Scholarship award recipients are expected to display conduct that is complementary to each and every gym participant. No harassment, ridicule, or poor attitude will be tolerated towards anyone at the gym. Any behavior towards another training partner or gym member that is deemed inappropriate by the coaches will not be tolerated.
Any of the behaviors above will result in the revocation of the scholarship.
GYM CULTURE
Certified gyms are expected to have a culture of supportive sportsmanship and well being. Greeting new participants, outlining behavior standards, and promoting an atmosphere of learning, growing and promotion of the sport of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Instructors are expected to foster a supportive environment and hold students to the participant behavior guidelines.
GYM CULTURE STANDARD
Certified gyms must maintain a culture rooted in supportive sportsmanship, mutual respect, personal well-being, and the inclusive promotion of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as a lifelong pursuit.
Key expectations include:
Welcoming Environment - Actively greeting and onboarding new participants, including clear orientation to gym rules, safety protocols, and behavior expectations on their first visit(s).
Supportive and Inclusive Atmosphere - Fostering an environment of learning, personal growth, encouragement, and camaraderie for all students regardless of age, skill level, gender, background, or experience.
Instructor Leadership - Instructors (and senior students) must model positive behavior, actively promote well-being (physical and mental), and intervene to address any unsupportive, disrespectful, or unsafe conduct.
Participant Behavior Expectations
As a scholarship recipient, you represent our foundation and contribute to the positive, supportive culture of your certified gym. You are expected to uphold the highest standards of conduct at all times, both on and off the mats, to foster an environment of mutual respect, growth, and well-being for every participant.
Key requirements include:
Treat all gym members (instructors, students, visitors) with respect, courtesy, and humility—regardless of belt rank, age, gender, background, skill level, or any other difference.
No form of harassment, bullying, ridicule, belittling, trash-talking, discrimination, or intimidation—verbal, physical, or otherwise—will be tolerated.
Maintain a positive, encouraging attitude: Help others learn, celebrate progress, and avoid ego-driven behavior, boasting, or negativity.
Exhibit good sportsmanship during training: Tap early and often, respect submissions, train with control (no reckless aggression or spiking), and show appreciation to training partners (e.g., handshakes, thank-yous).
Avoid any inappropriate behavior toward others, particularly of a sexual, romantic, or unwelcome nature. This includes comments, gestures, unwanted advances, or physical contact outside of consensual training parameters. Such conduct, as deemed inappropriate by coaches or gym leadership, will not be tolerated.
Prioritize safety and hygiene: Report injuries, maintain clean gear and personal hygiene, trim nails, and follow gym protocols to prevent harm or discomfort.
Comply with all gym-specific rules, class etiquette, and instructor guidance.
Consequences
Any violation of these expectations, including but not limited to harassment, ridicule, poor attitude, or inappropriate behavior—may result in immediate revocation of the scholarship, at the foundation's discretion. Reports of misconduct will be reviewed fairly, with input from the gym's instructors and, if needed, the scholarship recipient.
We encourage open communication: If you witness or experience concerning behavior, report it promptly to your coaches and/or the foundation.