Sindalu Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Sindalu Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Introductory Handbook

Here's the answers to all the BJJ questions you wanted to ask but didn't want to. Including some answers to questions you didn't even know you had to ask. If you're new to BJJ read this first!!

Contents

Welcome to Sindalu BJJ

Hygiene

Culture

Expectations 

Belt Ranks

Welcome to Sindalu Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — we’re excited to have you join our team!

Starting BJJ is a big step, and we want you to know that you’ve chosen a community committed to growth, respect, and personal development both on and off the mats. Whether your goal is to get in shape, learn self-defense, compete, or simply try something new, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Here’s what you can expect as you begin:

  • A Supportive Environment: Our instructors and teammates are here to help you learn at your own pace. Questions are always welcome, and no one expects you to know everything — or anything — on day one.

  • Fundamentals First: You’ll start with the basics — movements, positions, and mindset — that form the foundation of effective jiu-jitsu.

  • Clean, Safe Training: We take hygiene and safety seriously. Please come to class with clean gear, short nails, and a readiness to train respectfully.

  • Progress Through Consistency: Show up, keep learning, and enjoy the process. Progress in BJJ is earned over time and effort, not speed.

If you ever have questions, need guidance, or want tips on how to improve, don’t hesitate to speak with any of our coaches or staff. We’re genuinely excited to see you grow and thrive on the mats.

Once again, welcome to the team. We’re glad you’re here.

See you on the mats!

Oss!
– The Sindalu BJJ Team

Hygiene is crucial in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) to prevent skin infections, maintain respect for training partners, and keep a safe, clean environment. Here are 7 essential hygiene rules:

Top 7 Hygiene Rules for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Training

  1. Shower Before and After Training

    • Come to class clean to avoid bringing bacteria onto the mats, and shower after to wash off sweat and potential contaminants.

  2. Keep Your Gi and Gear Clean

    • Wash your gi, rash guard, spats, and belt after every training session. A dirty gi can harbor bacteria and fungi.

  3. Trim Your Nails (Fingers and Toes)

    • Long nails can scratch partners and cause infections. Keep them short and clean.

  4. Cover Cuts and Open Wounds

    • Any broken skin should be securely covered with a bandage and waterproof athletic tape before training.

  5. Check Yourself for Skin Infections

    • Be alert for signs of ringworm, staph, or other skin issues. If you suspect anything, do not train until cleared by a doctor.

  6. Wear Footwear Off the Mats

    • Always wear flip-flops or sandals when off the mats (e.g., in the bathroom or lobby) to avoid tracking bacteria onto training surfaces.

  7. Respect Others’ Hygiene

    • If you notice a hygiene issue with a partner (bad odor, dirty gear, visible infection), discreetly mention it to the instructor or gym staff.

A healthy culture at a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) gym is essential for long-term growth, safety, and enjoyment. Here are some key marks of a positive, healthy BJJ environment. At Sindalu BJJ, we are a non-traditional gym in terms of ceremony and etiquette. For example, we don’t enforce bowing onto and off of the mat. We also do not line up in belt order at the beginning and end of our classes. This doesn’t mean that we oppose gyms that do practice these things, but for us, we have decided to de-emphasize these elements of jiu-jitsu culture.

Signs of a Healthy BJJ Gym Culture

  1. Mutual Respect Between All Belt Levels

    • Higher belts help lower belts without ego, and lower belts respect the knowledge and time of their seniors. Everyone is treated as a valued teammate.

  2. Safety is Prioritized Over Winning

    • Training partners tap early, roll with control, and avoid dangerous techniques or attitudes. The goal is learning and longevity, not domination.

  3. Instructor Sets a Positive Tone

    • The coach fosters humility, discipline, and teamwork, and addresses toxic behavior (e.g., bullying, ego-driven sparring) quickly and fairly.

  4. Cleanliness and Hygiene are Emphasized

    • The mats are cleaned regularly, and students are expected to follow strict hygiene rules, creating a safe training space.

  5. Open to All – Inclusive Environment

    • Welcomes people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds without discrimination. A healthy gym avoids cliques and encourages everyone to feel part of the team.

  6. Encourages Questions and Learning

    • Students feel safe asking questions and are supported in their development, without fear of ridicule or dismissal.

