BJJ Etiquette: Unwritten Rules Every Beginner Should Know

Starting Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for the first time can feel intimidating—not because of the techniques, but because of the unwritten rules.

The good news? BJJ etiquette isn’t about being perfect. It’s about respect, safety, and being a good training partner. At Garage Jiu Jitsu CBD, beginners are always welcome, and no one expects you to know everything on day one.

Here’s a simple guide to the most important BJJ etiquette rules every beginner should know.

1. Show Up Clean (This One Matters)

Good hygiene is one of the most important and most appreciated rules in any Jiu Jitsu gym.

Before class:

• Shower and wear clean training gear

• Trim your nails (hands and feet)

• Brush your teeth or avoid strong odours

  
  

Jiu Jitsu is a close-contact sport. Cleanliness shows respect for your training partners and helps prevent skin infections.

2. Tap Early, Tap Often

Tapping is not a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of intelligence.

If you’re caught in a submission:

• Tap your partner, the mat, or say “tap”

• Don’t try to tough it out

• Your partner should immediately let go

  
  

In BJJ, everyone taps—from first-day beginners to black belts. Staying safe means you get to keep training long-term.

3. Respect the Tap (Always)

Just as important as tapping is respecting the tap.

The moment your partner taps:

• Release the submission immediately

• No extra pressure

• No finishing for “just one more second”

  
  

Trust is everything in Jiu Jitsu. Respecting the tap keeps training safe and enjoyable for everyone.

4. Go Light With Training Partners

Especially as a beginner, your goal is learning, not winning.

• Match your partner’s intensity

• Avoid sudden, explosive movements

• Focus on technique over strength

  
  

If you’re unsure how hard to go, just ask. At Garage Jiu Jitsu CBD, our instructors help guide beginners so everyone can train safely and productively.

5. Ask Questions (At the Right Time)

Asking questions is encouraged—but timing matters.

Good times to ask:

• After a drill

• Between rounds

• After class

  
  

During instruction, try to listen first. Coaches are always happy to help once the technique has been shown.

6. Keep Your Ego in Check

One of the biggest culture shocks for new students is this: you will get submitted by smaller, lighter, more experienced people.

That’s normal.

BJJ rewards:

• Patience

• Humility

• Consistency

  
  

Leave your ego at the door and focus on improving one step at a time.

7. Lining Up and Bowing (Acknowledging each other)

Many gyms have traditions at the start and end of class, such as lining up or acknowledging each other.

Even if it feels unfamiliar:

• Follow along

• Ask if you’re unsure

• Respect the gym culture

  
  

It’s about showing appreciation for the instruction and each other not formality for formality’s sake.

8. Don’t Coach Unless Asked

Even if you think you know the answer, avoid coaching other students unless:

• You’re invited to help

• You’re paired with a beginner and told to assist

• You’re more experienced and guided by the coach

  
  

Conflicting advice can confuse beginners and disrupt class flow.

9. Be Patient With Yourself

This might be the most important rule of all.

You will:

• Forget techniques

• Get stuck in bad positions

• Feel overwhelmed at times

  
  

That’s part of the process. Everyone in the room has been there before.

BJJ Etiquette Is About Respect

At its core, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu etiquette comes down to:

• Respect for your training partners

• Respect for the instructor

• Respect for yourself

  
  

At Garage Jiu Jitsu CBD, we pride ourselves on a friendly, welcoming environment where beginners can learn without pressure. If you’re unsure about anything, just ask—no one expects you to know it all on day one.

Thinking about trying your first class? Our Introduction to Jiu Jitsu session is a great place to start.