F.A.Q.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING TO MY FIRST CLASS?

All you need for your first class is comfortable clothing. A fitted t-shirt or rash guard is ideal, and pocketless shorts are preferable. For women tights and a top is fine. However, if you have a Jiu-Jitsu Kimono or ‘Gi’ feel free to wear that.

A water bottle and a small towel for drying off after the class is also a good idea.

WHAT’S A TYPICAL CLASS LIKE?

We begin class with some light calisthenics and stretching. 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.   After our drilling is completed then we begin to spar (or roll or positional training). In BJJ, when we spar, we are testing our techniques with training partners who provide resistance and counter.  Please note- the rolling and live training portion of the class is optional.  

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.

HOW FIT DO I NEED TO BE TO BEGIN?

You don’t need to be super fit to start training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. In fact, BJJ is a great way to get fit. At our academy everybody is welcome on the mats regardless of their level of fitness. We focus on technique and this is something absolutely anyone can do.

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 IS THE BASIC ETIQUETTE WHILE IN CLASS?

• Have a positive and respectful attitude
• No shoes on the mat
• No dirty training gear
• Keep finger/toe nails trim
• Keep illness, skin infections, open wounds, and blood off the mat
• Pick up after yourself
• No bare feet in the bathroom (please wear your shoes upon exit of the mat and before entrance back onto it)
• Be mindful of other pairs (your neighbors) when you are rolling
• Do not hold onto or crank submissions
• Tap when you are caught
• No slamming or neck cranks
• Discuss with your partner before using heel hooks, knee bars, toe holds, slicers, etc.

HOW DOES THE BELT RANKING SYSTEM WORK IN BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU?

For adult students, there are five belts: white, blue, purple, brown and black.  (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.)  The normal time of progression between belts for adults averages about 2-4 years.

There are additional belt colors for children under the age of 16.  These are white, grey, yellow, orange, and green- with each belt averaging 1-2 years.