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Rules

Spartan Grappling Academy Etiquette

Respect & Hygiene:

  • Cleanliness: Maintain good hygiene by showering before class, wearing clean Gi or No-Gi uniforms, and keeping your nails trimmed.
  • Rashguards: Rashguards are mandatory for all Gi and No-Gi classes.
  • Footwear: Wear shoes off the mat and only use them for restroom breaks.
  • Deodorant and Respectful Conduct: Deodorant is essential, and bullying or disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated.

Bowing:

  • Show Respect: Always bow when entering or leaving the mat to acknowledge the instructor and your training environment.
  • Lateness: If you arrive late, wait quietly at the edge of the mat until acknowledged by the coach. Then, greet the coach and shake hands with any black belts present.

Lining Up:

  • Belt Order & Respect: Face the instructor while lining up. Higher belts line up to the instructor’s left, while lower belts form a line to the right.
  • Preparing for Class: If you need to tie your belt, face away from the instructor and return promptly.
  • Mat Use: If you need to leave the mat for any reason (except emergencies), politely ask the instructor for permission.

Rolling (Sparring):

  • Partner Respect: Before rolling, greet your partner with a handshake or fist bump. Repeat this greeting whenever you reset positions during the roll. Remember, your training partner helps you improve, so treat them with respect.

  • Safety & Awareness:

    • Maintain safe spacing while rolling.
    • If someone near you is close to submitting their opponent or in a scramble, move to avoid accidental injuries.
    • Be mindful of your partner’s age, size, skill level, and athletic ability. Focus on out-techniquing them, not overpowering them. This will benefit your learning and make training enjoyable for everyone.
    • Wrist and Leg Attacks: Wrist and leg attacks are generally not allowed for white belts (with no stripes) to ensure safety for beginners. Discuss any wrist/leg attack techniques with your coach before attempting them.

  • Tapping Out:

    • Always respect the tap! This applies regardless of pressure, submission type, or even if your partner is the coach. Partner safety is paramount. We train together, so respecting taps allows everyone to continue learning.

Drilling:

  • Focus & Learning: Drill techniques diligently until the coach instructs you to stop.
  • Asking Questions: If you have questions during drilling, feel free to ask the instructor for clarification. However, wait for a pause in the instruction before speaking up.

Parents of Students:

  • Support, Not Coaching: We appreciate your support! However, please refrain from coaching your child from the sidelines. Jiu-Jitsu is complex, and proper technique takes time and dedication to master. Trust the coaches to guide your child’s learning journey.
  • Promotions: Promotions are based on factors like attendance, skill development, and time spent training. They are not awarded at every class. Talk to your child beforehand about promotions to manage expectations and avoid disappointment.

Miscellaneous:

  • No Horseplay: Maintain a focused and respectful environment. Horseplay is not allowed on the mat.
  • Warm-Up: Participate in the general warm-up unless your coach grants you permission to do a different warm-up routine.
  • Competing: If you plan to compete in a tournament, discuss it with the coaches beforehand.
  • Visiting Other Gyms: If you plan to train at another gym, familiarize yourself with their etiquette guidelines beforehand. Our coaches can help you find reputable gyms if needed.