At the gym, it can be easy to forget custom protocols - there's so much to focus on with technique and other aspects of BJJ training. We need to make sure that we prioritize the customs that have been formed from years of practice and development in order to keep our practices within the gym respectful and beneficial for everyone involved. As someone who values these customs greatly, I'd like to take a moment today to remind us all about why they matter.
Walking into a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gym for the first time can feel intimidating, especially if you're not familiar with the customs and etiquette practiced by its members. At the 303 Training Center, a world-renowned martial arts gym in Westminster, Colorado, these customs are taken seriously to promote respect, trust, and cleanliness.
In this blog post, we'll delve into the specific customs and practices followed at the 303 Training Center, giving you a better understanding of what to expect and how to show respect to your fellow students and coaches.
First and foremost, when you enter the 303 Training Center, you'll notice everyone taking their shoes off before stepping onto the mat.
This is important to maintain the hygiene of the gym mat since people often have dirt and germs on the soles of their shoes. As such, it's an essential custom to follow to ensure that the gym stays sanitary and that your classmates don't catch any unnecessary infections.
Next, you'll need to bow before stepping onto the mat as a symbol of respect towards the art, the gym, and your fellow students. It's also necessary to bow after leaving the mat, as an act of gratitude and respect again. While this might seem like a small gesture, it's crucial to uphold these customs and show respect for martial arts traditions.
Another important custom is to line up in rank order before and after class. This means that students should stand and form a line based on their ranking, with the highest ranked students at the front. This again instills the value of respect and humility towards those who have put in more time and dedication to the sport.
It's additionally important to remember that students should not teach or explain techniques to lower-ranked students.
If a lower-ranked student has a question, they should ask the coach or professor, who will offer guidance and advice. This rule ensures that the techniques students are taught are correct and that everyone is on the same page with their training.
Finally, maintaining hygiene and safety is critical at the 303 Training Center,
which is why there are specific customs to abide by. For example, students should always wear a gi that is clean and closed with a belt properly. Any cuts or wounds should also be covered with tape or gauze to prevent any transfer of bacteria during sparring sessions. Bows or handshakes before and after sparring are important to adhere to as well to uphold respect and safety.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is more than just a sport; it's a way of life that comes with its set of customs and traditions.
The 303 Training Center takes these customs very seriously and expects all students to follow them to promote trust, respect, and cleanliness. By understanding and practicing these customs, you'll be able to assimilate into the 303 Training Center community without any missteps or issues. Remember, always show respect and humility, and you'll be warmly welcomed into the world of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Kickboxing, MMA and Wrestling at the 303 Training Center.
OSS!