What is Jiu Jitsu?

Jiu jitsu is a grappling-based martial art whose origins come from self defense techniques.  Jiu jitsu involves taking an opponent down and attempting to gain the dominant position.  From there, it's all about leverage and learning how the body works.  With training (both physical and mental), it's possible to take on opponents twice your size and have success with submissions like key locks, arm bars, and chokes.  If you've ever watched an MMA fight, odds are you've seen some of these moves put into practice.

What You Need To Know

Proper hygiene is a must for Jiu Jitsu.  Due to the nature of grappling sports and literally "rolling around" with training partners, we ask that students shower prior to class and wear clean clothes and deodorant.  It's also crucial to shower after class to avoid the spread of infections and illnesses.

What to wear: clean gym clothes. A pair of shorts and a t-shirt is fine for your first class.  Many people prefer to wear something fitted like a rash guard or tights/spats underneath their shorts, but that is not a requirement for training.

How to tap: If you are caught in a position where you are in physical pain or cannot breathe, it is important to know how to "tap."  Tapping can be done be physically tapping on your training partner, or by saying "tap."  On the flip side, if your partner taps you, the mat, says tap, or cries out in pain, you must let go immediately.

Competitions

There are many opportunities to compete in Jiu Jitsu and we will frequently have individuals that travel to compete in Jiu Jitsu tournaments.  There are points-based tournaments where competitors get points for take downs and obtaining certain dominant positions, though you can still win by submission.  There are also tournaments where the only way to win is by submission.