Table of Contents
What is an open mat in BJJ?
Open mat is the term used when a gym is open, without a class. Typically BJJ has a structured class-setting. This means you will turn up, warm-up, drill then spar and go home. Open mat is far less formal and means you can drop in at any time and leave whenever. Whether you go to drill, spar or just chill out – open mat is exactly what you make it. Often it is a good way to spar new people and you can train in gi or nogi.
Is open mat free?
Some gyms will have an open mat every weekend or on bank holidays. As a general rule, they are also open to other members of the BJJ community. This means people from other gyms and affiliations can come and train without paying money. Of course, some gyms may charge a fee to non-members, albeit this is very unusual. As you may have gathered, open mat usually has a very casual atmosphere.
Should white belts go to open mat?
Open mat can be quite a daunting place for white belts, especially new ones. Because of this, the thought of going alone may be worrisome at times. One way around this is going with fellow white belts where you can train together and work on moves.
Just don’t be surprised if a higher belt declines a rule. This may be out of snobbery or they may think you roll too crazy if you’re unknown. Don’t take this personally and keep it friendly. However, as a general rule – open mat is an excellent place to learn. The likelihood is an experienced belt may help you out on a few tips and it can act as a mini private lesson. Because of this, white belts should go to open mat as much as possible.
Before Showing Up
Always Call Or Email Ahead
The reasoning for this is quite simple. There could be a number of things go wrong if you just show up on the day.
1.The gym could be closed that day due to a local tournament or another event you don’t know about.
2. there might be some sort of uniform policy so you’re not allowed to wear your black/white/blue/branded gi.
3. Some gyms have had bad experiences from crazy people dropping in so have stopped letting strangers on the mats and their open mats are for members only.
4. The open mat on the said day may just be an unpopular day for people showing up. You may be much better off going to that gym on a different day. You don’t know until you ask.
5. Ask about whether you have to pay or not. A lot of BJJ gyms will charge money, just make sure that amount is OK before you show up, so you don’t feel ripped off.
On The Mat
- It is always a good idea to introduce yourself to the highest belt or whoever is running the open mat. You may be tested in a roll against them to see if you are dangerous or not. Once people see you are not going crazy, they will also want to spar and learn with you rather than be worried about you.
2. If you are from another gym it is probably not a good idea to try and help the lower belts. You do not know their skill level or their history. Trying to help people you don’t know may offend them – even if you were much more knowledgeable.
3. Make sure you have good hygiene. This should be obvious.
4. If you are an outsider be respectful and courteous to other people. It is a good idea to be like this in life, but especially at someone else’s gym, you should make sure never to be rude.
5. Be clear about the rules. If you’re training no gi it would be advisable to ask whether heel hooks are ok before you spar, rather than after. You may not want to use leg locks on lower belts or slam wristlocks on anyone if you are not used to the gym atmosphere.
6. Don’t ask higher belts to spar. It’s becoming less controversial as time goes on, but some gyms still have an old school feel. I would personally be fine if a lower belt asked me to roll, but I have seen some people become annoyed by this.
7. Do not treat the open mat like a competition. Even if you are a competitor, if it’s your first time in the gym, you don’t know if the guy is a 40 year old accountant with 2 kids. He won’t appreciate you trying to murder him.
