Safety Concerns and Tips:
With a combat sport like Jiu Jitsu there are obvious concerns when it comes to your health and safety. When you perform moves there is always the risk of injury. For example, if the person you are attacking doesn't "tap" (in sport Jiu Jitsu not on the street) and you feel they could be injured by not "tapping" then you need stop the move (submission) and release. If you are sparing during practice and get caught in a move with no possibility to get out, you need to tap. Remember to either make sure your teammate/opponent knows that you are tapping, you DON'T WANT TO GET HURT! Remember that your Jiu Jitsu gym is like your second family and you can ask them questions about moves or other things that are concerning you. Another tip is to not quit just because a higher belt beats you, it will help you with learning what not to do next time. Also respect what your higher belt teammates tell you, you might think you know what you're doing but they know what's wrong and what's right. A final tip, from personal experience, is to not get too cocky in the gym. It is extremely easy to want to emulate a UFC/MMA fighter and try to impress your teammates by not tapping. This is a BAD idea, you do not want to hurt yourself by trying to make yourself seem like the tough guy. Just learn from your mistakes and get better with each practice.
Tips source: "Coach Jason." Personal interview. 6 Oct. 2012. (My coach at the gym I go to, so this is personal experience and professional tips)
Tips source: "Coach Jason." Personal interview. 6 Oct. 2012. (My coach at the gym I go to, so this is personal experience and professional tips)
Hygiene Tips
When practicing and competing in Jiu Jitsu there will be a lot of skin to skin contact. There is also the possibility of blood and the inevitable factor of sweat and possibly saliva. With all of this in mind, you have to keep clean during and after each practice or competition. During or after competition, if you come in contact with any body fluids you should clean the area immediately. After each practice/competition you need to wash with an anti-bacterial soap and launder your gi to ensure bacteria and dirt are removed. These hygiene practices can minimize your chances of infection.