Juijitsu has its own etiquette, some of which comes from its history as the defensive art of the unarmed Samurai, some coming from the need for safety during training. Here are some of the things Jitsuka have to consider during training.

Yamae (pronounced “yammay”) means stop. It is important that this command is obeyed instantly because if you carry on and your partner isn’t expecting it, injuries can happen.

"Sensei" is the title with which you address the instructor running the session. Junior grades running warm ups etc are called “Sempai”.

You must have a clean Gi with a correctly tied obi (belt).

You must have trimmed fingernails and toenails. This stops you from scratching your training partners by accident during techniques.

You must perform a standing ‘rei’ (bow) to your partner each time you start again after, for example, a demonstration by the instructor or when you are instructed to change partners. This is to make sure that both partners are focused and aware and, equally importantly, that they know their partner is ready to begin.

You must not lose your temper or swear during training. If you cannot stay in control under the pressure generated in the dojo, you cannot hope to do so in a live situation.

You must not eat or drink in the training hall.

At the beginning and end of every session, a more formal welcoming and greeting session is performed (in Japanese), with students lining up opposite the instructor. This signifies the formal beginning of the jiu jitsu session and helps all participants get into the correct mindset for training.

When performing the kneeling rei at the start of the session, the right knee should touch the ground first in order to give path to the right arm, (which might have to reach for the samurai's sword which was always on the left side of the body). The right knee should also be the first to touch when performing kneeling ukemi (break falling). Try not to look at the floor when performing a rei. Instead keep your eyes on what is happening around you.

You must rei into and out of the dojo on entry and exit. You must also rei to the highest grade on the mat when you leave or walk onto the mat. This is primarily a safety point so that senior grades know exactly who is on and off the mat at any time and who is inside or has left the dojo.