Our Policies

Purpose. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is more than a martial art — it is a way of life. In a BJJ dojo, where physical boundaries are inherently blurred, each of us are responsible for creating a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for everyone; where harassment and unprofessional behavior are addressed the moment they are observed. We each contribute to a culture where we look out for our teammates; where belligerent behavior, harassment, and assault are forbidden and immediately addressed to the fullest extent of the law. We commit to protecting the safety and dignity of person in the dojo, especially our most vulnerable. Core Values - Upon which our community is rooted Humility – We approach training with open minds and without arrogance. Resilience – We persevere through challenges with courage and discipline. Service – We support one another, both on and off the mats. Respect – We treat every person with dignity, regardless of rank, background, or identity. Integrity – We uphold honesty, honor, and accountability in all actions. Definitions Hard Rolling In a safe and respectful BJJ context, "hard rolling" is high-intensity, competitive sparring where both partners move with speed, strength, and the goal of submission, while strictly adhering to safety rules and mutual consent. It is a necessary part of training, particularly for those preparing for a competition, but must be clearly distinguished from "spazzing" or unsafe behavior. The difference between safe hard rolling and dangerous behavior lies in intention, control, and communication: Intention: The goal is to challenge yourself and your partner to grow, not to win at all costs or cause injury. Both partners should enter the roll with the mutual understanding that they are increasing the intensity to simulate a real match. Control: While fast and strong, techniques are still executed with enough control to prevent injury. Submissions are applied progressively, giving a partner ample time to tap, and the moment a tap occurs, all pressure is released immediately. Communication: Partners should be on the same page about the level of intensity. If one person is rolling hard and the other is not, the one rolling hard should deescalate or the other person should verbally communicate their boundaries. A safe "hard roll" is when you are still able to think about your technique and strategy, even at a high heart rate. An unsafe roll is when you are moving so fast and using so much strength that you are no longer aware of your partner's safety or your own body mechanics. Belligerent Behavior In the dojo, this refers to aggressive, hostile, or uncooperative conduct that disrupts the learning environment or safety of the mats. "Spazzing" with Intent: Using wild, uncontrolled movements with the primary goal of hurting a partner rather than applying technique. Refusing to Follow Instruction: Disregarding a coach's safety commands, such as refusing to release a submission after a whistle or signal. Verbal Hostility: Using profanity, demeaning language, or aggressive posturing during drills or sparring. Harassment Harassment is unwelcome conduct (verbal, physical, or visual) that is severe or pervasive enough to create a hostile training environment. It often involves a misuse of authority. Verbal/Emotional: Repeatedly making derogatory remarks about a student's rank, gender, race, or physical appearance. Sexual Harassment: Unwanted sexual advances, inappropriate jokes, or comments of a sexual nature at any time. Grooming/Inappropriate Proximity: Excessive "private" attention from higher belts or instructors, such as unsolicited personal messages (DMs) or "accidental" inappropriate touching during rolls. Assault In BJJ, the line between sport and assault is defined by consent and the rules of the art. Behavior becomes assault when it falls outside the scope of agreed-upon training. Physical Assault: Intentionally striking (punching, slapping, kicking) or slamming a partner when it is not part of the specific drill or class. Assault via Non-Consent: Continuing to apply or "cranking" a submission after a partner has clearly tapped (verbally or physically). The tap is a sacred signal that revokes consent for further physical force. Sexual Assault: Any nonconsensual sexual act or intentional touching of private areas (buttocks, groin, breasts) that is not a legitimate part of a BJJ technique. Respect & Safety All members must respect instructors, teammates, parents, and visitors. Safety comes before victory. Training should never compromise a partner’s health. Consent and communication are essential during training. There is always a clear line of respect that must not be crossed, no matter how physically close partners become. Watch your words. Choose professional and encouraging words. Avoid profanities. In times of frustration, make space and let emotions pass. We all have different goals. Mindful selection training partners is a must. Feel free to say no to a roll at any time. If declined, don’t take it personally and move on. Respect your partners wishes concerning the intensity of your sparring or rolling round. Zero Tolerance Policy Sexual harassment, sexual assault, or any form of abuse is strictly forbidden. Inappropriate physical, verbal, or digital conduct will not be tolerated. Any violation will result in immediate investigation and disciplinary action, up to and including permanent expulsion and legal reporting if necessary. Relationships & Boundaries Romantic or sexual relationships that create conflicts of interest, disrupt the dojo environment, or violate commitments (including marital engagements or marriages) are not acceptable. Instructors and senior students are expected to model professional boundaries with all members. Accountability & Reporting Any member who experiences or witnesses misconduct should immediately report it to an instructor or dojo owner. Reports will be taken seriously and handled with confidentiality, fairness, and integrity, and in accordance with company policy. Retaliation against individuals who raise concerns will not be tolerated. The Bystander Mandate In a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu dojo, where physical boundaries are inherently blurred, Bystander Intervention is the frontline of maintaining a safe, respectful "mat culture." It means recognizing a potentially harmful situation and choosing to respond in a way that positively influences the outcome. Bystander intervention is a core leadership responsibility of every student, regardless of rank. It means actively maintaining a mat culture where harassment and unprofessional behavior are addressed the moment they are observed. A culture where we look out for our teammates. The Importance of Intervention: Empowers the Vulnerable: Lower-ranking students may feel they cannot speak up against higher belts. Bystanders equalize this power dynamic. Sets the Standard: Silence is seen as acceptance. Stepping in reinforces that harassment is not "part of the grind". Ensures Longevity: A safe mat is a sustainable mat. Bystander action fosters trust and camaraderie. The 5-Step Awareness Process: Adopted from SafeSport, bystanders should follow these steps: Notice the event (Is something concerning happening?). Interpret it as a problem (Gut check: Does this need to stop?). Assume Responsibility (If I don’t act, who will?). Decide How to Help (Identify the best "D" strategy below). Help (Carry out the action safely). Interrupt Safely (The 5 Ds): Distract: Derail the incident by interrupting it with something unrelated (e.g., asking for the time or a technique tip). Direct: Specifically name the behavior and tell them to stop (e.g., "That bullying/harassment/belligerence is not okay and needs to stop."). Delegate: Get a higher-ranking student or coach involved immediately. Delay: Buy time until it is safer to intervene or wait until you can have a private conversation with the individual acting inappropriately about your concerns. Document: Record or write down the details of the interaction to assist in any later investigation. There is no one best way to intervene in a situation: sometimes a combination of several responses is appropriate. But doing something is more helpful than ignoring the situation. If you choose not to directly intervene in the moment, think about ways you can address the behavior later. Keep your coaches who will immediately notify the owner. Feel free to go directly to the owner for these matters. No matter what you choose to do, remember that no one can do everything, but everyone can do something. Agreement By signing the waiver and participating in training at Cornerstone Jiu Jitsu, each member affirms their commitment to uphold these values and policies. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action, suspension, or expulsion.

