Every Jiu-Jitsu gym is run little differently, and each school will have their own rules on etiquette. Some schools are quite strict, and have rules for everything, from what color gi you can wear, to waiting to be acknowledged by the teacher before you can step on to the mats. I myself, as a Jiu-Jitsu teacher, am definitely on the laid back end of the spectrum. In our gym, I try to cultivate the club atmosphere, where we are all equal, and nobody takes themselves too seriously. If you show up late or need to leave early, who cares? No problem. If you want to wear a bright pink gi, sure, why not? You get the picture.

That said, there is one (well maybe there is more than one) rule that I believe in with all of my broken Jiu-Jitsu heart, and think should be followed at all gyms, regardless of all other factors. In my humble opinion, I think the teacher should not have to mop the mats. It’s just about respect. On the mats, we try to kill each other, but after class, I respect and appreciate that you took your time to teach me (let’s be honest, you took time to show me/help me learn how to beat you!), and I will happily mop the mats in thanks. If you see your instructor mopping the mats after class, then it is your duty to approach them and ask for the mop. Don’t take no for an answer. In bleach we trust. In this one symbolic gesture, we are sticking with tradition.