Gym Etiquette

Gym Etiquette

Welcome to the Austin Jiu-Jitsu Collective, where we foster a community committed to the art and discipline of Jiu-Jitsu. To ensure a harmonious and respectful training environment, we have established comprehensive gym etiquette guidelines covering hygiene specifications, house rules, and training principles. Our collective well-being begins with cleanliness – from washing your gi and belt regularly to sanitizing the mats after each session.

We emphasize the importance of personal hygiene, recommending the use of rash guards underneath your gi and the adherence to grooming practices, such as trimmed nails and a pre-class shower. Our house rules emphasize respect for oneself, instructors, fellow students, and the academy itself, encouraging a positive and inclusive atmosphere. Additionally, we prioritize safety during training, stressing the need for awareness, responsible intensity, and the mutual responsibility of partners to ensure a secure and supportive learning environment. Join us in upholding these principles, and together, let’s elevate our Jiu-Jitsu journey.

Hygiene Specifications

• This is your studio please help keep it clean and clean after
  yourself.
• Keep your training gear clean. Wash your gi and rash guard after
  every session. Wash your belt regularly.
• Rash Guard must be worn underneath Gi.
• You and your uniform should smell clean and welcoming.
• Keep finger and toe nails clipped.
• Showering before class is recommended.
• Sanitize the Mats after every session.
• If you are bleeding, stop training, bandage the wound and clean
  up any mess that you made. When the bandage comes off throw it
  away.
• Please wear foot wear in the restrooms. Clean yourself properly
  and wash your hands thoroughly.
• If the bathroom needs attention let us know.
• No heavy makeup or eyeliner that might stain Gi’s or clothes.
• Never wear shoes on the mat.

House Rules

• Respect yourself, your instructors, other students, and your
  academy.
• Smell good and follow hygiene specifications.
• Check your ego at the door.
• Review the announcement board, emails, social medias,
  schedule, and check lost and found regularly.
• If you have ringworm, staph or any other infectious disease (ie the flu) DO NOT come train. Please stay home.
• Put your belongings away neatly.
• Turn your cell phone to silent or vibrate.
• Put trash in the trash. Throw your tape and band-aids away
  immediately.
• Take your bag, water bottle, and other belongings with you
  when you leave.

Training Rules

• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Adjust your intensity according to the size and skill of your training partner – you should never be going above 80% intensity.
• “Catch and Release” submissions: catch your submission and release your partner before they are injured. If your partner does not tap, let them know they need to. If your partner repeatedly does not tap, alert your instructor. Do not injure them.
• Let your partner know if you need them to train with less intensity. If you repeatedly feel unsafe, alert your instructor.
• Let your partner know if you have any injuries before you train. Don’t make your strength your weakness. Relying on physical talents impedes technical growth. Strengths: physicality, flexibility, speed, toughness, etc.
• Work on your weaknesses in training. Don’t always use your “A Game.” Training is not a competition. The Studio is a lab for improving and testing new things.
• It is both you and your partner’s responsibility to keep each other safe.