Dojo etiquette
At SJJA we tend to teach in a more relaxed and less rigid atmosphere than traditional martial arts. However, in order to maintain a positive learning environment that is both conducive to learning and welcoming to students and visitors we require our students, parents guests, and staff to adhere to the following Dojo Etiquette guidelines.
Always show respect to your instructors, training partners, and fellow human beings. Respect in training means: do not seek to harm fellow students physically (e.g., by cranking a submission harder than necessary to make them tap) or emotionally (i.e., by calling them names or making jokes about hurting them). Respect also means that you must train seriously and hard enough for you and your partner to improve his or her skills, conditioning, and fighting spirit (do not quit mid round). Not giving your best during training detracts from both you and your partner’s experience.
Higher belts have right of way when rolling. If you are unsure of rank, just move. Pause your round and reset to a open spot on the mat and continue.
You are not obligated to roll with anyone you don’t want to. We encourage you to roll with everyone and all skill levels, but its your choice to accept/reject any offer to roll.
If you are not a white belt, you are responsible for your own safety and the safety of your partner. Train hard, but not at the risk of injury. If you are rolling with a white belt, YOU are responsible for their safety. That means letting go of a tight submission, changing positions, and even stopping a round mid roll to keep a new partner safe.
Keep finger and toe nails short and clean to prevent injury to yourself and others.
Bring a clean, dry gi to each class. Also, always keep a rash guard or T-shirt in your gym bag.
Keep shoes off the mat and the common area in the entry of the Academy so that we can keep the mats clean and sanitary.
Do not walk outside with bare feet. If you have to go outside, wear sandals or shoes.
Do not talk while the instructor is talking. It distracts those who are trying to learn and is disrespectful to the teacher, as well as other students.
Stand, sit with your legs crossed, or kneel during class. No lounging.
Wear a compression top/nogi gear under your gi at all times. Please wear your gi, a T-shirt, or a tank top while in public areas of the Dojo.
Do not leave the mat during class without the instructor’s permission.
Keep cell phones off during class.
If the instructor has not changed the task, then continue doing the task he or she has asigned. You can NEVER do a technique too many times.
