Though this may seem like a lot of rules, after my 16 years of training, you begin to realize how vital it is for the safety, culture, and general satisfaction of members to have a clear and concise list of guidelines so we are all on the same page. Please carefully read through and feel free to ask Brandon or another coach if there is any questions. Failure to consistently abide the guidelines may result in suspension of membership or expulsion from the gym.

Jiu-Jitsu Hygiene Rules

1. Shower, Deodorant, Before Class: Always take a shower and use deodorant and mouthwash when necessary before attending class or training to minimize body odor and skin irritations. Check feet as well as we try to avoid dirt accumulation on the mats.
2. Wash Your Gi, rashguard, misc gear: Ensure your gi and any additional training gear (such as rash guards, knee pads, mouthgards), is clean and free from sweat, dirt, and bacteria. Wash it after every training session. Unwashed gear is very noticeable to others even if you do not smell it.
3. Maintain Nail Hygiene: Keep your fingernails and toenails trimmed and clean to prevent injuries and spread of bacteria.
4. Use a Clean Belt: Your belt should be washed regularly, just like your gi, to avoid the buildup of bacteria.
5. Avoid Training with Open Wounds: If you have any cuts, scrapes, or rashes, avoid training until they are healed to prevent infection and protect others.
6. Wash Hands : Always wash hands after use of bathroom.
7. Monitor Your Skin, Infections, and Report Skin Infections: Skin infections and fungus are a reality for all martial arts schools, but with good hygiene and sanitation, they rarely appear. Keep an eye on your skin for any unusual rashes or irritations and seek medical advice if needed. If an infection occurs, please let the instructor know, so we can address the problem to students so we can limit further spreading through knowledge and appropriate sanitation . We will keep it anonymous.
8. Gym Footwear: Gym Sandals must be worn when not on the mats. No using the bathroom barefoot.
9. Do Not Train Sick: If you are sick, stay home. It is selfish to risk getting others sick.
10. Clean Up Personal Messes/Food/Drinks: Please make sure garbage ends up in the garbage cans, etc. Food and drinks should always be consumed off the mats.

BJJ Sparring and Training Guidelines

1. Respect Your Training Partners: Always treat your training partners with respect. Communicate openly and ensure everyone feels safe during practice.
2. Start with Controlled Techniques: When sparring, begin with slower, more controlled movements to prevent injuries and help both partners acclimate to the flow of training. Always give your partner time to tap. While drilling, unless stated, don’t resist your partner’s movements, there is a time to spar later.
3. Tap Early, Tap Often: If you are caught in a submission or feel uncomfortable, tap physically and/or verbally to indicate a stop. This ensures safety and helps prevent injuries.
4. Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Maintain awareness of your environment, including other sparring pairs, to avoid accidents and collisions, especially if wrestling near grounded groups.
5. Use Appropriate Intensity: Adjust the intensity of your sparring based on your skill level, size and the experience of your training partner. Avoid going 100% with less experienced partners. If new, it is often a natural instinct to go as hard as you can, a better way to approach is to go light and work on the things you have been taught so far or ask your partner for guidance
6. Communicate Before and During Sparring: Maintain open lines of communication. Discuss with your partner what techniques you want to practice or any concerns about safety. If a body part hurts prior to training, let your know partner know so they can focus on avoiding it. Likewise respect your partner’s injuries and do your best avoid aggravating it.
7. No Striking or Slams: In BJJ training, avoid striking or slamming moves that are not part of the training to keep the environment safe and focused on grappling.
8. Stay Focused on Technique: Concentrate on executing techniques correctly rather than just trying to win. This mindset improves skill development for everyone involved.
9. Encourage and Support Each Other: Create a positive atmosphere by encouraging your training partners, helping them to improve their skills while fostering camaraderie.
10. End Sparring Respectfully: At the end of each sparring session, acknowledge your partner with a handshake or friendly gesture to maintain a respectful and positive training environment.
11. Illegal Techniques: We do not allow scissor takedowns, neck cranks, small joint manipulations (fingers), fishhooks, slams, striking, takedowns that lands your partner on their neck or head. For leg locks, White belts may only use straight ankle locks. They may use other techniques, but must have prior permission from their partner before rolling. As always, you must apply techniques with control and safety in mind.
12. Leg Locks: No heel hooks in the gi. In NoGi it is best to ask a partner what they are okay with before attempting a certain leg technique during training. Some people are willing to train full leg locks while other’s may have previous injuries and prefer not to do something like a heel hook. When in doubt, ask your partner before rolling please!
13. Do not coach over a coach: If an instructor goes to a group to help teach a technique, try to listen, and let the instructor complete his instruction before trying to help training partner.
14. Yield to Higher Belts: Though not always necessary, if a group bumps into a higher ranking group while sparring/drilling, it is considered respectful to move out of the way and find an open space to reset.
15. No Jewelry: Do not wear jewelry on the mats. This includes necklaces, earrings, watches. This is for your you and your partners safety and to protect your bling.

