Jiu Jitsu Etiquette

Jiu Jitsu is an ancient martial art. If you want to learn it, you have to enroll in a gym and follow Jiu Jitsu etiquette.

Jiu Jitsu etiquette is practiced by everyone and there are no exceptions. If you forget what these are, just remember to follow whatever the senior student lead is doing.

1. You have to wear the proper judo uniform during class but if you don’t have one yet, just come in a T-shirt and sweat pants or shorts.


2. It is going to get hot during the session so bring a towel and be sure to bring a water bottle to avoid dehydration.


3. You are allowed to take notes during class so you can review it when you get home. This should be turned over to your Sensei as this is one of the components that is graded in order for you to get the next belt.


4. The instructor regardless if this person is male or female must be called “Sensei” which means “the one who has gone before.” Outside, this person can be addressed on a first name basis. If the person who is teaching you is not an instructor but is helping you develop proper technique, they can be addressed as Sir or Ma’am. As for your classmates, you can call them using their first names.


5. Aside from calling the instructor Sensei, you also have to bow which is the Jiu Jitsu salute. This is done before working out with a partner and after as this shows respect for each other. The proper way of bowing is to stand with your feet together and with both hands on the front of the thighs. You must maintain eye contact when you bend forward and slide the hands down the thighs for a second before standing up again.


6. The bow should also be done when entering or leaving the mat and dojo. This lets others know you are there to practice with them and also signifies that whatever worries you have are not important so you are focused during class. When the class is done and you bow, you are once again ready to return to reality.


7. If the class has started and you are either entering or leaving the mat, be sure to inform the instructor first so he or she knows where everyone is.


8. There are seating arrangements in a class. Brown belts seat on the left of the instructor, blue and green on the right. White belts which are the beginners will always sit facing the instructor. When signaled, everyone bows to the instructor and he too will do the same.


9. How you sit during a Jiu Jitsu class is important. The proper way is on your knees with your buttocks resting on your feet. The other is to sit cross legged. Any other pose is considered inconsiderate and impolite unless you have an injury.


10. During a match or a Randori, tapping is one way to show submission. This is done by tapping the person or the mat and when this is done, you must stop.


Jiu Jitsu etiquette must be practiced at all times so no one is seriously hurt. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask the Sensei or anyone who is senior.