Ethical Standards for Instructors and Training Leaders
This academy exists to provide a safe, respectful, and empowering training environment for women, children, and families.
All instructors, assistant instructors, and training leaders are expected to uphold the following standards at all times.
1. Duty of Care
Instructors have a responsibility to prioritize the physical and emotional safety of every student.
This includes:
• Ensuring techniques are taught responsibly
• Preventing unsafe training behavior
• Intervening immediately when safety is at risk
• Creating an environment where students feel respected and supported
Safety always takes priority over ego, rank, or competition.
2. Professional Instructor–Student Boundaries
Instructors hold positions of authority and influence. Maintaining professional boundaries protects the integrity of the academy and the wellbeing of students.
Instructors must:
• Maintain clear and professional relationships with students
• Avoid situations that create power imbalances or conflicts of interest
• Avoid favoritism or behavior that could be interpreted as grooming or manipulation
Personal relationships that compromise the instructor–student dynamic are not appropriate within the academy environment.
3. Consent and Physical Contact
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu requires close physical contact as part of training. That contact must always be instructional, appropriate, and respectful.
Instructors must:
• Demonstrate techniques professionally
• Avoid unnecessary physical contact
• Respect a student’s comfort level and personal boundaries
• Immediately adjust if a student expresses discomfort
Students always have the right to pause or decline training interactions.
4. Zero Tolerance for Harassment or Exploitation
Harassment, coercion, or inappropriate relationships undermine trust and violate the culture of this academy.
The following behaviors are prohibited:
• Sexual harassment
• Grooming or manipulation
• Abuse of authority
• Exploitative relationships between instructors and students
Violations may result in immediate removal from instructional roles or membership.
5. Ethical Leadership
Instructors are role models for the academy community.
Leaders must demonstrate:
• Integrity in actions and communication
• Respect toward all students
• Accountability for mistakes
• Commitment to continuous learning and improvement
Leadership in Jiu-Jitsu extends beyond technique—it reflects character.
6. Culture of Respect
Every student deserves to train in an environment free from intimidation, discrimination, or ridicule.
Instructors are responsible for:
• Setting the tone of respect on the mat
• Addressing inappropriate behavior immediately
• Protecting students from bullying or exclusion
Strong communities are built through respect and accountability.
7. Transparency and Reporting
A healthy academy culture requires open communication.
Students and instructors are encouraged to report concerns regarding safety, boundaries, or conduct.
Concerns will be addressed:
• Promptly
• Respectfully
• With attention to the safety and dignity of everyone involved
Retaliation for raising concerns is not tolerated.
8. Commitment to the Culture of the Academy
This academy is built on a commitment to:
• Safety
• Empowerment
• Ethical leadership
• Community responsibility
Every instructor shares responsibility for protecting this culture.
Instructor Acknowledgment
I acknowledge that I have read and understand the standards outlined in this Mat Culture Charter.
I commit to upholding these principles and maintaining the integrity of the academy environment.
Name: _________________________
Signature: ______________________
Date: _________________________
