jiu jitsu faqs

are you new to the art? Here’s some basic information to put your mind at ease and get you started!

What is Brazilian jiu jitsu?

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a martial art with a heavy emphasis on grappling. With origins in judo, this off-shoot of Japanese-style Jiu Jitsu is based on the premise that no matter your size or physical strength, you can successfully defend yourself against a larger, stronger opponent with the use of leverage and proper technique. As a result, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has enjoyed huge success in mixed martial arts and is an excellent art for people of all ages and fitness levels to learn as a form of realistic self-defense. “Jiu jitsu” translates to English as “GENTLE art”. It’s not brute strength, but a beautiful artform!

Can women do jiu jitsu?

absolutely. Knowing how to defend yourself is an essential skill. jiu jitsu is empowering, builds confidence, and offers an excellent workout. Whether you’re looking to learn the basics, compete, or try out a new form of exercise, jiu jitsu is an excellent option. you can join any regularly scheduled class or our women’s only self-defense class to get you started.

am I too old or out of shape to train jiu jitsu?

not at all. Regardless of your age, physical limitations, or physical capacity, jiu jitsu can be scaled to fit your needs. jiu jitsu is for everyone.

What are your training facilities like?

WE HAVE OUR OWN DEDICATED TRAINING SPACE! WE’RE LOCATED JUST INSIDE OF UNIVERSITY PLACE CROSSFIT. ENTER THROUGH THE DOOR WITH OUR LOGO ON IT AND OUR ROOM IS STRAIGHT AHEAD. WE HAVE 1,200 SQ/FT OF SPACE, A BEAUTIFUL OPEN LAYOUT, AND PLENTY OF SEATING FOR PARENTS TO WATCH THEIR KIDS TRAIN. SHOWERS, CHANGING ROOMS, AND RESTROOMS ARE ALL AVAILABLE.

what is a typical class like?

EACH CLASS FOLLOWS A SIMILAR STRUCTURE: WARMUP, TECHNIQUE PRACTICE, THEN LIVE TRAINING.

  1. WARMUP— WE DO A FAST-PACED WARMUP TO ENSURE WE’RE READY TO MOVE. THE WARMUP REINFORCES JIU JITSU TECHNIQUES AND DEVELOPS A BASIC LEVEL OF CONDITIONING.

  2. TECHNIQUE— EACH DAY WE PRACTICE A SPECIFIC MOVEMENT. THESE VARY FROM BASIC TO MORE ADVANCED. SOME DAYS ARE DESIGNED FOR REVIEW. WE FOCUS ON DRILLING AND REPETITION SO THE MOVEMENTS COME NATURALLY DURING SPARRING.

  3. LIVE SPARRING— SPARRING AFTER THE TECHNIQUE OF THE DAY IS NOT MANDATORY. THIS IS A CHANCE TO TRY OUT YOUR TECHNIQUES AGAINST AN OPPONENT AT WHATEVER INTENSITY YOU CHOOSE.

can my kids train jiu jitsu?

Yes! We have thriving youth programs available for ages 5 and up.

  • kid classes (ages 5-10): we focus on creating a fun and safe environment. Kids will learn self-defense techniques, develop physical strength and conditioning, build coordination, flexibility, and agility, all in a fun+disciplined environment.

  • Teen classes (ages 11-17). We recommend that teens 15+ attend our adult classes, but they are welcome to take the teen class if their scheduling prohibits. The teen class reflects the same structure and emphasis as our adult classes but performed in a group of their peers with simpler techniques.

what are the benefits of training jiu jitsu?

the benefits of jiu jitsu are life-long. if you apply yourself to the program you can expect to see positive changes well beyond the boundaries of the gym. the greatest adaptations to jiu jitsu happen between the ears!

  • increased flexibility

  • strength and power

  • coordination and agility

  • Better conditioning

  • mental toughness

  • confidence

  • ability to defend yourself

  • gain a community of friends & FAmily

How do I sign up?

Click here to see our membership options. or here for a free trial.