What is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ)?
For people unfamiliar with the sport, BJJ can best be described as a combination of Judo and wrestling. However, BJJ emphasizes ground fighting. The goal is to bring your opponent to the ground as quickly as possible by means of a throw/takedown and control him/her there. Matches are decided by having your opponent tap out to a chokehold, arm or leg lock, or by a difference in points.
The sport is very suitable for people who want to get in shape, work on self-defense, or actively focus on competing. BJJ is also a valuable addition to people cross-training in other martial arts or combat sports. Like, for example, practitioners of MMA (Mixed Martial Arts).
Who are the classes suitable for?
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is suitable for everybody! The principle behind BJJ is that the smaller and weaker opponent can defend themselves or win a fight by applying the right technique without being too dependent of his/her strength, fitness or body type. So don't worry about whether you are strong or athletic enough to join our classes.
What do classes look like?
In general, the first part of the training consists of practicing one or several techniques. Participants receive a technical explanation and then train together with a training partner, under guidance of the instructor.
In the second part of the training, the studied techniques and concepts are practiced with resistance and in different scenarios. We call this positional sparring. Here you will learn to put techniques and concepts into practice in a controlled setting.
The training ends with a number of rounds of free sparring. During these sparring rounds, participants are free in the techniques and positions they use; a fun and intensive part of the training that everyone always looks forward to!
What do I wear during class?
Most classes are no-gi. This means you wear a sports shirt or rashguard (tight sports shirt) and a pair of shorts and/or spats (sports leggings). A mouthguard and groin protector are optional, but advisable to wear.
Once a week we train in gi . During these training sessions we wear a gi (kind of like a judo kimono). If you do not own a gi yet, you can often borrow one from the team or you can just join in, in your no-gi outfit.