Attending an open mat at a different gym is a fantastic way to broaden your jiujitsu horizons, experience different styles, and meet new training partners. It’s an invaluable part of the jiujitsu journey. However, stepping onto someone else’s mats requires a particular brand of respect and understanding. Think of it like being invited into someone’s home: good manners go a long way.
This article will outline proper etiquette for visiting another gym’s open mat, detailing what constitutes polite and impolite behavior, complete with practical examples to help you be the best guest possible.
The Golden Rule: Respect
At the core of all good open mat etiquette is respect. Respect for the academy, it’s instructors, it’s students, and it’s traditions. You are a guest in their house, and acting accordingly ensures a positive experience for everyone.
Polite Behavior: Be A Welcome Guest
Being a polite visitor will ensure you’re always welcome back and leave a positive impression.
Communicate In Advance (If Possible):
Example: Sending a quick email or direct message to the gym’s social media asking if it’s okay to drop in for open mat and confirming the time. This shows foresight and respect for their schedule and policies.
Arrive Early And Introduce Yourself:
Example: Arriving 10-15 minutes before open mat starts. Find the instructor or a senior student and introduce yourself clearly: “Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I’m visiting from [Your Gym’s Name]. Thanks for having me!”
Dress Appropriately And Cleanly:
Example: Wearing a clean gi (preferably a solid color, white, blue, or black, unless you know their specific uniform policy) or a clean rashguard/spats for no-gi. Ensure your belt is tied properly. Good hygiene is paramount.
Ask For Rolls Respectfully:
Example: Approach someone respectfully and ask, “Would you like to roll?” or “Do you have a partner for this round?” If they decline, accept it gracefully.
Roll With Control And Awareness:
Example: Prioritize your partner’s safety. Tap early and often if caught in a submission. If you’re significantly more experienced, focus on flow rolling, drilling positions, or working on your defense rather than aggressively hunting submissions. Be mindful of space on the mat.
Offer Positional Training Or Flow Rolls (Especially With Newer People):
Example: If you find yourself rolling with a less experienced partner, offer to work on specific positions or engage in a lighter, more technical flow roll. “Hey, want to start in half guard and just work transitions?”
Assist If Asked, But Don’t Coach (Unless Invited):
Example: If someone asks you for advice or a specific technique, be helpful. If you see someone struggling but they haven’t asked, resist the urge to jump in with unsolicited coaching.
Thank The Instructor Before Leaving:
Example: Before you pack up and leave, find the instructor who welcomed you and thank them again. “Thank you so much for having me, Professor. I really appreciate the open mat.”
Impolite Behavior: What Not To Do
These actions can quickly sour your welcome and leave a negative impression.
Bringing Unwashed Gear Or Poor Hygiene:
Example: Wearing a gi that smells, has blood stains, or looks dirty. This is a massive sign of disrespect and a health hazard.
Acting Like You’re “Auditioning” For A New Gym:
Example: Dominating rolls, trying to submit everyone aggressively, sandbagging your rank, or trying to prove a point. You’re a guest, not a competitor.
Ignoring Gym Rules Or Traditions:
Example: Walking across the mat with shoes on if they take shoes off outside, or talking loudly during an instructor’s brief.
Coaching Other Students (Unless Invited):
Example: Stopping a roll to correct someone’s technique or giving unsolicited advice to someone else’s student. This undermines the instructor and can be seen as disrespectful.
Criticizing Their Academy Or Techniques:
Example: Making comments like, “At my gym, we do it this way, which is better,” or “Your guys don’t train very hard.” Keep negative opinions to yourself.
Being A “Gym Hopper” Without Loyalty:
Example: Constantly visiting different open mats without a home gym, potentially just looking for free training without committing anywhere. While not always true, it can sometimes be perceived negatively.
Engaging In Excessive Chitchat During Rolls or Class:
Example: Holding conversations during a roll, distracting your partner, or talking loudly on the sidelines.
Not Tapping When Caught:
Example: Trying to tough out a submission, going unconscious, or getting injured rather than tapping early. This is dangerous and disrespectful to your partner.
Visiting another gym’s open mat is a privilege, not a right. By adhering to these simple principles of respect, communication, and good sportsmanship, you’ll not only have a great training experience but also forge new connections within the wider jiujitsu community. Be the guest everyone remembers positively, and you’ll find open doors wherever your jiujitsu journey takes you.
Do you have any rules of thumb when it comes to attending an academy other than your home school? Have you ever had a drop-in from hell? Let us know about it down in the comments! And, as always, thank you for grappling!
