In Gracie Barra academies all over the world students are returning to training after the holidays and new students are tying on a belt for the first time and stepping on the mats for jiu-jitsu classes.

This is a good time to remind students of the etiquette and rules of the Gracie Barra School. Every organization has its own culture and guidelines to ensure the safety and smooth interactions between the members and Gracie Barra schools are no different.

The very nature of jiu-jitsu involves close interaction (both physical and in terms of communication) and Gracie Barra has come up with a set of guidelines to create the best possible atmosphere in jiu-jitsu class and ensure that the student experience of training at a Gracie Barra school is the same wherever you go in the world.

Some GB acadmeies may have a list of these etiquette guidelines posted on the wall, but we will go through them again here for everyone’s benefit.

Bow to Carlos Gracie Sr. when you enter the training area.
Bow to Carlos Gracie Sr. when you exit the training area.
Keep a respectful posture in the training area.
Classes begin with a formal bow to the instructor, with students lining up in descending grade order.
Classes end with a formal bow to the picture of Grand Master Carlos Gracie Senior, and then to the instructor.
All students must line up with the attendance card in hand at the beginning of the class.
During class, when the instructor is demonstrating the techniques, every student must sit or stand in good posture.
If you are late for class sit by the side of the training area and wait for the permission from the Professor.
If you need to leave the mat or leave earlier you must ask permission from the Professor.
Bow to your partner before and after practice.
Talking should be kept to a minimum level and should relate to the class subject.
Absolutely no foul language inside the school.
Keep fingernails and toenails short for everyone’s safety.
All students, Instructors, Professors, and visitors must wear the official Gracie Barra uniform. The uniform pants and top must be the same color.
It is mandatory to wear the official Gracie Barra black rash guard or Gracie Barra training shirt underneath the kimono.
It is mandatory to have underwear underneath the gi pants.
For No Gi Classes, students must wear a Gracie Barra black boardshort (or black short) as well as Gracie Barra Black Rash Guard or Gracie Barra training shirt.
The uniform must be clean at all times. A dirty uniform is a sign of disrespect.
The uniform must be worn at all times.
When tying the uniform, students must face the edge of the mats.
The belt represents your progress. Keep it on.
Refer to non black-belt instructors as “Coaches”.
Refer to black-belt instructors as “Professors” and to Carlos Gracie Jr. as “Master”.
All metal objects, jewelry, piercing, necklaces and other items should be removed.
No shoes, food or drink on the mat.
No cell phones in the training area.
All students and Instructors must wear shoes when walking outside of the training area.

All jiu-jitsu students should familiarize themselves with these guidelines and do their part to contribute to the positive, safe and respectful culture of the Gracie Barra jiu-jitsu classes.

Good training to everyone!

see also : BJJ Quotes: 10 more pieces of BJJ wisdom to inspire and instruct
https://graciebarra.com/2014/08/bjj-quotes-instruct/

Credits: Mark Mullen
Gracie Barra Black belt based in Saigon, Vietnam
Twitter: @MarkMullenBJJ