BJJ Gym Code of Conduct and Behavior Guidelines

1. Respect All Members: Treat every member, regardless of their skill level, with respect and kindness. Promote a friendly and inclusive atmosphere. Inform, do not diminish if a newer student does something not conducive with our guidelines . We do not tolerate discrimination of any kind.
2. Practice Good Sportsmanship: Win or lose, demonstrate good sportsmanship. Shake your training partner’s hand and maintain a positive attitude during practice and competition.
3. Encourage Each Other: Foster a supportive environment by encouraging fellow members. Help others improve by offering constructive feedback and celebrating their successes.
4. Stay Open to Learning: Approach training with a growth mindset. Be open to feedback from instructors and peers, and take the initiative to learn new techniques and concepts.
5. Arrive on Time: Be punctual for classes and training sessions whenever possible. It is fine to be late if coming from school/work/ mandatory obligations, but when you can be on time it help’s the instructors stay focused on the current task rather then having to teach something previously taught.
6. Keep Personal Matters Private: Maintain the confidentiality of personal discussions and respect the privacy of other members. Do not engage in gossip or negative talk. Politics, religion, etc, and other sensitive conversations are not recommended on the mats.
7. Prioritize Safety: Always prioritize safety during training. Follow the gym’s guidelines, communicate any injuries or concerns, and avoid reckless behavior.
8. No Discrimination, Harassment, Making Members Feel Uncomfortable On or Off the Mats : Maintain a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination, harassment, or any form of bullying. Everyone has the right to train in a safe environment. Members have every right to anonymously report any undetected harassments of any sort and we will address the issue with confidentiality and be open with both parties. Anyone caught violating the harrasment policy will have membership terminated. This includes racism, xenophobia, homophobia, transphobia, hate speech, sexual harassment ,etc. This also applies to out of gym conduct as well if evidence proves it. This policy is for every student, instructor, and parent of Wolves Jiu-Jitsu.
9. Please focus and do not talk during instruction: Instructors work hard to develop lessons and talking while they are teaching is disrespectful. You are more than welcome to have a conversation while drilling or non instruction times.
10. Sign into Class: Sign into class on the tablet before stepping onto mats. Signing in allows us to track attendance, memberships, and makes managerial duties much easier.

Guidelines for Parents at BJJ Kids Class

1. Encourage Participation: Support your child’s involvement in class by encouraging them to participate and try their best, fostering a positive attitude towards learning.
2. Be Punctual: Whenever possible ( we know life is hectic) try to ensure your child arrives on time for class. Arriving late can cause disruptions and prevent your child from fully engaging in the warm-up and techniques being taught.
3. Stay Outside the Mats: Please remain outside the training area during class. This helps maintain a focused environment and allows instructors to effectively manage the class.
4. Respect Instructors: Trust and respect the decisions and instructions given by the instructors. They are trained to create a safe and effective learning environment for your child.
5. Avoid Distractions: Limit distractions during class time by keeping conversations to a minimum and ensuring that younger siblings are supervised and quiet.
6. Promote Good Sportsmanship: Teach your child the importance of respect, kindness, and encouragement towards their training partners. A positive attitude goes a long way in building camaraderie.
7. Discuss Concerns Privately: If you have questions or concerns regarding your child’s progress, approach the instructor privately instead of during class time.
8. Monitor Attendance: Regular attendance is crucial for your child’s improvement. Encourage consistent participation to maximize skill development.
9. Support Healthy Competition: Encourage your child to do their best while also emphasizing that learning and improvement are more important than winning.
10. Prioritize Safety: Educate your child on the importance of safety in training. Remind them to communicate with their instructor if they feel any discomfort or have injuries.
11. Limit Food and Drinks: Ensure your child has appropriate snacks and drinks before class, but avoid bringing large amounts of food into the training area.
12. Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge and celebrate your child’s achievements and milestones in training, no matter how small, to boost their confidence and motivation.
13. Avoid Coaching Over A Coach: Our instructors are here because they are good at what they do. Jiu-Jitsu is a complicated art, that is a lot tougher than it looks. Please have faith in the instructors and do not try to coach over them. They want success for your children as much as you do.

