FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
1. I don’t have Gi. Do I need to buy one to try out the class?
– It is not necessary. We’d love for you to join us for our free class. Offer comes with a FREE uniform. From 4 years old are welcome! You must wear comfortable athletic clothing under your uniform (compression shirt). Women – you’ll be more comfortable in a top that doesn’t have a low cut, as well as a sports bra and leggings.
– Click [HERE] to sign up today!
2. What should I wear/bring to my first class?
– Please try to arrive 10-15 minutes early so you can meet the staff, instructor and check in. Most people wear flip flops as we don’t allow shoes on the mat.
3. What should I expect from the first class?
– The first part of the class consists of a warm-up that includes stretching, core work, and movement exercises. After the warm-up, the instructor(s) will show the technique of the day. You will partner with other students and train the technique. The last part of the class is the “rolling”, which is the fight equivalent to sparring. You will NOT roll your first day, but you can watch. The instructor will usually pair you with someone more experienced so they can work with you and guide you through the rolling process.
4. What is 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.
5. 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.
6. 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!
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. What is the basic etiquette while in class?
– 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 THE [DOJO RULES](https://www.carlsongracieok.com/dojo-rules/).
13. 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.
14. I am over 40 years old, am I too old to attend BJJ classes?
– 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.
15. 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.
16. 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.
– CHECK OUR [BELT/RANK SYSTEM].
17. Why kids should train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
– As parents, we all know that kids need to stay active and learn how to be a part of a team. Martial arts are a great way for kids to do both these things, but the added benefit is that it’s a year-round program. Instead of seasonal sports where progress is slower, kids who participate consistently in a martial arts program will see guaranteed changes in behavior at home and school. At our school we focus on building their life skills while they are making friends and learning martial arts. While we can think of a million reasons why kids should train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), here are some of the top reasons martial arts training is important for kids:
– Physical benefits:
– Children who train BJJ are learning a healthy lifestyle by staying active, which, as most parents know, is difficult to do in this day in age with constant distractions, like video games and social media. Staying active burns calories, increases good cholesterol, decreases bad cholesterol, increases flexibility, increases balance and coordination, improves fitness, maintains healthy joints and keeps the heart rate up, all while learning how to defend yourself! Proper martial arts training should be fun and educational, all while increasing a child’s self-confidence, which can in turn manifest itself in many positive ways of a child’s life.
– Self-Esteem:
– Self-esteem is developed in martial arts due to the ability to grow and set goals. At first, kids in BJJ class start off setting short-term goals, such as getting a feel for the movements and positions. These goals are realized after a few short months and are rewarded with a new belt or stripe where they can begin to see that hard work and consistency pays off! Once they realize that BJJ is not only a sport, but also a way of life they begin to reach for a higher goal, such as attaining the coveted black belt all while their self-esteem and self-confidence is growing.
– Bully proof:
– Bullying is a well-documented and growing problem in schools these days. With no signs of slowing down, martial arts training can give much needed tools to the child on how to better deal with bullies and bullying situations. Martial arts teach children to stand up for themselves and for others if there is a bullying situation. Preventing bullying does not mean resorting to violence, it means having the confidence to stand up for what is right. However, what’s worse for parents other than learning their child is a victim of bullying is learning their child is being a bully his/herself. We focus on building positive character traits and learning to help others, not hurt them.
– Mental Health:
– Apart from self-esteem, BJJ is very mentally challenging which helps kids develop character and problem-solving skills. Compared to other martial arts, it can take up to an average of 10 years for adults to attain their black belt because of the complexity of the art. The ability of a BJJ student to learn how to deal with obstacles in a controlled environment gives the benefit of increased mental health because the student develops the ever-important “Never Give Up” attitude. That attitude is imperative in developing leaders and strong individuals who don’t see a limit to what they can accomplish and learn how to navigate their way through challenges. Along the way, your child will gain self-discipline, self-confidence, focus, and respect, just to name a few of the many mental benefits of training.