FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS :
Q. Is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu effective against multiple opponents?
A. Jiu-Jitsu gives students the best possible chance when facing an attack by one or more opponents. The overwhelming superiority demonstrated by Royce Gracie in the Ultimate Fighting Championship by taking his opponents to the ground, created a misconception that jiu-jitsu is exclusively a ground fighting system. Jiu-Jitsu is a complete fighting system and not an exclusively ground grappling art A Jiu-Jitsu practitioner learns strikes, which include techniques with the elbows, hands, feet, head, and knees. Students learn that the optimum self-defense strategy is to maintain a safe distance from the attacker. This battle-tested method teaches defenses against the most common street attacks, the majority standing, which quickly neutralize aggressors. The practice of Jiu-Jitsu corrects a long lasting myth that real life fights are like scenes from martial arts movies where protagonists KO dozens of bad guys one after the other A Jiu-Jitsu practitioner possesses the most realistic chances of safely overcoming a multiple opponent attack.
Q. What makes BJJ different from other martial arts?
A. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu differs from other martial arts fundamentally. While other martial arts rely heavily on strength and speed, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu relies on technique and leverage.
Q. Who can learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
A. Anyone can utilize the techniques of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The core principle is to provide a method for the smaller, weaker individual to protect themselves from bigger, stronger more aggressive attackers.
Q. Is BJJ good exercise?
A. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can provide you with far more extensive results than typical aerobic exercise. The resistance encountered while grappling 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, coordination, cardiovascular capacity, and muscular endurance. It's also fun!
Q. Do you test for belts?
A. No. Advancement is given on an individual basis. Think "time put in". As a result of good attendance, the knowledge of jiu-jitsu becomes more natural. We look for our students to show they have the knowledge and ability to perform techniques properly. They also need to have good personal character. Positive attitude, good conduct, and showing respect to our instructors, academy, and community members are all important qualities to be considered for promotion.
Q. What are the belt ranks?
A. Adult - White, Blue, Purple, Brown, Black, Red/Black and Red.
A. Kids - White, Yellow, Orange, and Green.
Q. How long until I get my Black Belt?
A. Typically, it takes anywhere from 10 to 15 years to attain the rank of Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Each belt takes about 2-5 years of dedicated practice
Q. What equipment/uniform do I need for class?
A. Our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program is based on the traditional teaching system from Brazil. Throwing, grappling, and submission techniques are practiced wearing a gi (pronounced "ghee"), or kimono. It is mandatory that a clean gi be worn for each class.
Q. 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.
Q. Do you always train with a gi?
A. Most of the time. Occasionally, the gi is removed for training. Usually in the summer months (July - August) Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was created as an effective street self-defense system. It provides you with the tools to defend yourself in real life situations. Wearing the gi simulates everyday clothing that people wear.
Q. Where can I buy a gi?
A. You may purchase a gi at the school, or you can shop online yourself (LX Store). There are many brands available. Expect to pay anywhere from $75 - $180 for a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu style gi.
Q. How do I pay for classes?
A. You can pay Monthly or by the class.
Q. How many classes a week should I attend?
A. We understand that people work, go to school, and/or have family activities and commitments, therefore, your personal schedule will determine how many classes you can take each week. It is ideal that you target for at least two classes per week.
Q. Are all jiu-jitsu schools the same?
A. No. Jiu-Jitsu schools all have their own personalities. They all don't necessarily offer or focus on the same things. Before signing up you should visit the school to see what the instruction is like, the facility, the students, and the overall atmosphere.
Q. How long have you been in Jiu-Jitsu?
A. I (Adam Wesolowski) have been a practioner of brazilian jiu-jitsu since 1999. I began teaching "bjj" in 2001 at the Philadelphia Gracie Training Assiocation. I also hold a Nidan (second degree black belt) in Aikido KoKiKai.
11 Quick Tips for White Belts
- How to get good isn't a big secret. Get on the mats, get good instruction and do conditioning, drilling or sparring. Gameplans, flow charts, notebooks, journals and instructionals are gravy. Training is the meat and potatoes.
- Spar with everyone you can. Force yourself to go with guys who intimidate you. Experience is what counts, not mental tallies of who tapped who and always finish the match, no matter how tired you are.
- Escaping submissions and bad positions isn't easy and it's not supposed to be. That's kinda the point.
- The best answer to a problem is usually "don't let it happen in the first place." That's always disappointing to hear but it's unfortunately true. Of course learn the escapes and counters but also become aware of what mistakes
got you there in the first place. Boxers don't ask "How do I get unpunched?"
- The difference between gi and no-gi is only as big as you make it. Do whichever you enjoy. Try both. And do whichever is appropriate to prepare for competition. Just don"t be that guy who wastes time arguing one
over the other.
- Feeling akward or uncoordinated when trying a new move is a good thing. It means you've got something to learn and your body gets to gain a new skill.
- Being technical doesn't mean being lazy. Being aggressive doesn't mean being a bully. But it will take a lot of training and mat time to balance the two.
- You'll think you're "getting it" at about 6 months. Then at 2 years you'll realize how wrong you were before and how now you're really getting it. Then 15 years later you'll actually start getting it.
- Getting your blue belt is a good thing but don't blow it up too big in your mind or you risk losing motivation when you get promoted. Don't be one of those guys who races to his blue belt then disappears forever.
- When you do get your new belt or stripe, don't worry too much if you feel like you don't deserve it yet. That's normal. Just do what it takes to grow into it.
- Don't rush... Just Enjoy the Jiu-Jitsu
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