Find answers to the most commonly asked questions below. If you have a question that is not answered here, please feel free to contact us from our CONTACT PAGE. Maybe we’ll add your question here!
For the moment, we only offer “adult” classes – ages 14 and up. (This is a fairly arbitrary cutoff designed to ensure that students have an appropriate level of physical, mental, and emotional maturity to hang with the grownups. Got a particularly mature 12-year-old? Let’s talk.) At some point in the future, depending on demand and instructor availability, we may expand the program to include separate children’s and/or “family” classes.
I will be teaching gi only, for now. However, I understand that new students may take some time to get their gi, so I will tailor class content appropriately.
Eventually, depending on volume and demand, I may start teaching separate gi and no-gi classes.
Nah. As long as it fits you, you can wear whatever gi you want. However, I recommend buying one specifically designed for grappling. You can get away with your old tae kwon do gi for a little while, but I guarantee it will eventually rip. Under your gi top, you may wear a rash guard if you wish. Women should wear a secure sports bra.
You can wear drawstring-tied shorts or legging-style (tight-fitting elastic) pants. On top, you should wear a rash guard (long or short sleeved) or a tight-fitting T-shirt. Women should wear a secure sports bra.
Beyond your gi, you don’t need anything. The following items are optional:
- I recommend a pair of sandals or flip-flops especially for BJJ. This makes it easy to step on and off the mat (e.g. to use the restroom) without contaminating your feet or your street shoes.
- A mouthguard helps protect your teeth and tongue.
- A wrestling earguard helps protect your ears from the dreaded cauliflower ear.
- An athletic cup helps protect your family jewels.
- You may wish to bring your own bottle of water or Gatorade.
- A towel can come in handy for sweat, etc.
- You know if you need any braces, supports, etc. for your injuries. However, please be sure these aids have no sharp edges or corners – these can damage both mats and humans.
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No. We are focused more on sport/competitive jiu jitsu and the self-defense aspects of BJJ, with a primary focus on training with the gi. Depending on demand and scheduling, no-gi classes may be offered in the future. We do offer a separate striking program, which is founded in Muay Thai, Tae Kwon Do, and Western boxing.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a grappling/submission/self-defense martial art that primarily focuses on ground fighting.
For more information, see our What Is BJJ page.
Jiu Jitsu translates (from Japanese) as the “Gentle Art”. By its nature, Jiu Jitsu is geared around redirecting your opponent’s energies and using their strengths against them. It is also possible for practitioners to go 100% while staying relatively safe, unlike martial arts that involve striking. If those strikes are performed at 100%, the potential for damage/injury is much higher.
It’s for the same reason that Judo got its name, which translates as the “Gentle Way”.
The adult belt progression is as follows:
Between belts, there is a system of four stripes. Stripes are awarded informally as the instructor feels they are merited.
Promotions are typically given by the head instructor when he/she has assessed that the student is ready. At Concept BJJ, stripes will be awarded by Coach Eric. Belt promotions will be handled as the need arises.
For adults, it generally takes 1-2 years to move from white to blue belt. From then on it typically takes 2-3 years per belt. Of course there are exceptions to this. An extraordinary few have achieved black belt in as little as 3 years. Some take more than 12 years. In the end, the decision is up to the instructors.
Yes, you will be tested before being allowed to advance to the next belt color. The test will vary in format, content, and formality depending on rank.
No. There are no testing fees for stripes or belt promotions. However, you will be responsible for the cost of your new belt.
We do not want you to miss training because of a forgotten belt. We may have some spare white belts you can borrow (no matter your rank). Just try not to make it a regular occurrence.
