Jiu-jitsu is a full contact martial art that uses leverage and angles to overcome opponents. Grappling techniques focus on control and submissions, such as joint locks and choke holds.

Not at all! Jiu-jitsu is a great way to improve fitness and have fun at the same time. Getting in shape beforehand is just less time spent having fun learning jiu-jitsu!

Even if you only make the last 15 minutes of a class, your presence is still valuable. We all live lives outside of jiu jitsu. It doesn’t always get to take priority, and that’s okay.

Be respectful of everyone on the mats. We are all here to learn, get better, and have fun. Remember to tap early and tap often. If you have a significant size or strength advantage over your partner, then avoid using those advantages to force a move instead of relying on technique.

Absolutely. You can ask anyone on the mats if they would like to roll. You also have to right to refuse to roll with anyone you don’t want to and never need to feel pressured to explain why. “No thanks” is a complete answer.

Yes! We have two independent bathrooms each with a step in shower. Please follow general courtesy by allowing someone who needs to use the restroom to go first if the other restroom is occupied.

Yes! However it is always best to discuss these techniques with your partner before rolling. The standing rule for heel hooks is that you do not clasp your hands unless you have discussed it before the round starts. The goal is to capture the heel then release the submission unless otherwise agreed upon.

Yes. In order to keep our members as safe as possible we do not allow jumping guard, flying submissions, or scissor take downs. We acknowledge they are valid techniques but the risks they impose outweigh the rewards.

Your gear should be clean and in good repair. No-gi shorts should not have pockets and shirts should be well fitted. Compression style garments are ideal but not necessary. The big concern is your training partner accidental getting a finger caught in loose clothing.

For the gi it just needs to be clean and in good repair. Gi’s specifically for jiu jitsu are ideal as karate ones are not designed to hold up to the training of jiu jitsu. Your welcome to wear any color gi with any patches you like as long as they are respectful.

In no particular order: Gameness, Fuji, Tatami, Inverted Gear, 93 Brand, and Progressive all make great gear. Elite sells a cheap gi around $60 on Amazon, and it’s a very popular first gi. Watch for sales and take advantage of close-out pricing.