When starting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, there are several unwritten rules that beginners should be aware of to ensure a positive training experience. BJJ black belts Keenan Cornelius and Andris Brunovskis share essential guidelines that every newcomer should follow.
1. Avoid “Dick Moves”
Don’t use painful tactics like driving elbows into thighs or applying pressure points. These moves might work temporarily but aren’t proper technique and won’t make you any friends on the mat.
2. No Finger Grabbing
Never grab or manipulate individual fingers. This can cause serious injury, especially since many practitioners already deal with finger soreness from grip training.
3. No Pressure Points or Jabbing
Avoid stabbing fingers into sensitive areas like ribs, armpits, or the neck. Stick to proper techniques taught by your instructor.
4. No Slamming
Never slam your training partners, as this can cause serious injury or even death. This applies to takedowns and when someone is in your guard.
5. Match Your Partner’s Intensity
When rolling with smaller partners or women, match their strength level rather than using your full power. This creates a better learning environment for both participants.
6. Don’t Coach as a Beginner
Avoid trying to teach other beginners. Leave the instruction to your coach, who is paid to provide proper guidance.
7. Tap Early, Tap Often
Don’t wait until the last second to tap when caught in a submission. This is especially important during technique practice.
8. Respect the Technique
When practicing new moves, allow your partner to execute them without resistance. Save the resistance for sparring sessions.
9. Avoid the “Patronizing Coach” Syndrome
Don’t walk partners through techniques in a condescending manner, especially with women or less experienced practitioners.
10. Communicate Injuries
Always inform your training partners about any injuries you’re nursing, so they can avoid aggravating them.
11. Read the Room
Pay attention to your gym’s culture and etiquette, especially regarding asking upper belts to roll.
12. Don’t Be a Spaz
Control your movements and stick to techniques you’ve been taught rather than wild, unpredictable movements.
13. You Can Say No
It’s perfectly acceptable to decline rolling with someone if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable with their style.
14. Respect Size Differences
When rolling with smaller partners, focus on technique rather than using your size advantage.
15. Stay Within Your Skill Level
Don’t try to teach or explore techniques beyond what you’ve been taught. Focus on mastering the basics first.
Following these unwritten rules will help beginners integrate better into the BJJ community and create a safer, more enjoyable training environment for everyone. Remember, the goal is to learn and improve together, not to prove dominance or risk injury to yourself or others.
