COMMUNITY GUIDELINES

We show respect to everyone on the mat.

•Do your best to show up on time.

•Use respectful language in the space. 

•Bow, shake hands, or fist bump at the beginning of a sparring round to show you are both ready.

•Try to remember to bow when you step on and off the mat.

•At Niji, anyone can ask anyone to train, but in the larger BJJ community there is a tradition that lower belts do not ask upper belts to spar. When you visit another school, go to an open mat, or we have a visiting upper belt at Niji, please observe this tradition.

•At Niji, teachers go by their first names; however, it is common to call BJJ Black Belts “professor,” “coach,” or sometimes “sensei.” If you’re not sure what to call someone, just ask.

•At many schools, it is expected for lower belts to greet all Black Belts individually with a handshake and bow when they enter the space. Please observe this tradition if you attend another school or we have a visiting Black Belt at Niji.

•Avoid talking about other schools in a disparaging way.

We work together to maintain a safe, healthy, hygienic environment.

•Please stay home if you have symptoms of a contagious infection (e.g. cold, flu, Covid, or skin infection).

•Cover any cuts or scrapes securely with a bandage and tape. If you have a wound that can’t be covered sufficiently, stay off the mat until it heals.

•Make sure your body, clothing, and gear are clean. Wash your knee pads. Use a fresh gi/rashguard/spats every training session.

•Keep your fingernails and toenails clean and trimmed.

•If you step outside or visit the restroom, put your shoes back on so your bare feet don’t track dirt and germs from outside the dojo back onto the mat.

•Tap early and often.

•If you have a sub and your partner isn’t tapping, let go anyway. You know you got it and it’s not worth hurting them.

•When training no gi, wear clothing with no pockets, zippers or buttons. 

•Remove all removable jewelry.

•Participate in group cleaning of pads/mitts after class, if applicable.

•Mats are swept, cleaned, and disinfected by instructors between every block of classes. Students are encouraged to help, if you have the time and inclination.

We are a body positive, LGBTQIA+ inclusive, trauma-informed space.

•You have the right to say “no” to anyone asking you to drill or train.

•If you ask someone to train with you and they say no, don’t pressure them by asking again or trying to coerce them.

•We honor all bodies as valuable. 

•Minimize/avoid talking about restrictive diets, weight-cutting techniques, and general weight gain or loss. 

•Use the pronouns people say they use; avoid misgendering folks.

•Don’t out people or conjecture about others’ sexuality or identity; this is their business to share.

•When you’re working with someone new, make sure you receive consent before touching them.

•Let people know in advance if you’re going to reference assault or other potentially triggering scenarios (especially in the self-defense class).

•Don’t hit on people or use suggestive language on the mat or at Niji events. 

•Sexual/romantic relationships between teachers and students are prohibited (unless the relationship was established prior to attending Niji).

Please voice any thoughts or concerns to the coaches. If an issue comes up, we want to hear from you!