PHILOSOPHY
The application of Devine Brazilian Jiu Jitsu transcends the application of chokes, joint locks, throws, and strikes. Devine Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a way of life. As practitioners of the gentle art we apply lessons learned on the mats to our everyday lives. Our mission is to help everyone, both kids and adults, to be the best versions of themselves by forging character and confidence through this unique and effective martial art.
THE RULES
Be clean– Your gi and anything else you wear should be clean and dry. Always! Clean your Gi as soon as you get home and take a shower right away. Make sure you are clean coming to class. You don’t need to smell great but make sure you don’t stink. Keep in mind that you will be in close personal contact with other people. Never wear a Gi that is not clean.
No shoes on the mat– We put a lot of effort in keeping the mats clean. The bottoms of your shoes are not clean. If you need to wear wrestling shoes because of an injury, only wear them on the mat. Wrestling shoes worn on the street are no longer wrestling shoes. Put shoes on immediately upon exiting the mat and ALWAYs wear shoes in the bathroom. Use the foot cleaning station before walking on the mats.
Have the right equipment– If you are the only student without a gi you should get one. It makes a difference to the people you roll with, and it will help you learn moves that you could not learn otherwise.
Be careful with your training partners–Safety is a priority at Devine BJJ. You need to show your training partners respect and lookout for their safety. If you are close to tapping someone out slow down, give them time to tap. Focus on controlling them as the submission is happening and slowly applying pressure, it is their responsibility to tap but you need to give them time. Be aware of your surroundings, don’t roll into other grapplers, and don’t roll off the mat. In the event you accidently knee or elbow your training partner quickly apologize and slow down a little bit. No one is more important in the gym than your training partner!
Keep nails short– You don’t want to accidently scratch someone. If you have a hard time remembering to cut your nails keep a pair of clippers in your gym bag.
Keep your feet clean– Most people bring sandals or flip-flops to the gym. Don’t walk barefoot anywhere that would get your feet dirty (restroom, outside). This is just common sense when it comes to keeping the mat clean.
Watch your language– This is a family gym. Show your fellow students and instructors proper respect.
Don’t change in mixed company– Please use the restrooms to change.
Pay attention during the techniques– It is rude to ignore or talk as your instructor is teaching and hope that they will teach the move again. Do not ask the instructor a bunch of “what if” questions, or talk about how the technique is easily defeated. Intelligent questions regarding the technique are always welcome.
Do the technique– After the technique has been shown, DO IT! And don’t stop until the instructor says you are done. Don’t do the move 3 times and think you have it down, or start looking for flaws in the move. Moves take a long time to understand, if you only do one move a night you will still learn lots of BJJ. Remember drillers are killers.
Be a positive representative– Remember you are a representative of the Devine Academy. Don’t misuse Jiu Jitsu, be a braggart, or pick fights! Be nice to new students, greet them and make an effort to help them feel comfortable.
Don’t leave a mess– Pick up after yourself.
Stay home if you are sick– Having someone that is sick on the mats is a great way for a lot of people to get sick. Your friends will be missing school, work and time on the mat. Taking a little time off will not hurt you, and your teammates will appreciate you keeping your germs to yourself.
Help your training partners (if you are qualified)- If someone keeps making a mistake tell them. If you don’t know a good counter, find someone that does, maybe you both will learn something. The better your training partners get at defending the better you will get at attacking.
Cell phones– If you have a major event that is going to happen tell your instructor you might be getting a call. Most things can wait; if you really need to be connected then sneak a peek during a water break.
Work hard– You don’t need to be the greatest athlete on the mat, your team will respect you for working hard. Don’t complain, if you are too tired that’s ok but push yourself. You know your limits.
Be on time– Get to class on time, if it is unavoidable ask your instructor if you can come in a little late. Do not continually show up just in time to roll, that is like telling your instructor that the techniques they are showing are not worth your time.
Don’t brag about tapping people out– Class is not a competition, and often not even a fair fight. Picture you have been rolling 30 minutes, and a fresh guy comes in and taps you out. He jumps up and celebrates, “yes!” People often roll hard against the advanced students, and take it easy on the newer ones. Don’t make a big deal of tapping someone out who once appeared to be invincible. Show humility!
Be positive– A trick to doing BJJ for a long time is having fun, so enjoy your time on the mat. Don’t get mad when you get tapped out or seek revenge, just smile and keep on training. Speak highly of those who deserve it and encourage those who need a little support. We are here to improve, to be better tomorrow than we were today. BJJ can become a lifestyle that we can practice forever!
OUR INSTRUCTORS
We are so proud of the quality of our instructors both on and off the mat! Our senior instructor, Tom Sheehan is a BJJ first degree black belt under Scott Devine. Tom and Scott served together as instructors in the United States Secret Service and developed the ground fighting program for all Secret Service Agents and Officers. Tom has 25 years of service with the Federal Air Marshal Service and Secret Service and has spent most of his career teaching fellow agents defensive measures and firearms tactics. With his battle tested techniques, love for Jiu Jitsu, and laid back personality, he is one of the most enjoyable instructors to learn under. Tom lives on Daniel Island with his wife and three children.
