Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
I DON’T OWN A GI. DO I NEED TO BUY ONE TO TRY OUT THE CLASS?
Not necessary. We would love to have you join us for our 3 Class Trial. Offer comes with a FREE uniform. Trial offer is good for a 7 day period only. Ages 4 and older are welcome! You should wear comfortable athletic clothing under your uniform (compression shirt). Females – you will feel more comfortable with a top that is not low cut, plus a sports bra, and leggings.
Click HERE to sign up today!
WHAT DO I WEAR/BRING TO MY FIRST CLASS?
Please try to arrive 10-15 minutes early so that you can meet the staff ,instructor and get you checked in. Most people wear flip flops as we do not allow shoes on the mat.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT MY FIRST CLASS?
The first part of class consists of a warm-up which includes stretching, core work, and movement drills. After the warm-up, the instructor(s) will show the technique of the day. You will be partnered with another students and will drill the technique. The last part of class is the “rolling”, which is the grappling equivalent to sparring. You WILL NOT roll your very first day, but you are welcome to observe. The instructor will typically pair you up with someone who is more experienced so that they can work with you and guide you through the rolling process.
WHAT’S A TYPICAL CLASS LIKE?
We begin class with some light calisthenics and stretching. Following our warm-up we then begin drilling technique. These drills when done over and over help form muscle memory and help our students retain technique. After our drilling is completed then we begin to spar (or roll). Rolling is when students are able to put their techniques to the test with training partners who can resist and counter just as they would in an actual fight, providing valuable real-world experience should the techniques ever need to be applied in an actual fight.
IS BJJ GOOD EXERCISE?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can provide you with far more extensive results than typical aerobic exercise. The resistance encountered while rolling provides you with a good base to improve your core strength through intense abdominal workout, increase your muscle tone, and reduce your body fat while improving your balance, bodily coordination, cardio vascular capacity, and muscular endurance.
Will I get hurt?
Any physical activity can lead to injury - and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in no exception - but because we place such care and our facility is specifically designed for these activities, we can keep you safe. The injury rate is extremely low, much lower than other sports like basketball, track, football, or other traditional sports. We teach proper technique so that you don't hurt yourself. We want you to go at your speed, which is why we have a basics program. Some people learn at a slower tempo than others, and that’s fine!
Will this be really hard on my body? Is it violent?
Not at all, it's fun. Any physical activity is taxing to the body, especially if you haven't been physically active. However that is a threshold that can easily be crossed.
BJJ is not violent.
Do I have to be athletic, flexible, or in good shape?
Not at all! As a matter of fact people always say "I want to get in shape before I try BJJ". This is completely WRONG. You can't get in shape for BJJ, I have seen marathon runners fair worse than people who've never worked out before. BJJ is different and can't be specifically prepared for unless you do BJJ.
I'M A WOMAN: IS BJJ RIGHT FOR ME?
BJJ is an excellent choice for women. In terms of self-defense, BJJ is perfect from a female perspective, as it deals with the unfortunately common self-defense situations: BJJ features a lot of attacks and defenses when you are on the ground. It is also a martial art which was designed for a smaller person to overcome a larger one, which again has clear applications for women's self-defense.
WOULD BJJ BENEFIT MY CHILD?
Absolutely! Jiu-Jitsu, which means “gentle art”, emphasizes the use of technique and leverage. So your child won’t have to rely on size, strength, or speed, while also learning to defend themselves and subdue their opponent in a safe way without having to rely on kicks and punches. Your child will develop physical awareness of balance, reflexes, flexibility and coordination, as well as build on the mental aspects of their personality such as self-esteem, discipline, confidence, compassion, and good work ethic. The classes are taught in a positive, fun, and friendly manner, so your child will enjoy learning the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
WHAT’S A GI?
A Gi (sometimes referred to as Kimono) is the uniform that is typically worn when training Jiu-Jitsu. It consists of 3 pieces: a jacket (or top), pants, and a belt. The material in which the three pieces are made is specially reinforced to withstand the rigors of daily practice. Most practitioners of Jiu-Jitsu who advocate the usage of the Gi cite the more technical aspect of grappling with a Gi.
Q: WHAT IS THE BASIC ETIQUETTE WHILE IN CLASS?
A: THESE ARE SOME GENERAL RULES TO FOLLOW DURING TRAINING:
Keep your uniform clean.
Avoid foul language.
Respect everyone. The instructors are your friends, but you must still maintain good conduct. Show respect, get respect.
Check your attitude and ego at the door. Bad attitudes will not be tolerated.
Be on time for class (If late, ask the instructor for permission to enter class).
Let the instructor know ahead of time if you need to leave class early.
Always bow or shake hands before rolling.
NEVER get too aggressive while rolling. You should pace yourself – don’t grind or crank away in order to get the submission.
No shoes on the mat.
Refrain from horseplay, talking, and interrupting while your instructor is teaching.
Keep yourself properly groomed.
Wear flip flops/shoes to restroom/shower.
CHECK OUR CODE OF CONDUCT
WHY TRAIN WITH THE GI?
As you practice Jiu-Jitsu, you will find it useful as both an offensive and defensive tool. You will also realize its value as a common uniform to promote safe and technical practice of Jiu-jitsu.
The Gi game obviously has a lot more to it. Everything that can be done with the Gi, can be done without it, making it a more complex game. Additionally, taking away the Gi allows physical attributes such as size, strength, and athleticism to come to play with greater effect due to the lack of levers and friction.
For now, you should view your Kimono as a set of training wheels. As you develop a higher level of proficiency, you will learn to perform Jiu-Jitsu techniques with and without a Kimono. The kimono will add a level of sophistication to your game that will result in you, as a student, becoming a more advanced and technical fighter.
I AM OVER 40 YEARS OLD, AM I TOO OLD TO ATTEND BJJ CLASSES?
You are never “too old” to start BJJ! As long as you make sure to work within your own abilities and give yourself time to recover you will do great! Remember, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is based on technique and leverage, not athleticism or youth. Train smarter, not harder!
I AM RECOVERING FROM AN INJURY THAT I SUFFERED IN THE PAST AND MY DOCTOR HAS CLEARED ME TO TRAIN. WILL I BE ABLE TO WORK INTO YOUR BJJ CLASSES SLOWLY WITH MY PHYSICAL LIMITATION?
Yes! The art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is for everyone. We can work around any limitations that you may have, as long as you make the instructors aware of any exercises, drills, or techniques that are causing pain or discomfort.
HOW DOES THE BELT RANKING SYSTEM WORK IN BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU?
For adult students, there are five belts: white, blue, purple, brown and black. The normal time of progression between belts averages about 2-4 years.
After black belt, there is a degree system to designate active time in the art. 7th degree becomes a red and black belt. 10th degree is reserved for the founders of the art.
There are additional belt colors for children under the age of 16.