face first in their asshole and crotch are you serious about the hand shaking germ spreading? bjj is the dirtiest sport

[@Lyssa6678]

Is bowing an Australian thing? I train mma and bjj at the same gym and I’ve never seen anyone not even the coach’s bow.

[@MRphipps54]

No, bowing is not an Australian thing lol. Plenty of schools in the US bow

[@radimsandr5141]

Many people in our gym go take a piss barefoot and then get right on the mat. I hate it.

[@RAPEDBYBLACKS]

why are you barefoot outside

[@nigelgolightly8327]

wow a lot of petulant children in here masquerading as adults who need to go potty time NOW OR ELSE

[@TheGrapplingAcademy]

😂😂😂😂

[@matteomondo1421]

Or maybe they got a medical issue they don't want everyone to know about.

[@max9877]

Go easier on the bows and paternalism “professor”. We are grown men and this is not karate. Also calling a gym an “academy” really doesn’t give you the tools to call yourself a “professor”. You’re a coach, stick to it.

[@Sand966]

Muslims don't bow

[@Bradley9967]

Do they actually not? I understand some what the issue but here it is a sign of respect not worshiping the person as if they are God.

[@Sand966]

@@Bradley9967 I understand but it's a principal that a man/ woman do not bow to any one, respecting others with humbleness is definitley a requirement, thats why I wrote that comment cause people may not understand. Peace Love and respect 🤜🏾🤛🏿

[@Sand966]

@Ballsdeep Singh your provocative opinion could be offensive if it mattered . it doesn't. We say Asalmu Alikom . Peace be Upon you, we shake hands, we hug, we respect. Habib Nour Mohamedov and Mohammed Ali and many others are great representatives of Islam. One can't judge fundamentals by poor actions of people who carry a title but don't practice the fundamentals, nore should one generalize this is a planet for all and respect is a right for all in a world that requires coexistence. Peace