About Us

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Always bow as you enter and leave the BJJ training area.

2. All black belts are to be called professor.

3. If a black belt steps on the mat before class has commenced, you must address him or her immediately by bowing to them and introducing yourself.

4. When you step on the mats, bow and then introduce yourself to the teacher and the rest of the students in order of rank ie black belt first, then brown, purple, blue and white.

5. Ask permission from your instructor before you leave the mat.

6. No bright colored nail polish as it stains our mats. Only clear or neutral colours.

7. Remove ALL jewellery before training.

8. Your belt signifies your accomplishments, keep it on at all times during class.

9. No coaching your children or other students during class.

10. Keep your nails and toenails short and clean, be aware of hygiene, inappropriate body odour is offensive. All students must wear clean uniforms at all times.

11. Always wear a rash guard / compression shirt.

12. For gradings and seminars, Gi’s must be white. If you don’t have a white Gi you can hire one from us.

13. If you are injured during class and / or begin to bleed, immediately tend to the wound, to avoid having the blood come into contact with other students and to avoid infection. If you decide to continue training, make sure the bleeding has stopped and the wound is covered. Clean up any blood on the mat immediately.

14. No food or drink on the mat, you must keep your water and any drink off the mat. Glass bottles are not to be kept at the edge of the mats as they can be tipped and shatter.

15. Respect  your partners. To avoid any injury, if your partner taps, release immediately and safely. If you find yourself in a submission and are unsure you can defend it, tap immediately. If you can’t tap with your hand, tap with your foot or call out “Tap”.

16. Do not talk during a sparring round.

17. If your instructor is teaching a particular technique, do not deviate or improvise, drill the move until your instructor advises you otherwise.

18. If you want to try a new technique that you have not learnt in class, make sure you try it outside class and with a higher belt to avoid unnecessary injury to yourself and others.

19. Make it a point to be in class on time, dressed and ready to participate in warm ups at least 5 minutes before class is to begin. If your schedule conflicts or you are inevitably late, let your instructor and the academy know as soon as you know. If you are late, wait till the instructor is free then approach them and ask if it’s alright join the class.

 

The word “jiu-jitsu” derives from the Japanese words “Jū” meaning “gentle” and “Jutsu” meaning “art” essentially, jiu-jitsu is the “gentle art”.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a predominantly ground-based martial art, using the principals of leverage, angles, pressure and timing, as well as knowledge of the human anatomy, in order to achieve a non-violent submission of one’s opponent. Unlike other martial arts that focus on strikes and/or kicks, jiu-jitsu focuses on close-contact “grappling” holds and techniques, and the application of chokes and joint-manipulations.

BJJ promotes the concept that a smaller person can successfully defend against a bigger, stronger assailant by using these principles. More than just a workout, jiu-jitsu is often referred to as “human chess” in that it exercises both the body and the mind.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is for people of all ages, fitness levels , shapes and sizes. Aside from being a great workout BJJ helps promote a friendly environment in which to learn self defence and build a stronger community.

No, not at all.

While previous martial arts experience may be an advantage, our classes and programs are design to teach anyone from complete beginner to experienced athletes.

No, BJJ is a great way for anyone to get in shape.

Our professional instructors can help guide and tailor the classes to assist in not only getting you started, but also improving your fitness and your skills.

Our Fundamentals classes are designed for beginners and are also suitable for a trial class.

You will learn basic principles and techniques to get started.

That depends on you.

We don't give out belts just because you attended X amount of classes, or remembered this move or that sequence.

We also do not hold grading ceremonies, tests or trials. As you progress you will be awarded a stripe on your belt to signify that you are improving and when we feel you are ready you will be promoted. It's a good idea to avoid focusing on belts and gradings and just enjoy the journey.

Your instructor will let you know when you are ready, but generally beginners and first timers don't jump in straight away.

Our Fundamentals class finishes with a modified positional sparring, giving beginners a chance to put into practice the techniques they have been studying with out getting overwhelmed by more advanced students.

Please note we have a  preference for white Gis, This is not a strict policy but we ask members to keep this in mind when purchasing new gis
*We are happy for members to use their coloured Gi's at competition or external open mats.

For beginners we are happy for you to attend with your current gi, colour or patches don't matter.

If you are travelling and have you Gir with your club's patch on it that is perfectly fine.
*Please note we have a white Gi policy, if you are visiting please try to keep this in mind.

We stock our own Academy branded Gi’s and gear, alternatively there are many online retailers that sell BJJ gear.

*Please note, we have a white Gi policy. keep this in mind when ordering gear.

Yes, we can pause your membership for a period of up to 6 weeks.

Just let us know in advance.

* for periods longer than 6 weeks please contact us to discuss options.