Be on time for class or let your instructor know when you are going to be late or absent. If you come in late, let the instructor know and join the class without disrupting them.

Show respect to higher rank students and to those who are senior in age to you.

Be attentive when the Instructor is speaking and teaching.

The highest ranking student will conduct the instruction and unless identified to do so, students are not to teach.

You are to work together with your partner so that a mutual benefit of training is achieved

90% of Jiu-Jitsu training focus is on technique acquisition. This requires students to be methodical and vigilant in their training.

If at anytime during training you are endanger of being injured through an applied technique or approach another groups training space, firmly tap your partner 2 times or say STOP and this will initiate your partner to immediately STOP applying any technique.

If a throw or take down is being practiced ask your partner if they are confident in break falling, if not, practice the move without releasing your partner or pay special attention to placing them on the ground safely.

Safety and technical practice are the #1 concern when training in Jiu-Jitsu

The following techniques are prohibited for all ranks during normal in-class sparring.

• Straight cervical neck cranks
• Small joint manipulations (fingers and toes)
• Fingers or hands in the mouth or ears
• Attaching the groin
• Hair pulling / grabbing
• High velocity slams from the guard
• Pinching or crushing the trachea (windpipe)
• Face crushing (face choking)
• Striking or uncontrolled dropping of body weight of any kind

The following techniques are prohibited for White through Blue Belt

• Heel hooks or twisting foot locks
• Knee bars
• Toe holds
• Wrist locks
• Over guard guillotine

If you wish to use any or all attacks on Purple, Brown, and Black belt students, you shall inform them prior to the start of the match.

Self-control and good sportsmanship are a must in the class. Mutual benefit is a major theme in training and sparring and allows for a strong TEAM concept to be developed.

Jiu-Jitsu is to be used in daily practice, competitions (regional, national and international) and in last resort self-defense situations. Inappropriate behavior that leads to street fights, challenge matches, and/or bullying will not be tolerated and will result in the expulsion or suspension of the student involved.

Any activity or behavior not in accordance with the guiding principles of the school can result in your termination as a student.

Belt Rank in Jiu-Jitsu is as follows: white, blue (I-IV) , purple (I-IV), brown (I-IV), black (I-VII), red & black (VIII), red (IX)

A black bar approximately 8-10 cm in length will be awarded on each colored belt after 3 months of consistent training. A degree signified by a 1 cm wide piece of white athletic tape will be awarded on color belts (Blue thru Brown) up until IV degrees. Degrees are only awarded to students who consistently train and meet the criteria for improved rank.

Promotion time depends on the commitment, athleticism and character of the student. The following are approximate times for promotion (student attending class 3-4 x per week).

• White to blue: 1-2 years
• Blue to purple: 3-4 years
• Purple to brown: 3-4 years
• Brown to black: 3-5 years
• Black +: each degree takes 3 years of active teaching and or competing

Time is not the sole criterion for rank; it is possible that an individual may not improve in rank if they do not make improvements in the areas below.

Ranking is based off of three criteria:

1. Technical ability: this is a measure of how well you perform or repeat techniques under low stress. (i.e. show me how to do an arm bar)
2. Sparing / fighting ability: this is a measure of how well you perform techniques under a high stress or a dynamic environment (sparring). (i.e. completing a successful escape from a common headlock during sparing)
3. Personal character: this is a measure of how well you follow the guiding principles of the school. (How well liked or respected are you by your fellow students, instructor, and community?)

Students and Instructors are expected to attend scheduled seminars. These experiences allow for additional learning opportunities and student evaluation.

Personal Care

Hygiene: Attention to personal hygiene is a must. Students should be clean and free of foul orders. In order for the class to maintain the highest standards of hygiene the following rules must me followed:

• Finger and toenails must be trimmed short.
• Hair if long must be pulled back and secured.
• A daily bath and use of under arm deodorant is required
• No lubricants, analgesic cream, and or skin creams may be worn that may place an inconvenience to the opponent or allow an unfair advantage to the wearer of such products.
• The kimono and or training attire shall be washed and thoroughly clean prior to every use.
• The uniform shall be in good condition and have no foul orders including tobacco smoke
• The Jiu-Jitsu belt shall not be washed
• Earrings and all others body piercing, wrist and ankle bracelets and rings with exceptions to wedding bands are prohibited. Wedding bands can be worn as long as they are covered with athletic tape
• Corrective ear wear must be made specifically for sports competition.