Frequently Asked Questions

If I miss a class will I get behind? No, the curriculum is always evolving and we are often re-approaching techniques and positions from different avenues.

How will Jiu Jitsu affect other aspects of my life? Jiu Jitsu is a life skill that can't be taken away from you. While participating in a fun sport, you are learning how you can defend yourself, interacting with other people, and getting an awesome workout. As you keep training, you will start to build healthy routines which will positively impact and change your life in all aspects. Beyond the physical, many people derive significant mental and emotional training as well.

Does Jiu Jitsu increase intelligence? Problem-solving is a major component of Jiu Jitsu and training this skill surely improves the mind overall. Jiu Jitsu is a great workout that exercises both the mind and body simultaneously and in unison. It unlocks many physical capabilities you never thought you had and also makes you a more intelligent fighter, which in turn translates to the everyday struggles of life.

I have no experience, what class is right for me? Any class on the schedule is appropriate for every skill level, and our instructors have experience including concepts and techniques to challenge all learners. A good place to start for a new student with no prior experience is the Fundamentals class, which focuses more than others on the foundational concepts of grappling, both standing and on the ground.

I don’t have a uniform, do I need to buy one before I start? No, we have a number of clean uniforms to lend out during our gi (uniform) classes, and you may wear athletic shorts, yoga pants, and a T-shirt in the no-gi classes until you are able to purchase optimal items. You should leave the loaner gi with us to be cleaned at the end of class, and we can facilitate the purchase of a gi when you are ready.

Do I need to be in shape to start Jiu Jitsu? No, Jiu Jitsu and Judo are both good ways to get into shape, and there is no substitute for just doing the thing. On their own, hours in a weight room or miles on a treadmill may increase your fitness and athleticism, but they do not build the kind of functional strength and cardio needed to be a competent grappler. Our classes are a great way to get in shape and stay in shape.

I used to train at a different gym and was promoted there, do I need to start from white belt again? No, if you were promoted at another credible gym you will not need to start at white belt again. Skill levels differ from school to school, and sometimes it may take longer to be promoted further if your skill does not match our expectations for the level you are claiming, but we will work with you to get you there if that is the case.

I used to wrestle in high school/college, will that help me in training? Yes, wrestling, Judo and Jiu Jitsu overlap in several ways, and prior experience may help you grasp some techniques and concepts quicker. You may need to overcome  some habits developed in wrestling though, and we encourage you to come with a mind open to both sides of that coin.

When is the best time to start training? Yesterday, but the second best time happens to be today.