BJJ Etiquette: Learn the Do’s & Don’ts
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu isn’t just about techniques — it’s a culture built on respect, humility, and shared growth. Every academy has its own personality, but the core values of BJJ remain the same: train hard, stay humble, and treat your teammates like family. This guide will help you navigate the unspoken rules, understand promotion traditions, train with multiple skill levels, and represent yourself well when visiting other gyms.
Whether you’re a brand-new white belt or a seasoned traveler on the mats, following proper etiquette will help you find an academy culture that fits your personality while earning the respect of your training partners.
Understand BJJ Etiquette in this Series
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BJJ ETIQUETTE:
BJJ Rules for Beginners: 10 Helpful Unwritten Etiquette Tips
Respect the culture from your first day with these 10 unwritten rules. Learn how to move on the mat, address higher belts, and represent yourself in a way that earns respect.
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BJJ ETIQUETTE:
How to Earn Respect from Higher Belts
Discover how to build trust with experienced teammates and get the most out of every training round without overstepping boundaries.
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BJJ ETIQUETTE:
What to Do (and Not Do) Before and After Class
From arriving early to keeping the mats clean, these habits help you blend seamlessly into the academy’s routine and avoid common new-student mistakes.
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BJJ ETIQUETTE:
Earn Respect in BJJ| How White Belts Gain Trust
Respect is one of the most valuable things you can earn as a beginner in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. This guide shows white belts how to build trust with higher belts through humility, safety, and proper etiquette — both on and off the mats. Learn what behaviors help you gain respect, avoid common mistakes, and grow within the culture of Jiu Jitsu.
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BJJ ETIQUETTE:
Why Upper Belts Sometimes Avoid New White Belts
Gain insight into why senior students may be selective with their training partners, and discover practical strategies to earn more opportunities to roll, drill, and learn directly from their experience.
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BJJ ETIQUETTE:
Rolling Etiquette and When to Ask Higher Belts
Discover the etiquette behind asking a training partner to roll, including how to show respect on the mats and why patience sometimes shows more maturity than eagerness. Learn not just how to request a roll the right way, but also when it’s smarter to wait your turn and observe.
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BJJ ETIQUETTE:
Why Stripe Promotions Matter (Even if You Don’t Think So)
Promotions in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu aren’t just about receiving a new belt — the stripes you earn along the way play a major role in your journey. Each stripe represents steady growth, discipline, and time spent learning the finer details of the art. They’re a visible reminder of your progress and a way for instructors to acknowledge your dedication. Stripes also serve as milestones that break the long road between belts into smaller, achievable steps, helping you stay motivated while honoring the tradition and respect built into Jiu Jitsu.
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BJJ ETIQUETTE:
How to Be a Safer Rolling Partner at Any Belt Level
Safety and control are the marks of a good teammate. Learn how to protect both yourself and your partner in every roll.
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