Dojo Etiquette
Respect the Mats. Respect Your Team. Respect Yourself.
At Grand Union, Jiu Jitsu is about much more than learning techniques.
The way we behave on the mats reflects the values we want to develop through training: respect, discipline, humility, responsibility and consideration for others.
Our Dojo Etiquette applies to everyone who trains at Grand Union, regardless of age, experience or belt level. These simple standards help us maintain a safe, clean, positive and respectful training environment where everyone can learn and progress together.
OUR 12 DOJO RULES
1. Respect Our Academy
Maintain respectful attitudes, language and behaviour. Everyone who walks through our doors should feel welcome and respected.
2. Keep the Mats Clean
No shoes, food or drinks on the training mats. Keeping our training environment clean is everyone's responsibility.
3. Show Respect on the Mat
Respect your instructors, higher belts and training partners. Follow the rules and hierarchy of the academy.
4. Be on Time and Ready to Train
Arrive with enough time to change and prepare for class. If you arrive late, ask the instructor's permission before joining.
5. Line Up Correctly
At the beginning and end of class, students line up according to belt rank.
6. No Unnecessary Talking During Class
Give your instructor your full attention during demonstrations and instruction. This shows respect and helps everyone learn.
7. Train Smart
Leave your ego outside the academy. Train with control, look after your training partners and respect both your limits and theirs.
We are here to help each other improve — not to hurt each other.
8. Personal Hygiene
Wash your Gi and No-Gi uniform after every training session. Keep your nails short and maintain clean feet and good personal hygiene.
9. Wear Footwear Off the Mat
Always wear shoes or flip-flops when leaving the training area, particularly when using changing rooms or toilets. Never bring footwear onto the mats.
10. Remove Jewellery
Rings, necklaces, watches, piercings and other hard or metal objects must be removed before training whenever possible to protect you and your training partners.
11. Train Healthy
Do not train if you are sick, have a contagious skin condition, open wounds or an injury that could put yourself or others at risk. If you're unsure, speak to an instructor before training.
12. Wear Grand Union Uniform
Represent your academy and your team with pride. Students are expected to follow Grand Union's uniform requirements during training.
THE CULTURE WE WANT TO BUILD
Rules aren't there simply to tell people what they can't do.
They exist to protect the environment we've built together.
When you train at Grand Union, your training partners trust you with their safety. In return, you trust them with yours. That requires respect, control and responsibility from everyone on the mats.
We expect experienced students to lead by example and newer students to learn these standards as part of their Jiu Jitsu journey.
No individual is more important than the team.
ONE TEAM. ONE STANDARD.
Train hard. Train safely. Respect your partners. Look after the academy.
And most importantly, help make Grand Union a place where people enjoy coming to train.