Welcome to the world of Jiu-Jitsu! 🥋 If you are a white belt, you may feel excited and nervous at the same time. Learning techniques is important, but gym etiquette is just as important! If you do not follow the basic rules, your teammates might not like training with you. 😅 But don’t worry! Today, I’ll explain the must-know gym manners and common mistakes white belts make.

✅ Greet everyone

- Say “Hello” to your coach and teammates.
- A simple nod or bow is also good.

✅ Wear a clean gi

- Your gi and belt should always be clean.
- If your gi smells bad, people will stay away from you. (Seriously! 😅)
- Keep your fingernails and toenails short to avoid scratching others.

✅ Listen carefully to your instructor

- Do not talk when the instructor is teaching.
- If you have questions, wait until the instructor finishes.

✅ Be polite during sparring

- Before sparring, say "Let’s have a good roll!"
- Do not use too much strength. Jiu-Jitsu is about technique, not power.
- If your partner taps, stop immediately!

✅ Clean the mat together

- After class, wipe down the mats with your teammates.
- A clean mat helps everyone stay safe from injuries and infections.

✅ Respect your teammates and coach

- Fold your gi neatly after class.
- Before leaving, say “Thank you!” to your coach and teammates.

❌ Using too much strength

- Jiu-Jitsu is about technique, not power!
- If you rely on strength, you will get tired quickly and improve slowly.

❌ Not tapping or tapping too late

- If you don’t tap early, you can get hurt. 😨
- Always tap quickly and clearly to stay safe.

❌ Focusing only on flashy moves

- White belts sometimes want to try cool techniques, but basic moves are more important!
- Learn strong guard passing, sweeps, and escapes first.

❌ Tying the belt loosely

- If your belt keeps falling off during training, it wastes time.
- Learn how to tie your belt properly. You can find videos online!

✅ Ask questions
- Be humble and ask your coach or senior teammates for advice.
- Most people are happy to help if you ask politely!

✅ Master the basics
- Learn guard passing, position control, and submissions before fancy moves.
- A strong foundation helps you progress faster.

✅ Train consistently
- Jiu-Jitsu is a long journey, not a quick race.
- Train at least 2–3 times a week to see steady progress.

Good etiquette makes you a better Jiu-Jitsu student!
If you show respect and follow the rules, your training partners will be happy to help you improve.

🥋 "Good manners are just as important as good technique!"
Enjoy the journey, train hard, and respect your teammates. OSS! 👊