Safeguarding Policy

Our Commitment

Brazilian jiu jitsu has a documented problem with exploitation and abuse, particularly toward women, minors, and LGBTQ+ athletes. We take this seriously. DEN BJJ maintains a zero-tolerance policy for physical abuse, sexual misconduct, emotional abuse, bullying, discrimination, and retaliation against anyone who reports a concern.

This policy applies to all instructors, staff, members, visitors, and parents at DEN BJJ. Violations may result in immediate suspension or permanent removal from the gym, and where legally required, will be reported to law enforcement.

DEN BJJ does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, or age. All members are entitled to train in an environment free from harassment and discrimination.

Designated Safeguarding Contact

The preferred way to submit a concern is the reporting form on this page — it goes directly to our Designated Safeguarding Officer and is reviewed as soon as possible. If you prefer to reach us by email, that option is also available as a backup:

Reports are handled confidentially. Information is shared only with those directly involved in resolving the concern and, where legally required, with law enforcement. Anyone who retaliates against a person who reports a concern in good faith violates this policy and will be removed from the gym.

Safety Practices

• —Security cameras are in operation throughout the training area at all times.
• —A dedicated observation area is available for parents and guardians to watch all classes.
• —No instructor will conduct one-on-one private instruction with a minor in any unobserved space. A second adult or a parent must be present and visible.
• —All paid instructors and staff complete background checks before working with members.
• —All instructors complete SafeSport training, covering mandatory reporting, sexual misconduct awareness, and athlete protection.
• —Instructors are mandatory reporters under Colorado law and will report reasonable suspicion of child abuse or neglect to law enforcement or the Colorado child abuse hotline immediately.

Prohibited Conduct

The following are prohibited for all instructors, staff, and members:

• —Physical abuse or excessive force beyond normal training contact
• —Sexual misconduct of any kind, including non-contact conduct such as unwanted communication or grooming behaviors
• —Emotional abuse, humiliation, intimidation, or deliberate exclusion
• —Bullying, including online or through social media
• —Discrimination based on any protected characteristic
• —Unsanctioned photography or video of minors
• —Direct private electronic messaging between coaches and minor athletes without a parent included
• —Retaliation against anyone who reports a concern in good faith

How to Report a Concern

If you witness or experience behavior that violates this policy, or if you have a concern about a member's safety:

1. 1.Use the reporting form below on this page — it is the fastest way to get your concern to our safeguarding officer. You can choose whether or not you would like to be contacted about your report.
2. 2.If you prefer to email directly, contact [email protected] and include "Safeguarding Report" in the subject line.
3. 3.If the concern involves a minor and you believe a crime has been committed or a child is in immediate danger, contact Aurora Police Department at 303-627-3100 or call 911.
4. 4.You may also contact any of the external resources below. Reports to external organizations are not required to go through DEN BJJ first.

You do not need to prove that harm occurred before reporting. A good-faith concern is enough. All reports will be reviewed.

External Resources

These organizations operate independently of DEN BJJ and can receive reports directly:

• —US Center for SafeSport: 1-833-587-7233
• —Colorado Child Abuse Hotline: 1-844-CO-4-KIDS (1-844-264-5437)
• —RAINN (Sexual Assault): 1-800-656-4673
• —Aurora Police Department: 303-627-3100

Policy Review

This policy is reviewed annually. Questions about this policy can be sent to [email protected].