Rules and Etiquette

  • Rule number one is HAVE FUN! We are a team, but we treat each other like a family. Therefore, the Golden Rule
    of Jiu-jitsu is to take care of your training partners and avoid injury.

  • Tap today, train tomorrow! When caught in a submission hold, tap firmly on your partner. If you are unable to reach
    your partner, tap firmly on the mat with hands or feet. You should also say “Tap!” loudly with your voice.

  • Due to the up close nature of training in Royce Gracie Jiu-jitsu, please use good hygiene. Wash your Gi after every
    class, and make sure your fingernails and toenails are short. Also keep “outside shoes” off the mat.

  • Listen to your body! If you are becoming over-heated or exhausted, simply take a short rest by sitting on the sidelines.
    Also, make sure you drink plenty of fluids and eat properly on days when you will train.

  • Respect your training partners, your instructors, and your gym. In Royce Gracie Jiu-jitsu, respect is not about using
    fancy titles or archaic customs. Instead, respect is exemplified by training hard and being a good teammate. Adults
    are free to refer to their instructor and fellow students on a first name basis. Children under 18 should refer to their
    instructor as “Coach”.

  • Except during MMA and Vale Tudo training, no punching, kicking, elbows, knees, or other strikes unless specifically
    directed and supervised by your instructor. Never ever, pull hair, gouge eyes, or head butt.

  • No grabbing single fingers “small joint manipulation”. Always grab all fingers at once.

  • No “grinding” forearms or other body parts into the chin or face to achieve a choke.

  • No slamming to avoid a submission, to open guard, or cause pain during a takedown.

  • Never take someone down directly on their head “No spiking”.

  • The only lower body submission allowed for white belts is the straight Achilles lock. No heel hooks, knee bars, banana
    splits, or toe holds. Blue belts and above may use all lower body submissions, as long as it is agreed prior to sparring
    and down in a controlled fashion.

  • This is only a partial list. Always use clean technique and respect your training partner to avoid injury. If you have a
    specific question on what is or is not allowed during training, immediately ask your instructor.