Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a submission based martial art and combat sport. It's central focus is the skill of taking an opponent to the ground, controlling that opponent and using techniques to force them into submission via joint locks or chokeholds.
Do I need any experience?
No former experience is necessary and all levels of fitness can enjoy learning BJJ. In our case, we train as a team and all levels are welcome to train with us. We encourage all our students to help develop other students, that way we get better as a whole.
I'm not as young as I used to be, is it too late for me to start?
I know its a cliche to say "You're never too old!" but you really never are! Jiu jitsu is truly a martial art for everyone and there is a thriving community of senior practitioners. We tailor our teaching to the individual and it's a sport you can take at your own pace.
I heard BJJ is full of people who like to hurt each other, is this true?
In my experience, through BJJ, I have met some of the nicest people ever. I can't speak for all academies but we provide a fun, safe environment to train and take every effort to insure our students can enjoy learning this art injury free.
Is it safe for my child to train BJJ?
Absolutely, we have a thriving Juniors program that is well supervised and safe for children from 5+ to train. Our kids program focuses on the core values of discipline, respect and hardwork that prepares kids for adult life, helping them to overcome modern problems. Find out more here
Can I train with my child?
There is an opportunity to train with your child on Saturday morning NO GI class that allows mixed aged training. Find out more here
What equipment will I need?
Initially, nothing other than an open mind and maybe, tracksuit bottoms and a T Shirt. If you fall in love with the art and wish to progress more you will need to purchase a Kimono or 'GI' as they are more commonly known. It is the standard uniform that most of us start from when undertaking a journey to learn Jiu Jitsu. The beauty of training No GI Jiu Jitsu is you won't need a Kimono and can train in just basic shorts and a T Shirt. We use our bodies as our training tools. We simply recommend that you refrain from wearing watches, earrings, rings, bracelets as it is a full contact sport.
I'm thinking of buying a Gi, are they expensive?
Gi's or Kimonos are the standard uniform of a BJJ practitioner. They can be found widely online and generally last a long time so it's money well spent. Some branded Gi's can be expensive but a standard beginners gi of white or blue is usually very reasonable. In the case of a children's gi, we recommend that parents look for the cheaper options as they will grow out of them fast.
What measures do you take for safety?
As we are a full contact sport we cannot guarantee a fully injury free experience as that largely depends on how you approach your training, however we take every measure to keep our students safe. We recommend that finger and toenails be kept trimmed and that you refrain from wearing watches, rings, bracelets and other items of jewellery while training.
BJJ seems to be a very male orientated sport, can a women train Jiu Jitsu?
Of course you can, at first glance it can seem like BJJ is a heavily male dominated sport but in fact, women's Jiu jitsu is thriving and all genders of all ages are welcomed into our team. We have created a very diverse and inclusive environment to train and were proud to be so.
What is no gi Jiu Jitsu?
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu without the Kimono or Gi is formally known as 'NO GI' and is an ever increasingly popular sport that uses all the basic takedown and submission techniques of Jiu Jitsu, Wrestling and Judo and incorporates them into a singular type of grappling. While we love to train in the kimono; which is largely regarded as the foundations of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. No Gi training is an essential part of a fully rounded grappling game.
What is dojo etiquette?
Basic mat etiquette is mostly unspoken set of rules that users of the dojo space are required to follow in order to ensure the best training experience is had by all attending the sessions. Listed below is a set of basic tenants our members must follow:
1. Fingernails and toenails must be trimmed to a reasonable amount so they are not a danger to other partners. 2. Appropriate clothing must be worn during the session. No hoodies or apparel that has zippers or buttons. 3. Your body must be free from jewelry including watches, bracelets and piercings during the session. 4. No shoes to be worn on the mats at anytime during the session, footwear must be stored in the areas provided. 5. We reserve the right to remove any persons in the dojo who is deemed under the influence of intoxicating substances. 6. Foodstuffs are not to be eaten inside the dojo at anytime. 7. All dojo users are expected to be treated with respect by instructors and practitioners regardless of race, creed, religious beliefs, political affiliation, gender or sexual orientation. 8. I order to ensure other practitioners stay healthy, if you are displaying symptoms of any infection illness please stay away from the dojo until you are no longer contagious.
