Maze Rules and Etiquette: Know How To Conduct Yourself On The Mats

Hello guys!

BJJ is a very fun sport and an interesting lifestyle, but it is also an intense sport, so having rules helps us practice it safely and respectfully towards everyone. Below we list some of the rules that we must all respect at Maze. They are both training rules and etiquette rules. Please respect the rules.

Hygiene

During classes, we are constantly in contact with each other. Jiu Jitsu is a hand-to-hand fight, so hygiene is a very important factor for us. Both to reduce the risk of transmitting skin diseases and as a way of showing respect to training partners.

  1. Wear shoes off the mat (and bare feet on the mats)
  2. Keep your finger and toe nails short
  3. Wash and clean your body
  4. Wash your GI/BJJ gear
  5. Cover cuts or skin injuries

Uniform


Comparing to other academies, we, at Maze, are very relaxed about uniform policy. But we have some specific rules that need to be observed. There are some small differences between kids and adults uniform policy as you can see below.

Kids uniform policy

Applied to graduation events day only
- Only white GI is allowed
- It is not allowed GIs from other academies

Applied to regular classes
- Kids can wear any colour or brand, or even GIs from other academies
- It is NOT allowed to mix color of uniform, for example blue jacket and white pants

Adults uniform policy (GI/KIMONO)

Applied to graduation events day only
- It is NOT allowed to wear GI/Kimono/Rashguard from other academies at the graduation day
- Only white GI is allowed


Applied for regular classes
- It is allowed to wear any brand, or even GIs from other academies
- In the future the only colours allowed are: navy blue, black or white GIs only, so avoid buying new GIs from different color
- It is NOT allowed to mix color of uniform, for example blue jacket and white pants

Adults uniform policy (NOGI)

  1. It is mandatory to wear t-shirt or rash guard. Sleeveless t-shirts are NOT allowed.
  2. We follow IBJJF rules for uniforms, male and female: https://ibjjf.com/uniform 
  3. See the exceptions for IBJJ Rules below

    Maze NOGI exceptions

    Colours (NOGI ONLY)

    As you can see, IBJJF has rules for colours as well. But we dont apply this rules for our training sessions or in events that does not specify uniform colours, such as ADCC or Grappling Industries. In these cases, feel free to wear different colours and patches in your NOGI.

    We shall still follows other specification about material and sizes, this exception is about colours only.

    Even tho we are free to choose colours and patches for training and certain events, please ensure ensure that your patch has no inappropriate image, offensive language or discriminatory symbols.

    Tshirt in training
    It is ok to train with tshirt when you dont have a rashguard available. Sleeveless t-shirts are NOT allowed tho.

    General

    • Keep bags inside the changing rooms
    • Do not wear jewellery during classes
    • When changing your pants for swapping your rounds between GI and NOGI classes, please do it in the change room. Even if you have a shorts underneath your pants.

    Illegal moves

    Some techniques and movements are banned from competitions in order to preserve the integrity of the athletes. At Maze, we respect these federation rules as well as adding our own rules. Read the rules below carefully.

    Read the IBJJF summary of illegal moves. We use the IBJJF as a parameter at Maze.

    Maze sparring rules:

    1. At Maze, it is ok to ask a higher belt to roll (be aware it can be different in other gyms)
    2. In Maze, it's okay to say no to a roll, no matter the reason. If you don't feel comfortable rolling with someone, whatever the reason, feel free to say no.
    3. Beginners (less than 6 months training) can only roll with colour belts (except under supervision of a higher belt)
    4. Up to 17 years of age, we strictly follow the IBJJF rules.
    5. When two white belts are rolling, we strictly follow the IBJJF rules.
    6. From the blue belt onwards, we apply the IBJJF black belt rule.
    7. Jumping guard, flying armbar, jumping in the back, etc. are banned from Maze sparring.
    8. When your opponent is in turtle position, you shall pull to the sides. Rolling forward or backward is banned.

    Please, don't hesitate to drop me a message for questions.