The finest sports clubs and teams have the finest discipline; that is a proven fact. The discipline shows in the way the students pay attention both to their efforts and to the instructor, and in the way they sit, stand, and practice. To make sure that students are started right in learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo, they should know the rules of discipline.

1. Loyalty. You must have loyalty to your team above all else. It is impossible to learn grappling techniques alone. Your teammates are very important. When you compete you represent your instructor, your team and yourself last. The school is simply a sum of all its parts. Each individual helps define the team. You must conduct yourself in a good manner during training and in public. In tournaments you must fight like a lion, win or lose.
2. The Dojo. The practice hall, or area, is called the dojo (a place for learning the way). The students pay attention both to their efforts and to the instructor, and in the way they sit, stand, and practice. Make sure you are on time to class and when late receive permission to bow onto the mat.
3. Sitting in the Dojo. Students should sit in either the crosslegged (anza) or legs doubled under (seiza) position when on the mat.
4. Safety on the Mat. All students must be alert when on the mat in order to avoid getting in the way of other students, or pushing or throwing their opponents into other students. When a student goes to the edge of the mat to rest or rearrange his uniform, he will always sit or stand facing the center of the mat so that he can see the other players and not be injured. When playing, keep in mind the second principle of judo; “mutual benefit and welfare.” Try never to injure a teammate, and you will not be injured. Accidents and injuries come primarily from carelessness, not from technique.
5. Personal Hygiene. Keep your finger and toenails clean and cut short. The feet, hands, hair and all the body should be clean. The uniform should be clean at all times. All players should wear their hair in such a way that it is not loose.
6. Courtesy to the Instructor. All students should pay close attention to the instructor and should never talk when the instructor is talking or demonstrating a technique. The greatest courtesy the student can show an instructor is to work very hard at what he/she is being taught.
7. Respect Among Students. All students must seek ways to help fellow students learn. Advice and help are in order at all times. The way to win the respect of one’s fellow students is to fight for it by doing one’s very best at all times. No matter what his or her rank or skill level is, the student who does his or her very best earns the respect and admiration of all.
8. Learn Attitudes as well as Technique. Humbleness comes through hours of hard work on the mat. It is said that things are never as good or as bad as they seem. There is always another way around a position on the mat or a situation in life. The key is to adapt and overcome all obstacles, that is the Jiu-Jitsu way.

• Always pay your tuition on time. That is the student’s responsibility.
• Always receive permission from your instructor before attending another class.
• If you must be absent for a long period of time call to let your instructor know.