FAQ
What is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
BJJ is a grappling style that grew out of judo. It emphasises fighting on the ground, specifically how to reach a controlling position, then finishing with a choke or joint lock (there are no strikes). Sparring is a major part of training, and ranking is normally based on performance, time and effort.
I’m out of shape. Should I get fitter before starting?
You definitely don't need to be in shape to start, in fact, you can start with a goal to get in shape by doing BJJ. The idea that you can't start Brazilian Jiu Jitsu until you're fit is similar to saying you can't start going to the gym until you're fit enough to work out.
What should I wear to my first jiu jitsu class?
Shorts and a t-shirt, or a surf rash guard, will usually be ok. However, if you decide that BJJ is something you want to do and you decide to keep training then you will need to buy a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Gi . It's important not to try and avoid wearing anything with pockets, belt loops or baggy fabrics.
What to expect on your first class?
Most classes start with a light warm-up, such as running laps and followed by solo drills like forward/backward rolls and backward breakfalls and shrimping. Those moves will probably be new to you, so just watch what everyone else is doing and try to copy them. Don’t worry if you don’t get the exercises correct at first—no one does on their first day, and they take a little practise. Just give it your best try, and the instructor will make sure you learn to do it right.
After warm-ups, you’ll be partnered with someone, and go to your own section of the mats, to be taught your first lesson. You will practice a beginner curriculum, or you will simply do whatever techniques are being taught that day.
Class concludes with live sparring. You will be assigned a sparring partner(s), and usually you’ll change partners after every round.
At the start of each round, you’ll begin by facing your partner. When you’re both ready shake hands and start to “roll”: try out your techniques, stopping whenever one of you taps and restart in neutral position.
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Things to look for when choosing a BJJ school
A BJJ instructor should first and foremost, be qualified to teach. In those terms, a black belt instructor is always the best choice. Going further into things, a black belt of good lineage and with decent experience is even better. A black belt with all of the above, plus an extensive competition record is probably the best.
The school’s affiliation is a big pointer to the quality of personnel associated with it.
Look at the body types of people training there. If you see people of varying types- young, old, big, small, male, female, etc... that means that place cares about individual students and everyone gets the attention and respect they need to last in this sport.
Good signs of a well organized and clean BJJ school are easy to spot. Check out the changing rooms. Are they clean or dirty? Clean toilets and available showers. Clean mats and a cleaning schedule mean that you’ve walked in a top class BJJ school.
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Do you offer a free trial?
Yes! Your first class can be taken as a free trial to see if you enjoy it.