Safety on the Mats: Beginner Protocols at Gracie Barra Agoura Jiu-Jitsu | Phone Number: +1 805-800-9681

Safety is the single most important aspect of training at Gracie Barra Agoura. BJJ is a contact sport, but it doesn’t have to be dangerous. The academy enforces strict protocols to ensure that beginners can learn without fear of injury.

Here is a detailed breakdown of the safety culture.

1. The “Tap” (The Golden Rule)

The most critical safety tool is the “Tap.”

 What it is: Tapping your partner or the mat (physically or verbally saying “Tap”) signals immediate surrender.

 The Rule: If you feel pain, pressure, or discomfort, you tap. Your partner must release instantly. There is no shame in tapping; it is how you protect your joints and stay healthy to train another day.

2. Hygiene Standards (Red Shield)

Safety includes health. To prevent skin infections (like ringworm or staph) which are common in grappling:

 Clean Uniforms: You must wash your Gi after every single class.

 No Shoes on Mats: Shoes carry bacteria from the restroom or street. They are never allowed on the training surface.

 Footwear Off-Mat: Conversely, you must wear sandals when walking off the mats (e.g., to the restroom) to keep your feet clean.

3. Controlled Training for Beginners

 Positional Sparring: Instead of “free rolling” where anything goes, beginners start with Positional Sparring. You start in a specific position (e.g., inside the guard) with a limited goal (e.g., pass the guard). This limits the variables and reduces the risk of accidental injury from flailing.

 No Dangerous Techniques: White belts are prohibited from using certain dangerous moves, such as heel hooks, neck cranks, or jumping guard, which have high injury rates for inexperienced practitioners.

4. Supervision

 Black Belt Oversight: Every class is supervised by a certified Black Belt instructor (like Prof. Jaeson Bianchi) who actively monitors sparring rounds to intervene if things get too intense or unsafe.

Hours

Mon-Thurs: 12 PM to 9 PM

Fridays: 12 PM to 7 PM

Saturdays: 9 AM to 2 PM

Sundays: CLOSED

Contact

Phone Number: +1 805-800-9681

info@gbnorthridge.com

Location

19520 Nordhoff St Unit 10 Northridge, CA 91324

Safety on the Mats: Beginner Protocols at Gracie Barra Agoura Jiu-Jitsu | Phone Number: +1 805-800-9681

Safety on the Mats: Beginner Protocols at Gracie Barra Agoura Jiu-Jitsu | Phone Number: +1 805-800-9681

Safety on the Mats: Beginner Protocols at Gracie Barra Agoura Jiu-Jitsu | Phone Number: +1 805-800-9681