  7. Constructive Feedback is Normalized

    • Corrections are given with care and intent to help. The gym promotes a growth mindset, not a “just tough it out” mentality.

  8. Celebrates Progress, Not Just Tapping Others

    • Advancement is measured by learning, consistency, and character—not by how many people you can submit.

Knowing what’s expected as a new Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) student can make the experience smoother, more rewarding, and respectful to your instructors and training partners. Here's a breakdown of the key expectations:

Expectations of a New BJJ Student

  1. Show Up Consistently and On Time

    • Attendance and punctuality show respect and commitment. Regular practice is essential for progress.

  2. Practice Good Hygiene

    • Arrive clean, keep your gear washed, trim your nails, and don’t train if you’re sick or have a skin infection.

  3. Tap Early and Often

    • Tapping isn’t failure—it’s learning. New students are expected to tap quickly and often to stay safe.

  4. Listen and Pay Attention

    • Focus during instruction, limit talking, and follow the coach’s guidance closely.

  5. Respect Your Partners

    • Train with control, communicate clearly, and avoid using strength or aggression to “win” rolls.

  6. Ask Questions, But Be Humble

    • Curiosity is good, but remember you're a beginner—avoid trying to teach others or challenge the instructor's methods.

  7. Be a Good Teammate

    • Help create a positive atmosphere by being supportive, encouraging, and respectful to everyone.

  8. Don’t Worry About Belts or Wins

    • Focus on learning and improving—not on promotions or who tapped who. Progress comes with time and effort.

  9. Embrace Discomfort and Frustration

    • You will feel lost, tired, and maybe even overwhelmed at times. That’s normal. Persistence is key.

  10. Follow the Gym Rules and Culture

  • Every school may have unique customs—like bowing on and off the mat—so observe and follow local etiquette.

In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), belt ranks signify a practitioner’s skill level, time on the mats, and understanding of the art. The belt system is different for adults and children, and promotions are based on a mix of time, skill, attitude, and sometimes competition performance.

Children’s BJJ Belt Progression

The children’s belt system in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (for students under 16 years old) is designed to encourage progression, reward consistent training, and match age-appropriate skill levels. Unlike adults, kids move through multiple colors before becoming eligible for a blue belt at age 16.

🧒 Ages 4–15 (varies slightly by organization; below is IBJJF standard)

Each belt typically has 4 degrees/stripes before moving to the next color or variant.

1. White Belt

  • Starting rank for all new children.

2. Grey Belts (typically ages 4–15)

  • Grey/White

  • Solid Grey

  • Grey/Black

3. Yellow Belts (usually ages 7–15)

  • Yellow/White

  • Solid Yellow

  • Yellow/Black

4. Orange Belts (usually ages 10–15)

  • Orange/White

  • Solid Orange

  • Orange/Black

5. Green Belts (typically awarded closer to age 13–15)

  • Green/White

  • Solid Green

  • Green/Black

⚠️ Promotions are based on age, time, behavior, and ability.
A child cannot receive a blue belt until age 16, at which point they transition into the adult system.

Key Points

  • Stripes (usually up to 4 per belt) indicate progress before the next belt.

  • Promotion standards vary by academy but usually follow a similar progression.

  • Green/Black is the highest youth rank under IBJJF rules.

Adult’s BJJ Belt Progression

Adult BJJ Belt Ranks (Age 16+)

  1. White Belt

    • Beginner level. Focus is on learning basic positions, escapes, and submissions.

    • No stripes required before moving up, but many gyms use stripes as progress markers.

  2. Blue Belt

    • Solid foundation in defense, escapes, and basic attacks. Typically awarded after 1–2 years.

    • Can take 2–3 years to progress to the next belt.

  3. Purple Belt

    • Intermediate/advanced level. Good knowledge of positions and capable of teaching fundamentals.

    • Usually takes 2–3 years as a purple belt.

  4. Brown Belt

    • Advanced skill level, strategic understanding, and sharp technique. Often mentors lower belts.

    • Often 1–2 years at brown before black.

  5. Black Belt

    • Expert level. Deep understanding of all areas of BJJ. Able to teach and lead a gym.

    • Degrees (or “dans”) are awarded every 3+ years to show continued involvement.

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