Promotions, Attire, Visitors , Miscellaneous Guidelines

1. We do stripes for white and black belts: Unlike some other gyms ,we only do stripes on white belts to give a beginner their earned sense of progress. I have found stripes on colored belts to be more trouble than they are worth, tracking progress towards stripes tends to be arbitrary and attendance based not skill development, and creates a sense of jealousy and resentment among certain members.
2. Belt Promotions: Belt Promotions are given as a combination of attendance, skill progression, attitude, and fulfillment of personal and physical potential. Competition may help facilitate a promotion, but it is not mandatory. Members are always welcome to ask what skills they need to develop to help progress towards their next belt and we will happily help. Demanding a belt doesn’t help towards promotion. For a general timeline for minimum years at each belt, refer to the IBJJF belt requirements chart. This is a general guide we will use.
3. Black Belts Membership: Black Belts do not have to pay dues once promoted or if moving to the gym.
4. Visitors are more than welcome to train: If visiting from out of town feel free to send us a message first or just show up prior to class starting. If visiting just 1 day you are welcome to train for free. If you plan on training multiple days, a small mat fee is required.
5. 
   Cross training: Members are more than welcome to cross train at other gym’s as long as those gyms are acting in good faith and do not engage in poaching behavior.
6. Wear a gi to gi class: Wear a gi to gi class. Trial members can wear gym shorts and t-shirt if a free rental is not available, until membership commitment. After that signing up, a gi is required.
7. Do I have to wear gym brand attire?: No you do not have to wear gym gis, rashguards, etc. Feel free to bring any training gear you have, but buying gym gear, does help support us financially via a small markup and is greatly appreciated as a small startup.
8. NoGi Attire: For safety concerns, nothing with zippers, pockets, overly baggy clothing,etc. Wear form fitting clothing (rashguard and shorts) whenever possible.
9. Be Open to New Training Partners: Embrace the opportunity to train with new partners of varying skill levels to enhance your learning experience. We we all had our first day at one point.
10. Have Fun: Enjoy your training experience and foster a passion for learning both techniques and camaraderie along the way.

Guidelines for Instructors

1. Create a Safe Training Environment: Ensure the safety and well-being of all students by maintaining a secure training atmosphere. Address any safety concerns promptly.
2. Be Approachable and Supportive: Foster open communication with students. Make yourself accessible for questions and provide encouragement to promote a positive learning experience.
3. Personalize Instruction: Tailor your teaching methods and feedback to individual student needs and skill levels, recognizing that everyone learns differently.
4. Maintain Professionalism: Exhibit professionalism in your demeanor, attire, and interactions with students. Set a positive example for students to follow.
5. Incorporate a Structured Curriculum: Develop and follow a structured curriculum to provide students with clear expectations and a roadmap for skill progression.
6. Use Clear Communication: Clearly explain techniques, concepts, and class expectations. Use demonstrations and visuals when necessary to enhance understanding.
7. Encourage Respect and Sportsmanship: Instill the values of respect, sportsmanship, and teamwork in your students. Emphasize the importance of treating others well both on and off the mats.
8. Provide Constructive Feedback: Give regular, constructive feedback to students to help them improve their techniques and understanding of BJJ. Balance criticism with praise to motivate learners.
9. Monitor Class Dynamics: Pay attention to class interactions and dynamics to ensure a positive atmosphere. Address any conflicts or negative behavior swiftly to maintain harmony.
10. Continue Your Education: Stay updated on the latest BJJ techniques, trends, and teaching methodologies. Attend seminars, workshops, and training to further enhance your knowledge and skills.
11. Brand Representation: Represent the gym or academy professionally at all times. Uphold the values and reputation of the organization both inside and outside the training environment.
12. Prioritize Inclusion and Diversity: Promote an inclusive and diverse environment where everyone feels welcome and valued, regardless of their background or experience level.
13. Be Mindful of Injuries: Be attentive to signs of injury among students. Provide modifications as needed and encourage students to communicate any discomfort or injuries.
14. Engage with Parents: For youth classes, maintain communication with parents regarding their child’s progress and any concerns they might have about training.
15. Encourage Lifelong Learning: Inspire students to adopt a growth mindset and encourage them to continually seek knowledge and improvement in their BJJ journey.

