1
Avoid the Fight
Leave before a fight begins. Move to a safe place. Find a coach, parent, or adult you trust.
Dojo Etiquette · Tannersville, NY
Sensei Sandy BJJ Class Rules
Read these rules before class. Care for each partner. Ask Sandy if a rule is not clear. Parents can read our family guide or ask questions anytime.
Mutual Welfare
Jita Kyoei
Train with control
Every class operates under a culture of mutual care. You learn leverage and technique with calm, supportive partners who look out for your safety.
Core Standard: We tap early, we let go immediately, and we celebrate steady learning over ego.
Foundational Standards
Five Core Safety Rules
If someone is unkind or tries to harm you, move to safety right away. Find an adult you trust.
2
Protect Yourself & Disengage
If you are uncomfortable, protect your head, establish a safe frame, move to safety, and alert a trusted adult.
3
Use the Three T Steps
- Talk: Use a calm, steady voice. Say, “Please step back.”
- Tell: Use a firm voice. Say, “Back up now.”
- Tie Up: Cover your head, create distance, and inform an adult.
4
Pure Grappling Focus in Class
Use the technical positions and escapes Sandy coaches. Tell your partner immediately if you need less resistance, a slower pace, or a quick reset.
5
Controlled Movement & Instant Release
Apply all controls with gentle, smooth calibration. Let go right away when your partner taps. Tap early and tap often to keep learning smooth.
Partner Safety
Cooperative Partner Practices
- Use the grips, movements, and mini-game tasks Sandy assigns for each round.
- Keep your body in control. Protect your training partner at all times.
- Ask your partner before adjusting the pace or intensity of resistance.
- Tap with your hand, tap with your foot, or speak “Tap” to reset. Let go immediately upon any tap.
- Stop immediately when Coach Sandy announces “Time.”
- Inform Sandy anytime you need a water break, a rest, or an alternate drill.
Room Culture
Respect & Dojo Etiquette
- Listen attentively to instructions. Ask questions anytime a detail is unclear.
- Use each student's name and pronouns. Treat classmates and visitors with warm courtesy.
- Bow or step respectfully onto the mat. Greet and thank your training partners.
- Be kind and encourage your teammates as they learn new skills.
Inclusive Dojo Community
Read our inclusion statement to learn how we support diverse learners and families.
Read inclusion statement →
Hygiene & Mat Care
Cleanliness and Health Standards
Fresh Training Gear
Wash your gi, rashguard, or athletic clothes after each training session.
Footwear by the Seats
Remove shoes before stepping onto the matted training surface.
Trimmed Nails
Keep fingernails and toenails short, smooth, and clean for safe grips.
Jewelry Removed
Take off watches, rings, earrings, and hard hair clips prior to stepping on the mat.
Health Check: Stay home and rest if you feel ill, have an open skin concern, or have a fever. We gladly reschedule classes by text.
Questions Welcome
Ask Sandy About Our Safety Standards
Parents and new adult students can ask about class pacing, partner pairing, or health accommodations anytime before stepping on the mats.
6045 Main Street, 2nd Floor Studio, Tannersville, NY • Reviewed October 2026