General

Gym Etiquette and Training at Different Gyms

It’s time for another blog post!

Part of BJJ culture that many newer athletes and practitioners may not be aware of is the gym etiquette.  Now, many gyms have a list of gym rules, and most are very similar, however that doesn’t mean that every gym has them written down.

If you find yourself training or visiting a gym that doesn’t have visible gym rules in place, here are a few pointers to help put you in the right direction.  Keep in mind that most of these are simply common sense, but sometimes they’re so obvious, they go unnoticed.

  1. Don’t train sick.  This is self-explanatory.  No one wants to get sick and if you train while unwell, you are being disrespectful to your training partners and your coach.  Keep in mind that while you might get sick days, very often the coach is the gym owner, so they do not.
  2. Trim your nails.  Nothing sucks more than getting cut by your training partner who hasn’t trimmed their nails in months.
  3. Personal hygiene.  I told a lie in number 2.  There is something that sucks more than untrimmed nails and that’s training with someone who has poor personal hygiene.  Make sure to keep yourself properly washed and odour free.  This is not only so people won’t hate to roll and train with you, but it also helps to prevent the spread of sickness and infection.
  4. Don’t backchat the coach.  They are the coach for a reason.  Often you won’t even be able to comprehend how they understand BJJ, and everything they say is for a reason.
  5. Be on time.  I understand that sometimes we run late but try your best to be on time to classes.
  6. Don’t boast about your wins.  Stay humble.  No one enjoys losing.  We all enjoy it even less when the person who beat us is actively bragging about how easy it was for them to do so.  Don’t be that guy (or gal).  Remember, there is always a bigger fish and the biggest one in your gym is your coach, who probably just watched you humiliate your partner. 
  7. Don’t coach unless you are asked to.  I am put in mind of the blind leading the blind here.  Unless you are specifically asked to coach, assume that you are not experienced enough to do so. 
  8. Don’t be a mat bully.  If you are always picking the rolls that you find easy, you’re training wrong.
  9. If you make a mess in the toilet, clean it up.  This is one of my personal pet peeves.  It is always disheartening when an adult member can’t clean up after themselves or the mess they make.  You’re not a child, so don’t act like it.
  10. Respect the gym routines.  This is the most important part I feel.  If you are visiting a gym that’s not your home gym, then join in with their customs and traditions.  When in Rome and all that.  If the coach bows to the class before and after class, bow.  If they clap to break and practice, clap to break and practice.  Don’t alienate yourself out of pride!

There we have it guys!  A few rules to help you out when you’re training at your home gym or visiting a new gym.

Happy training!

Written by Professor Joshua Cooksley @ greywolfbjj.com.au