Jiu Jitsu is a martial art and a combat sport. It is a systematic way to use takedowns, pins, joint locks, and strangle holds, to control and then incapacitate a single opponent.

A Gi is the uniform of the ancient samurai, and by sheer dint of human inertia, it is the clothing we still use for training today. By grabbing and manipulating the clothing a person wears, we can control and manipulate the person. The Gi is a useful and during tool to learn how to manipulate a human who is wearing clothing.

No gi grappling is grappling without the allowance of grabbing someone’s clothing. It represents base human grappling mechanics and is universal. We typically choose to practice this in tight fitting rashguards and shorts without pockets.

On average, about a decade. There are 5 belts in Jiu Jitsu: white, blue, purple, brown, and black. Meaning, you will only be promoted 4 times in your career. The belting system in Jiu Jitsu is informal. There is no test, no attendance requirement. Your instructor will simply promote you when he feels like it. NEVER mention a desire to be promoted to your instructor. The belts don’t matter. Focus on your skills. Skills are real, belts cover a few inches of your waist.

Self defense is an undefined, nebulous word. It could mean anything. Short answer: some. If you’re in a situation where you have to fist fight to stay safe, you’ve probably made many poor decisions leading up to it. That said, having real grappling skills is a massive, overwhelming advantage in a 1 on 1 situation against on unarmed opponent. But only that. It doesn’t make you, bullet, knife, or hit-to-the-back-of-your-head-proof and nothing will. So, walk softly, keep your eyes open, and know that you’re incredibly vulnerable. Conversely—you do feel a lot more confident walking around knowing that you can absolutely tie the average human in knots if you need or want to.

Please do! No, it doesn’t cost anything. Just show up and train. No, we don’t care what you’re wearing so long as it’s clean.

Absolutely! In fact, you should! It’s a big, wide, wonderful world of grappling out there and you see and try as much of it as possible! Anyone who tells you otherwise is selling something. Train at other gyms, pay for private lessons from other people, and learn all you can learn!