Am I too old or out of shape for Jiu-Jitsu?
The short answer is no. You are not too old or out of shape to start training. If you talk to our students, many of them will tell you that they were hesitant to start jiu-jitsu because of a nagging injury or felt they were too out of shape, etc but once they got started, they never looked back. The best way to find out is to come try a class and see how you feel.
Is punching and kicking allowed?
No. We do not punch or kick. Jiu-jitsu is a grappling martial art with a focus on controlling and submitting your opponent on the ground by using leverage and body position. Jiu-jitsu was created for smaller, weaker individuals to be able to overcome much larger, stronger and more athletic attackers.
Are there women in the classes?
Yes! We have several women in our classes. Jiu-jitsu is great for women to learn how to protect themselves and to subdue and submit larger or stronger opponents. Brazilian jiu-jitsu is all about using good technique to overcome strength and size.
I've never done anything like this before, should I be nervous?
Starting anything new can be a little nerve racking and jiu-jitsu can look intimidating at first glance, but once you start participating in class and see how beneficial jiu-jitsu can be to your life, those nerves will calm down. It's ok to have jitters. We all do.
Is Jiu-Jitsu safe?
As with any sport, there is risk for injury, but generally speaking - yes, jiu-jitsu is very safe. Students are instructed to "tap" when they are in a bad position or feel uncomfortable. The tap means their opponent must release their grip and completely disengage. Respecting the tap is a requirement for all students. We will not tolerate students disrespecting this rule. There is no need to be a "tough guy" - you won't be impressing anyone.
Are drop-ins welcome?
If you are visiting from out of town, drop-ins are welcome during normal Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday evening, Thursday and Sunday class times but are prohibited during Wednesday noon open mat, Friday open mat and Saturday morning open mat. The drop-in fee is $25 and you will need to sign a waiver. To see our schedule, click here. We look forward to meeting you!
What should I expect during my first class?
Class formats vary slightly depending on the day of the week but most consist of a quick warmup (stretches, light exercise) followed by technique instruction and review. Unless you have prior grappling experience, you will not be asked to participate in live sparring until the instructor has determined you are ready - this typically occurs within a few weeks of starting but is dependent on the individual. Alliance teammate, 4X world champ and all around nice guy, Bernardo Faria has a great video on joining your first jiu-jitsu class. Check it out here!