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Our Culture of Respect: Etiquette & Hygiene at Crown BJJ

At Crown BJJ, our etiquette and hygiene standards are the foundation of our safe, respectful, and empowering community. These guidelines ensure every student can train with confidence and focus on their growth.

Mat Etiquette: The Foundation of Respect

Our traditions create a focused and respectful training environment for everyone

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Bowing

Always bow when entering and leaving the mat space. This simple act signifies respect for the training area and your partners.

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Line Up by Rank

t the beginning and end of class, we line up according to rank to show respect for the instructors and the lineage of our art.

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Handshakes

 After training sessions or rolling, shake your partner's hand to show gratitude and sportsmanship.

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Listen to the Instructor

When the instructor is teaching, stop what you are doing, listen attentively, and refrain from talking.

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Tap Early, Tap Often

Tapping is a sign of learning, not weakness. Tap to prevent injury and reset, and always respect your partner's tap immediately.

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Be a Good Partner

 Train in a way that helps your partners improve. Be coachable, control your movements, and match your partner's intensity.

Arrivals & Late Protocol

Punctuality shows respect for your coaches and classmates.

Arrive Early

Aim to arrive at least 10 minutes before your class starts to change, prepare your gear, and warm up.

If You're Late

We understand life happens. If you arrive late, please wait at the edge of the mat until the instructor acknowledges you and waves you on. Give a quick bow and join the class without disrupting others.

Re-entering Class

If you need to leave the mat for water or the restroom, ask the instructor for permission first.

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Schedule Changes

Check our Observed Holiday Schedule for any class changes or closures.

View Full Schedule

Attire & Required Gear

Proper attire is essential for safety and effective training

Required Gear

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    Clean Uniform: A clean Gi is required for all Gi classes. After enrolling, students should wear an academy-branded Gi.
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    No-Gi: A rashguard and shorts/spats are required.
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    Hair & Nails: Long hair must be tied back. Fingernails and toenails must be trimmed short and kept clean.

Not Allowed

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    No Jewelry or Piercings: Remove all jewelry, watches, and piercings before class to prevent injury.
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    No Zippers or Pockets: Training attire must be free of zippers, buttons, or pockets that could snag or scratch a partner.
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    Makeup: Please remove makeup before training to keep our mats and your partners' uniforms clean.

Hygiene Standards for a Healthy Gym

Your health and the health of our community are our top priority

Required Gear

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    Shower regularly and wear deodorant
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    Cover all cuts, scrapes, or open wounds completely with athletic tape or a bandage
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    Stay home when sick or if you have any skin infections
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    Wash your Gi, rashguard, and all training gear after every single use
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    Remove makeup before training to keep our mats and uniforms clean

Laundry Service Available

We offer a convenient laundry service add-on for members. Never worry about washing your gi again!

Learn more about laundry service
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Laundry Service Available

Do not train if you are sick or have any skin infections (e.g., ringworm, staph). Please wait until you are fully recovered. See Observed Holidays for scheduled breaks.

Show Up Clean & Ready to Train

Maintaining a clean gym is a shared responsibility. Please arrive to class in a clean gi or rashguard, with good personal hygiene, and ready to train safely.

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Come to Class Clean

  • Shower before training if needed, especially after work, outdoor activity, or sweating earlier in the day.
  • A quick rinse goes a long way for your training partners.
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Trim Your Nails

  • Keep fingernails and toenails short and smooth to prevent scratches and skin tears.
  • If a coach asks you to trim them before class, please do so before stepping on the mat.
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No Jewelry on the Mats

Remove all:

  • Rings
  • Watches
  • Necklaces
  • Bracelets
  • Earrings
  • Facial piercings
Jewelry can tear skin, damage gear, and cause injuries during live training.
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Clean Gi & No Odors

NO exceptions.

  • Uniforms must be washed after every training session.
  • If your gi or rashguard smells, is damp, or hasn't been washed, you will be asked to sit out.
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No Shoes on the Mats

  • Never wear shoes on the mats—and never step off the mats barefoot.
  • Protect the space by wearing sandals or slides when using the restroom or walking anywhere outside the mat.
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Cover All Cuts or Skin

  • Cover small cuts or scrapes
  • with any contagious skin conditions

Do NOT train

  • If unsure, ask a Professor discreetly before class
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Keep Gear Fresh

  • Belts (yes, belts too)
  • Knee sleeves
  • Compression shorts/spats
  • Headgear
  • Bags and gym gear
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Be Scent Aware

  • Deodorant is appreciated.
  • Strong colognes, perfumes, or lotions should be avoided—they carry onto the mats and can bother training partners.
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Respect Personal Space

Before partnering up, check in with your teammate to make sure they're comfortable—especially with intensity, injuries, or mobility limitations.

Safety First, Always

A safe training environment allows everyone to learn and grow with confidence

Train with Control

Always use controlled movements, especially when drilling techniques or sparring. Never "crank" submissions.

Communicate

Talk to your training partners. If a submission is too tight or you feel uncomfortable, let them know.

Report Injuries

Inform an instructor immediately if you or a partner gets injured.

Respect Boundaries

Be mindful of size and experience differences. Adjust your intensity accordingly to ensure a safe and productive roll for both partners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I wear jewelry or piercings?

Jewelry can easily snag on clothing or skin, causing injury to you or your training partner. Removing it is a critical safety measure.

Do I really have to remove my makeup?

Yes. Makeup can rub off on the mats and on your partners' uniforms, making them difficult to clean. It also helps keep your skin clear during strenuous activity.

What happens if I forget to cut my nails?

Long nails can cause deep, painful scratches. For everyone's safety, you may be asked to sit out of training if your nails are not trimmed to a safe length.

What if I think I have a skin infection?

If you suspect any skin issue, please see a doctor and refrain from training until it is fully resolved. This is crucial for protecting the entire gym community.

How often should I wash my Gi?

Your Gi and all other training gear must be washed after every single use to prevent the growth of bacteria and maintain a hygienic environment.

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