Grapplers Guide Academy FAQ
Class and Training Questions:
Do I need to have prior experience in order to start in a grappling sport?
Not at all. Experience is not necessary. Most students start off on the same foot and that’s from scratch. You will work at your own pace and the instructors along with your fellow peers will help you progress along the way.
What equipment is needed?
During the gi class you will need to have a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu uniform (you can purchase this later after you sign up and take your trial classes). During the no-gi classes it is recommended that you wear shorts with a t-shirts, loose fit shirt, or rashguard. We recommend that you wear either grappling boardshorts or surfing boardshorts as they are much stronger in material. A mouth guard is not required but is recommended.
During the Muay Thai classes you need 16 oz. boxing gloves, shin-guards, punch mitts, and a mouth guard. It is highly recommended you also get headgear and a groin protector. During your trial period you can use the equipment supplied by the school.
During the MMA classes you will need all the above for the Muay Thai classes along with at least 6oz. MMA training gloves.
Should I be in shape before I start training in a grappling sport?
You are not required to be in shape before beginning your training. The best way to get in shape for grappling is by grappling.
What is a typical class like?
In the beginning of class we will warm-up using different methods. We will use joint mobility movements, agility movements, bodyweight exercises, and grappling specific drills. Then after, you will learn techniques, concepts, and principles related to grappling. Once the technique portion is over we will then transition into the live training portion of the class. During this time you will have the ability to practice what you learned in a live manner with a resisting partner. The live portion of the class will include situational rolling, and match up rolling.
What is “rolling”?
Rolling is where you will be able to practice and test what you have learned in class and in previous classes against a resisting partner.
How does belt ranking work in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu? How long does it take to receive each rank?
In BJJ there are 5 ranks: white, blue, purple, brown, and black. It can take anywhere from 1 to 3 years to progress in each level. These ranks are with the Gi (uniform).
Is there striking involved in BJJ and No-Gi Grappling?
No there isn’t any striking (e.g. punching and kicking) involved in the training of these grappling sports. However many students supplement their training by taking additional classes in boxing, muay thai, or karate. This is where you get into Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). We offer Muay Thai Kickboxing so you can supplement your grappling with striking along with an MMA class that puts everything together.
Tuition Questions:
Will my tuition rates ever go up?
Simple answer is no. As long as you are training consecutively your rates will never increase. We will honor that rate that you pay for as long as you are a student. (This is for the current program you are signed up for. If you choose to change your program or add additional services your tuition fee can change.)
Do you I have to sign a contract?
No. We do not make any of our students commit to training for any length of time.