Missed Payments and Cancelling Membership.

We have instituted a policy of 5 “no pay” training days per year in the event you have not cancelled a membership, want to train, but need a few days for payday to arrive ,etc, before you can pay tuition. After you use up those 5 days, you will need to continue payments to train. We understand some things in life are unavoidable and this is to reflect life’s uncertainty and still allow you to train until you are situated. Those with years of no delinquent payments, maybe allowed more no pay days at the owner’s discretion.

We have no contracts here at Wolves. It is just a reoccurring monthly payment subscription like you’d pay for Netflix or Spotify . If you are not satisfied or do not like Jiu-Jitsu, no problem. Just message us 7 days before your next payment is due and we will cancel your subscription. If we did something you did not like that caused you to cancel a membership, feel free to let us know. We to our here to grow and get better!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) & Judo.

What is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art and combat sport that focuses on ground fighting and grappling. BJJ emphasizes the ability of a smaller, weaker person to defend against a larger adversary through techniques such as joint locks and chokeholds.

Do I need prior martial arts experience to start BJJ?

No prior experience is required to begin training in BJJ. Classes are structured for all skill levels, and instructors are prepared to teach beginners the fundamentals.

Do you have a beginner’s class?

As a small startup school, we are capable of guiding beginners with fundamental skills during the regular classes. We may reduce what their tasks are if need be, to keep things simpler, but until we have a large influx of beginners, new students are welcome to join the all level class and we will help you get to your destination.

What should I wear to my first BJJ class?

For your first class, it’s recommended to wear comfortable athletic clothing such as a t-shirt and shorts. If you have a gi (the traditional BJJ uniform), you can wear that. Many gyms also offer rental gis for new members.

How often should I train?

Frequency may vary based on individual goals, but training 2-3 times a week is often recommended for beginners to see progress and improvement.

Is BJJ safe?

While BJJ is generally safe, any martial art carries a degree of risk. Practicing techniques with control, following safety guidelines, and communicating with training partners are essential for minimizing injuries.

What age can a child start BJJ?

We offer children classes for ages 5-13.

After 13, teens are eligible to join the adult classes if they are deemed ready, but will be held to the same rule standards as adults.

Can women participate in BJJ?

Absolutely! BJJ is for everyone, and we have female members, instructors, and even women’s-only classes.

What are the benefits of training BJJ?

Training BJJ provides numerous benefits, including improved physical fitness, self-defense skills, increased confidence, problem-solving abilities, and the opportunity to build a supportive community.

What should I expect in my first class?

In a typical first class, you can expect a warm-up, basic instruction on techniques, some drilling, and possibly introductory sparring. Instructors will guide you through each step.

How is the belt system structured in BJJ?

BJJ uses a colored belt system to signify students’ progress. Beginners start with a white belt and can progress through colored belts (blue, purple, brown) to reach black belt status. The promotion process considers attendance, skill level, and attitude.

What if I have an injury or health concern?

If you have any injuries or health issues, it’s important to inform your instructor before class so they can provide modifications or advice on safe practices.

Do I have to compete in tournaments?

Competing is not mandatory in BJJ. Many students train solely for fitness and fun. However, if you’re interested in competition, your instructors can guide you on how to prepare.

How can I improve my BJJ skills faster?

Consistent training, focusing on fundamentals, asking for feedback from instructors and peers, and attending open mats can help improve your skills more rapidly. Outside instructionals or books from notable practitioners are also a great option

Is there a dress code/How to Tie a belt?

For gi classes, wearing a clean gi is required. In no-gi classes, form-fitting athletic wear is recommended. Sandals must be worn when not on the mats. We can teach you how to tie a belt or simply go on Youtube and type in “How to tie a BJJ belt” and practice in front of a mirror.