Frequently Asked Questions
Check out some more info about The Greenwich Jiu Jitsu Academy and Jiu Jitsu generally below!
FAQ's
Do you offer classes for Adult beginners?
Yes! We offer Fundamentals Classes for all new students, which are designed to slowly integrate members into our mixed-level class offerings. Adult Fundamentals classes focus on understanding core Jiu-Jitsu philosophy and concepts and basic technique development. There is NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED to get started on your Jiu-Jitsu journey.
When is the best time to start Jitsu-Jitsu?
As the old saying goes: As a child or today!
We recommend that children begin their Jiu-Jitsu training at age 7, in our experience this age lends to better success in our class structure. Children are required to remain focused and follow class activities and training for a minimum of 45 minutes. Also, all class levels have a sparring component, including our 7-8’s program. Therefore, age 7 seems to be the sweet spot for both the ability to follow the class structure and basic training safety guidelines.
Do I need strength and conditioning training before starting Jiu Jitsu?
Absolutely not! There is no need to prepare prior to your Jiu-Jitsu journey. Jiu-Jitsu was designed for all ages, shapes, and sizes. Not to mention Jiu-Jitsu is also a tremendous resistance and cardiovascular workout. In other words, your participation in class will continue to advance your fitness specifically required to advance your Jiu-Jitsu success.
What should I wear to my Free Trial class?
Athletic clothes are a great idea, including athletic pants (sweat pants, leggings) if possible. It’s also recommended to bring a water bottle. General Jiu Jitsu guidelines are that you also ensure that all of your nails are trimmed, and remember, there are no shoes allowed in our training space, so be prepared to be barefoot during class!
What is a Gi? and how can I purchase/order one?
A Gi or Kimono, is the traditional uniform worn during Jiu-Jitsu classes. The Gi consists of 3 primary components: a jacket/blouse, pants and belt. The material is considerably different from that of a traditional Martial Arts uniform, Jiu-Jitsu Gis are designed and specially reinforced to withstand the rigors of daily Jiu-Jitsu practice.
What's a typical Jiu-Jitsu class like?
We pride ourselves at GJJA on providing a unique and varied training experience. Although we loosely follow the traditional Jiu-Jitsu class format: warm-ups, repetitive technique drilling, and live training. We've tweaked the traditional recipe and format with progressive curriculum content and alternative approaches to traditional "warm-ups" and "sparring." Our goal is to create and maintain a healthy, safe, and productive learning environment for all of our students. In our experience, the best way to do so is constant evolution in both teaching strategies as well as targeted curriculum content.
Do you require membership contracts?
We do NOT have contracts.
For Adults, we offer a month-to-month membership but require 48-hour cancellation notice before our billing on the first of the month, WE DO NOT REFUND.
For children's classes, when you sign up you are committing to a minimum of the season session (Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer). Although most students stay for the entire school year, they may come in and out, with notice, as long as there is space in the requested classes.
Do you offer make-up classes?
We do our best to accommodate a missed class due to illness but can not guarantee it because most of our classes are full. We excuse absence from class for travel or another sport but only allow make-ups due to illness. A quick email notifying us of an absense allows us to try to find a date for a make-up if it applies.