FAQ

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is a grappling martial art based on subduing an opponent with joint-locks and chokeholds. While there is some overlap with wrestling and judo, BJJ’s sophisticated ground fighting game favours the use of leverage and intellectual strategy, and is often compared to “human chess”. 

BJJ is famous for its effectiveness when used against a larger, less skilled opponent, and as there is no striking (and therefore very little risk of head injury), experienced BJJ practitioners are able to spar at a very high intensity against a variety of body types.

By gaining experience with live sparring, practitioners develop not only technical skills, but also greater decision making ability in stressful situations.

Gi Jiu Jitsu involves wearing the traditional uniform (gi/kimono) and has a belt promotion system. Practitioners can take advantage of grips on the jacket or pants for stronger control and leverage. 

Nogi Jiu Jitsu is practiced in just a shirt and shorts/spats, and the reduced friction often leads to faster and more dynamic exchanges. Wrestling and leg lock submissions are more commonly utilized in this style. 

No previous experience necessary. Whether it’s your very first time in a gym, or you’ve been training for years, you are welcome here. 

Some individuals with lower physical fitness may find the classes quite challenging at first – this is normal. Be patient with yourself and know there is no judgement coming from the other students – many of them felt the same way on their first day! 

  1. Water bottle 
  2. A rashguard or sweat-wicking shirt, shorts and/or compression leggings with no zippers/buttons/buckles/pins*
  3. Pair of flip flops/slippers to wear when stepping off the mat
  4. All jewellery/piercings/watches/make-up must be removed before class
  5. A change of clothes (prepare to get sweaty!)

*Though not common, loose fitting clothes can sometimes move in the midst of a training session. Please dress adequately to avoid a wardrobe malfunction! 

At the moment, we are only accepting kids ages 5-13. 

For those interested in our future Teen’s class, please contact us to be added to the waitlist. 

We take cleanliness very seriously and sanitize all mats and high-touch surfaces daily with non-toxic cleaning agents. 

In training, we have the following rules in place: 

  1. No shoes on the mats, no bare feet off the mats
  2. No food, drink, or chewing gum on mats
  3. If you are feeling ill, stay home
  4. No training with contagious skin infections (eg. staph, ringworm, etc) 
  5. Finger & toe nails must be kept short, clean, and filed 
  6. All jewellery/piercings/watches/make-up must be removed prior to class
  7. Training attire must be freshly laundered prior to every class 
  8. We have a zero tolerance policy for discriminatory behaviour and sexual misconduct
  9. You have the right to refuse training with anyone with whom you do not feel safe or comfortable. If you are uncomfortable around, or having conflict with an individual in the gym, please inform the instructor as soon as possible 
  10. No instigating unsanctioned violence outside of the gym
 

We reserve the right to ban anyone not respecting these rules.

Gym etiquette:

  1. Make sure you are familiar with our safety policies 
  2. Treat all coaches, training partners, and new students with equal respect 
  3. Maintain good hygiene practices and be mindful of minimizing offensive body odours
  4. If you need to step off the mats, clean your feet on the designated sanitization rugs before stepping back on
  5. Apply submissions with control
  6. Arrive on time. If you are late, get ready quietly without disturbing the class in session and wait for the instructor to invite you on the mats.
  7. Students found deliberately skipping warm ups and technique will not be allowed to join live sparring
  8. No talking while the instructor is teaching

While we have nothing against these practices, we do not require our students to participate in some traditional dojo customs including: only wearing specific school uniforms, bowing before entering the gym or stepping on the mats, referring to instructors as Professor/Coach (first names are fine here!), or lining up to bow before/after class.*

*Students in the Kids program are required to bow in/out of class, and to refer to their instructors as “Coach [first name]”. 

Yes and yes! You will definitely need a change of clothes, and students can take advantage of our facilities shower after class.