Any dojo protocols that you want to share (especially with newcomers?)

Most people know that in BJJ you cannot punch your teammate during rolling, nor use elbows, etc. Most people know that it is no good to come to the dojo without a clean gi or not having taken shower in a while.

But I did not realize for a couple of weeks that if you are caught in an arm lock, it is not cool to lift and drop the teammate to the mat (This was before I had class on how to get out of an arm lock. I did that lift and drop because that's what I saw on TV, UFC noless. Which is something of a surprise, since there are other more effective ways of getting out of arm lock, as taught by our instructors).

I have a couple of things I want to add,
The most important thing is to be respectful to your training partners,learn to practice your technique while keeping your opponent SAFE. You dont have to crank that arm bar so hard that you are going to hurt someone.
My biggest issue is hygiene.We all must rely on each other to keep this academy free of ringworm and Staph infection. I see alot of people in the beginner class show up and leave in their GI. You are gonna get into your car in the GI you just rolled in for an hour? SHOWER-I dont want your ringworm.
Dont get up in the middle of class and go to the bathroom barefoot. Put on your flip flops. As much as the staff tries to keep the bathroom clean its a BATHROOM and you will track anything that is on the floor onto the mats.
Cut your nails-
You may not care about your hygiene but many of us do. You will find that if you do not take care of your hygiene, people will not want to roll with you.
Pay attention and rep the move that your instructor is teaching,this is not the time to work on your favorite move or chat with your buddy.
Thats my two cents(maybe more than two cents)
Good luck to you

I am definitely in agreement with Danny on the hygeine issue. As someone who works in a hospital with patients with compromised imune systems I am constantly washing my hands or using anitbacterials. And that is just from being on the computer, opening doors, and the like, let alone rolling around on a mat where others are sweating their asses off! People need to shower and wash their gis after every class! Also, many of us, like Danny and myself have children, we don't need our kids getting your funk by proxy!

Another tip I have here is something that could possibly save you from injury. While I was stretching out on Saturday morning as I waited for the no gi class to start I was watching the begginers class as I normally do. On more than one occasion I saw people tapping the mat instead of tapping their partner. Do not do this, always tap your partner and it's not a bad idea to say "tap" while doing it. Tapping the mat could be mistaken for anything, when you vehemently tap your partner's body, while saying "tap", there can be no mistake.

And please, please cut your finger and toe nails. On more than one occasion I have been sliced and diced by long finger or toe nails. Cuts like that when rolling can easily lead to staph and just ask KenFlo, you do not want that!

Just a few thoughts from your buddy Straight Edge.

Do not make eye contact with the instructors; doing so is considered highly disrespectful and grounds for an immediate challenge match.

Witkowski wrote:
Do not make eye contact with the instructors; doing so is considered highly disrespectful and grounds for an immediate challenge match.

Very true. I looked Ron in the eye once and he slapped me in the face, then challenged me to B'aht Qul...I was upset and confused.

Witkowski wrote:
Do not make eye contact with the instructors; doing so is considered highly disrespectful and grounds for an immediate challenge match.

I looked Ron in the eye once and he heel hooked me for 3 hours... the same heel hook I didnt walk for a week