A BJJ Beginner’s Guide to Jiu Jitsu Culture and Gym Etiquette
One of the scariest things about trying a new sport or hobby is the fear that you’ll accidentally embarrass yourself. I created this guide to answer some common questions about Jiu Jitsu etiquette, traditions, and culture as a way to help anyone thinking about trying a Jiu Jitsu class to know what to expect.
1. What do you call a Jiu Jitsu teacher?
A: In traditional martial arts academies, the instructor is called “sensei,” which is a Japanese term that means “teacher.” In Brazil, where Brazilian Jiu Jitsu originated, the Portuguese word for teacher, “professor” was used instead, and many Jiu Jitsu academies still require students to use that word when addressing an instructor.
However, there are also many BJJ gyms with a less traditional culture that have intentionally deviated from this tradition. At these schools, the instructor may be called “coach” or simply by their name.
It’s a good idea to listen for the term other students are using before deciding how to address the instructor, and if in doubt, go with “professor” unless instructed otherwise.
2. Do I have to bow in Jiu Jitsu class?
Traditional Jiu Jitsu academies have retained the Japanese tradition of doing a quick bow (slightly dipping the head with hands placed on the thighs) when stepping onto and off of the mat, usually toward a picture of Jiu Jitsu’s founder. This has nothing to do with spirituality but is a sign of respect in Asian culture. One bows to elders or ancestors as a way of honoring and expressing thanks for their work and legacy.
Many Jiu Jitsu classes by having students line up in rank order and bow to their professor and all of the black belts, and they may do this again at the end of class. If students line up at a no-gi class, you’ll have to ask the rank of some of the other students so you know which end of the line to go to.
However, many BJJ schools have abandoned these traditions, and none of them require students to bow if they don’t feel comfortable with it for religious reasons.
Another thing to note is that, unlike in Judo and striking martial arts, it is not traditional to bow at the beginning of a sparring match. Instead, a match begins after competitors slap hands and fist bump.
If you’re not sure whether to bow, watch to see what other students do. Also, it never hurts to do it even if it isn’t a requirement.
3. How do I do a proper Fist Bump?
There’s nothing more awkward than one person going for a fist bump while the other person is going for a handshake. In Jiu Jitsu, friends and training partners greet each other and start sparring matches with a hand slap and fist bump that looks like this:
4. What does OSS mean and why do people say it?
In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, “oss” is a versatile term that’s used to show respect, acknowledgment, and a positive attitude. It’s like saying “got it,” “thank you,” or even “let’s do this!” For example, if your instructor demonstrates a new technique, you might respond with “oss” to show you’re ready to learn. Or, at the end of a class, everyone might say it together as a way to show unity and respect for the training. It’s a simple word with a lot of meaning, symbolizing humility, perseverance, and mutual respect in the BJJ community.
I’m gonna be honest…I had Chat GPT write that last paragraph because I’ve never heard anyone at my gym say “oss” in the six years I’ve been training. My instructor is from England; perhaps that’s why? And since most of my fellow teammates have never trained anywhere other than at our gym, none of them say it either. I believe it may be more common to say in Brazil or at gyms with a head instructor who is Brazilian, but I’m not sure.
5. Can I Wear Shoes During Jiu Jitsu?
One rule that is the same at every gym no matter where you go is that shoes are absolutely not allowed on the mat. This is a matter of hygiene as well as respect.
However, it’s equally important that you never walk into the bathroom barefoot, as this can transmit germs and bacteria from the bathroom floor onto the mat.
To make it easy to step onto and off of the mat, most students wear slip-on shoes such as flip flops or slides. These are typically left on the side of the mat or placed in a designated shoe area.
6. Can I wear socks on the mat?
Socks are not worn in Jiu Jitsu for a few reasons. First of all, because your training partner doesn’t want to have to touch or smell your dirty socks. But also, because many BJJ techniques require creating traction by pushing off the mat with your feet.
If you have a serious problem with cold feet or some other medical reason for needing to wear socks, you can purchase specialty grappling socks which have rubber grips on the bottom. Just be sure they are clean at the beginning of class and that you don’t wear them off the mats.
7. Where should I put my Stuff During Class?
Most gyms have a designated spot for students to place gym bags, water bottles, and shoes while training. As soon as you arrive at a new gym, ask a staff member or another student where you should place these items.
8. What Rules of Hygeine and Safety Do I Need to Follow?
Here are some tips and practices that will keep you and your training partners safe:
- Make sure your gi or other training attire are freshly laundered. Always wash your gi after each class, even if you don’t think it smells bad.
- Don’t train if you are sick or have any kind skin infection. Keep open wounds such as blisters and mat burns carefully covered.
- Remove watches and all jewelry. If you have jewelry that’s unable to be removed, cover it with athletic tape. If you want to wear a fitness tracker, cover it with a sweatband or wear it inside a soft armband.
- Make sure you are clean and are wearing deodorant. It’s also considerate to brush your teeth or use mouthwash or at least pop a breath mint before class.
- Trim your fingernails and toenails and tie back or cover long hair.
- Don’t wear clothing with zippers or loose pockets that could hurt your training partner.
- Don’t wear loose or torn clothing. It gets in the way while rolling and can be really annoying for your training partners.
9. Is it Common to Socialize With or Date Other Students Outside of Class?
One of the biggest benefits of training Jiu Jitsu is that it can help you meet other people and feel like part of a community. It’s common to make friends at Jiu Jitsu class that you end up hanging out with outside of class. Many people have also found their life partner through Jiu Jitsu.
Just keep in mind that any personal issues that might arise between you an another student outside of class can impact your training. For this reason, many students prefer to avoid casually dating their classmates. Remember: you don’t have to engage in any interaction you’re not comfortable with. Equally, if you have a crush on someone at your gym, it’s important to “read the room” and not keep pushing it if they don’t seem interested.
10. What else do I need to know about BJJ Etiquette?
Here are some tips for BJJ etiquette that I’ve picked up as a result of training at lots of different gyms:
- Some gyms have strict uniform requirements, such as only allowing gi’s that are white or have the team logo on them, or requiring that shorts be worn over leggings or spats or that a shirt be worn under a gi.
- Don’t talk while the instructor is talking. This is basic respect, but you’d be surprised how often students are having a side conversation and making it hard for others to hear.
- Don’t chat about off-topic subjects while drilling. It’s good to be friendly with your training partner, but asking them too many questions while their trying to drill takes away from their learning.
- If you collide with another pair of students while rolling, give upper belts the right of way.
- Defer to black and brown belts as long as you feel comfortable doing so. If an upper level belt is giving you feedback or telling you what to do, as a lower belt you should listen and show respect. However, that doesn’t mean you should do something you don’t feel comfortable with. Never be afraid to advocate for yourself, regardless of belt rank.