The following is the agreement signed by mat volunteers Values We are more than a gym. We are a dojo. Meaning above all else we are a community. Cornerstone Jiu Jitsu strives to uplift one another, and improve the health, wellness and the connection of our community on and off the mat. Those who represent these values and believe in our mission will be invited to serve in a volunteer capacity. We hold ourselves to a higher standard, ensuring those in our care are protected and encouraged in mind, body, and spirit. This role is a volunteer position only and does not create an employment, coaching, or instructional relationship with Cornerstone Jiu Jitsu. Mat volunteers play an important role in supporting classes, maintaining a positive training environment, and assisting instructors. Because volunteers often work in close proximity to children, women, and adult students, it is essential that their role is clearly defined and bounded by professional standards and our core values below. Humility Create welcoming environment Respect all people, the team, students and their families Open to learn new methods of learning and training Be the model of fairness respect, and physical and emotional restraint Hold yourself to higher standards of professionalism and self-control. Resilience Patience with peers, students, staff, coaches. Accept that failure is integral to success.   Perseverance must be practiced until it is a way of life. To strive to improve as a community leader, teacher, and jiu jitsu practitioner through consistent core values and understanding of our students and coaches. Service Work towards fostering both physical, mental, and spiritual growth of the community Maintain community mentality as we grow as a school Heritage Respect those who fostered your growth  Martial Art over Sport - It is about growth, not competition Know our lineage and who we represent. This policy exists to protect students, parents, instructors, and volunteers by setting clear expectations for conduct and limits of responsibility. 1. Role of a Mat Volunteer Mat volunteers are present to observe, assist with logistics, and support the instructor. They are not assistant coaches, instructors, or mentors unless formally designated and trained as such. The volunteer role is limited to: Helping maintain class organization, flow, and a positive and welcoming environment Assisting with equipment, line-ups, and student positioning Ensuring students remain attentive and safe during drills Observing the mat for safety concerns and alerting the instructor Setting the example of dojo etiquette and decorum Assist the instructor in tracking off mat breaks (e.g. restroom, water, washing hands, etc.)  Volunteers do not run drills, teach techniques, or provide individualized coaching. 2. Supervision and Visibility Volunteers must operate in full view of the instructor and class at all times. No private instruction No isolating students from the group No closed-door or out-of-sight interactions Always remain in observable training space 3. Interaction with Students When assisting in classes: No physical contact beyond what is necessary for safety or positioning, and only in view of the instructor No one-on-one conversations away from the group No direct messaging, social media contact, or communication with minors outside of class All communication regarding youth students goes through parents and instructors Volunteers are helpers, not authority figures to children. 4. Minimal Coaching Standard Volunteers may offer simple, instructor-approved reminders such as: “Stay in line” “Eyes on the instructor” “Keep moving” “Be mindful of your space” Volunteers must not: Correct technique Demonstrate moves Provide strategic advice Single out students for extra attention or discipline Interfere with the instructor’s execution of the training plan All technical instruction belongs to the instructor. 5. Professional Boundaries Volunteers must maintain professional conduct at all times. No favoritism No teasing No unnecessary physical contact No discussions of personal topics with students No belligerent language or tone Do not allow personal frustrations and emotions interfere with dojo decorum and professionalism. Respectful, neutral, and supportive behavior is expected. 6. Reporting Responsibility If a volunteer observes: Unsafe behavior A student in distress Inappropriate conduct A situation that feels concerning They must immediately notify the instructor. Volunteers do not attempt to handle situations independently unless danger to life and/or limb is imminent.  7. Conduct Outside the Gym Volunteers may not: Contact students through personal channels Arrange training outside of scheduled classes Present themselves as instructors or representatives of the dojo 8. Accountability Failure to adhere to this policy may result in loss of volunteer privileges at the discretion of the dojo. The safety and dignity of our students always come first. 9. A Position of Trust Being a mat volunteer is a position of trust. This role exists to support a safe, structured, and respectful environment for every student on the mat. Volunteers are expected to model the professionalism, restraint, and integrity that our academy stands for. Observe. Support. Protect the environment. Leave the coaching to the instructors regardless of belt rank. 10. Final Thank you for considering our invitation and we hope Cornerstone Jiu Jitsu continues to be a place where you grow as a jiu jitsu practitioner and community member. We hope that being a part of this team gives you shared purpose in making a positive impact on the lives of everyone in our community.