SYZYGY BJJ Albany Club
Rules & Etiquette

Welcome to SYZYGY BJJ Albany! We aim to foster a safe, respectful, and inclusive space for learning and practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Please take a moment to review our combined rules and etiquette guidelines to ensure a positive experience for everyone.

General Gym Rules

Respect the Mat:

  • No shoes or bare feet from outside on the mats. Wear footwear (jandals, slides, etc.) to the restroom.

  • Keep food and beverages off the mats.

Hygiene & Uniform Guidelines

  • Wear a clean, dry uniform (gi or nogi attire) and free of offensive imagery or language.

  • Wash all training gear after every session and wash your belt regularly. The belt doesn’t retain your knowledge.

  • Keep fingernails and toenails short and clean.

  • Do not train if you are sick or have skin conditions like rashes or infections. Notify your coach of any concerns.

  • Bring a reusable water bottle

Facility Use:

  • Changing must be done in designated changing rooms or restrooms.

  • Dispose of finger tape and trash in bins. Help keep the gym tidy.

  • If waiting for a class, stay off the mats until it concludes.

  • Check in at the kiosk before every class.

  • If arriving late or leaving early, inform the coach beforehand and wait to join at an appropriate time.

Class Etiquette

During class:

  • Always greet coaches and your training peers

  • Sit respectfully, listen attentively and be open minded to learn.

  • Avoid unnecessary side conversations during teaching.

  • Engage in warm-ups and drills to the best of your ability. Inform your coach of any limitations or injuries before class.

  • Coaches should be addressed as “Coach” or by their name.

  • Parents and spectators are encouraged to observe but should avoid coaching students or disrupting class.

  • Respect all members of the gym and help maintain a welcoming environment for everyone.

Rolling (Sparring):

  • If training don’t go your way, embrace the opportunity to improve. If they do, remain gracious and respectful.

  • Always ensure your partner is ready before starting a roll. Slap and bump.

  • Tap early, tap clearly, and always respect your partner’s tap.

  • Roll with control and adapt intensity to match your partner's size, skill, and experience level.

  • Safety is a priority—apply submissions gradually and avoid cranking techniques.

  • Follow rank-specific submission rules:

    • White Belts: No jumping guard, flying attacks, heel hooks, kani basami, slicers, slams.

    • Colored Belts with White Belts: Adhere to white belt submission rules.

    • Colored Belts with Colored Belts: All IBJJF legal submissions are permitted in gi training, including wrist locks and advanced transitions.

      No kani basami and slams.

  • Heel Hooks!
    Heel hooks are allowed in nogi only with prior agreement.