Training Guidelines
Essential Academy Rules
For Training at Alliance BJJ Houston
Mat Rules
These guidelines ensure a safe, respectful, and productive training environment for everyone at Alliance BJJ Houston.
- Be on time
- Greet the teacher and your training partners
- Practice your weakness
- Maintain a clean, rip-free gi (only white, blue, or black)
- Don’t talk during class
- Don’t complain about fatigue/being tired (this will only worsen)
- Be open-minded to learn
- Practice your weakness
- Don’t resist due to pride
- If you lose, try again. If you fall, get up
- If you win, be respectful
Respect. Discipline. Growth.
Following these rules creates an environment where everyone can thrive. They foster mutual respect, encourage continuous improvement, and build the strong community that defines Alliance BJJ Houston.
When you step on the mat, you’re not just training your body—you’re developing character, resilience, and the mindset of a champion.
Before Your First Class
Do I need a gi for my first class?
No. Bring comfortable workout clothes (athletic shorts and a t-shirt or rashguard) and we’ll loan you a gi for your first class. Once you commit to training, we can help you pick a gi — Alliance recommends white, blue, or black gis only per academy rules. We sell some basic options in the Pro Shop, or you can purchase from any reputable brand.
What should I bring to my first class?
Workout clothes you can move in (no zippers or buttons), water bottle, towel, and flip-flops or sandals to wear off the mat. Don’t wear shoes or socks on the mat. Trim your fingernails and toenails before arriving — long nails cut training partners. We’ll provide a loaner gi for your first BJJ class; for Muay Thai, you’ll want shorts that allow full kick range.
Can I drop in if I'm visiting from out of town?
Absolutely — drop-ins are welcome. We charge a small drop-in fee per class for visiting practitioners (currently $25 per class, $10 gi rental if needed). See our /visitors/ page for full details. If you’re a member of another Alliance affiliate academy, contact us in advance and we’ll often waive the drop-in fee.
What happens if I'm late to class?
Coming in 5 to 10 minutes late occasionally happens — life is life. When you arrive, wait at the edge of the mat until the coach acknowledges you, then bow on, find a spot quietly, and join the warm-up or current drill. Don’t interrupt instruction. Habitual lateness is disrespectful to your training partners and the coach — be on time when you can.
Can I take photos or video during class?
Quick personal photos of yourself or with permission from training partners are usually fine. Recording entire classes, recording other students without their permission, or filming techniques being taught is not — out of respect for our instructors’ curriculum and our students’ privacy. If you want video of yourself drilling or rolling, ask the coach beforehand and we can usually accommodate.
What's the policy on hygiene, jewelry, and grooming?
Hygiene matters in close-contact training. Shower before class if you’ve been working a sweaty job, wear a clean gi or rashguard every class, and trim your nails. Remove all jewelry — earrings, rings, watches, necklaces — before stepping on the mat. If you have an open cut, cover it with athletic tape or sit out until it heals. If you have a contagious skin condition (ringworm, staph), stay home and see a doctor.
PROUDLY SERVING
Pearland • Houston • Southbelt • Alvin • Friendswood • Pasadena • League City
Address
8498 S Sam Houston Pkwy E
Suite 1800
Houston, TX 77075
Phone
Hours
Mon-Fri: 6am-9pm
Sat-Sun: 9am-1pm