Clear boundaries for a free guide.

Acceptance and scope

By accessing this website, you agree to use it lawfully and in accordance with these terms. If you do not agree, do not use the website.

Open Mat Field Notes is a free educational publication. It does not offer or sell Brazilian jiu-jitsu classes, coaching, memberships, certification, events, products, bookings or other paid services.

General information only

The content explains general BJJ concepts, etiquette, preparation and questions readers may wish to ask a qualified provider. It is not personalized coaching, professional instruction, medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, legal advice or a guarantee of safety or results.

Do not attempt unfamiliar grappling techniques based only on written material. Seek appropriately qualified supervision. Consult a qualified healthcare professional about individual health or injury concerns.

No provider relationship

Reading the site or sending an email does not create a coach-student, school-member, client, professional, fiduciary or other service relationship. The published contact cannot accept class reservations, payments or membership requests.

Names, marks and third-party rights

The publication is branded Open Mat Field Notes and is hosted at zebmckinnonbjj.com. Its editorial pages do not present a biography, athlete profile or statements made on behalf of a coach, athlete, academy, federation or event organizer.

Third-party names and marks, if referenced for identification or discussion, remain the property of their respective owners. Nothing on this site grants a license to use a third party's rights or states an endorsement. Rights concerns may be sent through the Contact page.

Content ownership and permitted use

Unless otherwise indicated, original text, layout and site graphics are protected by applicable intellectual-property laws. You may view the pages for personal, non-commercial learning and link to public pages in a way that is accurate and does not imply endorsement.

You may not copy substantial portions, remove notices, sell the content, impersonate the publication, use the website for deceptive advertising, introduce malicious code or interfere with availability without permission or a legal exception.

Accuracy and availability

We aim for clear, useful information but BJJ practices and terminology vary. Content may contain errors or become outdated. Verify material facts with a qualified provider before acting.

The website may be corrected, updated, moved or unavailable without notice. No promise is made that every page will always be accessible or free of errors.

Third-party services

Email links open software or services controlled by you and your providers. Any third-party website or service is governed by its own terms and privacy practices. A link does not by itself state endorsement.

Disclaimer and responsibility

To the extent permitted by applicable law, the website and content are provided on an “as available” basis without warranties that cannot be inferred from this free educational publication. You remain responsible for your decisions, selection of a training provider and participation in physical activity.

Nothing in these terms excludes or limits a right or liability that applicable law does not allow to be excluded or limited.

Changes and contact

These terms may change when the publication or applicable requirements change. The effective date will be updated when a revised version is posted.