Frequently Asked Questions
Most frequent questions and answers
Can I try a Class before i Join?
Yes you can, our beginner classes are every Monday and Wednesday at 7pm. Everyone is Welcome!
What do I wear to try my first class?
When available we have Official Gracie Humaita School uniforms to borrow. Just in Case we have several students trying out the class you can wear comfortable workout clothing.
What should I expect in my first class?
A beginners class is very different from an advanced class. Students come in with widely varying degrees of physical fitness. With that in mind our Instructors are trained to gauge the class and be ready to change structure on the fly. Most beginner classes start with a warm up, followed by our Gracie Jiu-jitsu Fundamentals Curriculum, (this includes, Self Defense, Standing Throws, and Ground techniques. We teach 1 lesson per week and each lesson has 3 to 4 techniques.
Do I need to be in shape to start?
No, you do not need to be in peek physical condition to begin training. We specialize in helping people that do not work out on a regular basis. Even those who are avid exercisers get winded in our classes. The reason being our training is always a different kind of work out. Running or lifting weights is different than pushing and pulling another person.
What are the belts of Jiu-jitsu and how do I earn them?
For Kids the belt system is white, grey belts, yellow belts, orange belts, and green belts. After age 16 students can earn the adult belts, white, blue, purple, brown, and black. In Jiu-jitsu it can take up to 10 years of solid training to get a black belt. Stripes and belts are earned thru hard work, Understanding of technique and Attitude. Show up, Work hard, and have a learning attitude! I’ll take care of the rest.
Is it Safe?
Yes, All of our instructors have mandatory safety meetings and trainings. Our Academy, Classes, Culture and Curriculum are designed with students being safe and training safe. Our Academy only uses the best martial arts mats to ensure safety. Our Classes are taught by certified Black Belts. Our Culture promotes students helping students. And Finally our Curriculum comes straight from the Gracie Humaita headquarters. Beginners are taught drill and techniques, offensive and defensive before they are asked to spar.
Academy Rules and Regulations
• Arrive 10-15 minutes prior to any scheduled class.
• Pull attendance card before each class.
• When entering the mat area, always wear a clean white or blue kimono with no rips, tears, holes or stains.
• Personal cleanliness is essential. Hair, if long, must be tied back. Nails must be clipped, hands and feet clean.
• Refrain from walking outside barefoot. If you do, clean your feet before entering the mat.
• Donʼt attend class if you are ill.
• Always greet the instructor and hand him your attendance card before joining a class.
• Donʼt leave the mat without permission from the instructor.
• During a lesson, only talk about issues that pertain to the subject matter of the class, no bad language will be tolerated.
• Techniques should only be taught by the instructor.
• No training without instructor supervision is permitted.
• Wear a shirt under the kimono during training.
• A black school shirt or rash guard and school shorts must be worn during no gi classes.
• No shoes allowed on the training floor.
• No jewelry of any kind should be worn to class.
• Always maintain appropriate posture on the mat.
• Refrain from removing your mouth guard during class.
• No eating, drinking, or chewing gum on the mat.
• No outside food allowed in the school.
• Show respect for belt hierarchy.
• Have respect and be courteous to everyone, no loud talking while class is in session.
• Children not participating in class must be kept under parental supervision at all times.
• Silence all electronic devices.
• Never walk around bare-chested outside the locker room.
• Take your kimonos and all of your belongings with you when you leave.
How to tap
how to tie your gi pants
How to tie your belt
How do i get started?
Every Monday and Wednesday we have a beginners class at 7pm. You are very welcome to come and try a class. Please arrive a few minutes early. If you are ready to join we will explain all our programs and prices to you. (we usually have a discount if you sign up after your first class). If you have any further questions don’t hesitate to contact us here.
Every day I get students asking how to get promoted or what is needed to reach the next level. I always say, there are 3 things I look for when promoting a student.
1. Attendance – and not how many classes but how consistent are you training.
2. Technical Ability – How well can a student perform a technique, and how good is their understanding of the techniques shown.
3. Attitude – What is a good attitude? A learning and helping attitude.
Learn more in the link below you can download our Version 1 of the how to get promoted in BJJ ebook and our Fundamental Jiu-jitsu Handbook.