Dojo Etiquette

DOJO ETIQUETTE – STUDENTS

• Bow to the center of the mat when you enter.
• Bow to the center of the mat when you exit.
• Keep a respectful posture in the dojo.
• Classes begin with a formal bow to the professor(s) with students lining up in descending order.
• Classes end with a formal bow to the masters and then to the professor(s).
• If you are late, sit by the side of the mat and wait for permission to join. Students will not be allowed to join class if they are more than 10 minutes late.
• If you need to leave the mat or leave class earlier, you must ask permission from the professor.
• During class, when the professor is demonstrating the technique, students should sit silently with their back on the wall and legs crossed.
• Talking should be kept to a minimum and relate to the class subject.
• No foul language inside the school.
• Bow and shake hands with your partner before and after training.
• Keep finger and toe nails short for everyone’s safety.
• All students must wear an official Gracie Gym uniform. The top and bottom of the gi must be the same color.
• Approved colors of gis are blue, white and pink. Kids are allowed to wear a colored gi once they have achieved the rank of grey-white belt.
• It is mandatory to wear a shirt or rash guard underneath the gi top.
• Your gi must be clean at all times. A dirty gi is a sign of disrespect.
• The gi must be worn at all times.
• When fixing your gi or belt, face the wall.
• The belt represents your progress, so keep it on.
• Refer to all black belt instructors as “professor”.
• All accessories must be removed before training. (necklaces, rings, etc.)
• No shoes, socks, food or drink allowed on the mat.
• Shoes or sandals MUST be worn when entering the restroom for any reason. Students will NOT be allowed on the mat if found violating this rule.
• Students are not permitted on the mat at any time other than during their designated class time.
• No running or screaming.
• Please bring a towel to clean up after yourself after each roll.
• Behavior that is repeatedly disrespectful could result in dismissal from the gym.

DOJO ETIQUETTE – PARENTS

• Please, no coaching from the sideline. This can be discouraging and create conflict.
• Keep all other children off the mat during class.
• Please have cell phones on silent to keep distractions to a minimum.