Q How does the program work?
A: As an Adult, you start in the GB1 Fundamentals Program. This is designed to teach someone with no BJJ experience, how to do the fundamentals techniques. The purpose of this is to build a really solid foundation on which to build each inidividual's game. The GB1 Program is 16 weeks long, and you can join in at any point of the 16 week course. It repeats every 16 weeks so there are plenty of opportunities to learn the techniques and refresh them. Many Advanced students continue to attend the GB1 classes to master these fundamentals of Jiu Jitsu.
Q: How does the Belt System work?
All students begin as a white belt. There is a minimum requirement of both days since last promotion and number of lessons attended in order to be evaluated. Once the student has reached the minimum requirements, the head coach or professor will evaluate the student and decide if they are ready to receive one of 4 stripes on their belt, or, once 4 stripes are reached, whether they are ready for the next belt. The order is White belt>Blue belt>Purple belt>Brown belt> Black belt. It will likely take any individual at least 8-10 years to become a black belt in the art of Jiu-Jitsu. (There are belts beyond this, earning titles of Master and Grand-master)
Q: What do I bring to my FREE trial class?
A: An open mind and a non-quitting attitude to start! But we assume you have those already. We lend you a Gi, the uniform we wear, to put over simple exercise clothing. Bring a waterbottle to ensure you stay hydrated. Bring a mouthguard, these are cheap and easy to get from the chemist and protect your teeth and your gums in case of accidental bumps, there is no striking in our BJJ classes. For footwear, please wear thongs or slides or another shoe that is easily put on and taken off as there are no shoes permitted on the mats.
Q: What facilities do we have?
A: There are separate male and female toilets and two individual changing cubicles. We have a shower, cold water only. We have tea and coffee facilities available, a tap for filling up waterbottles. Water, Sports Drinks and frozen Acai are available to purchase.
Q: Do we keep our facilities clean?
A: Yes, we are always sure to provide a clean, safe training environment. Hand sanitizer is also provided on entry to our gym. We are always up to date with NSW Health guidelines and follow them strictly whenever required.
Q: When I decide to join, do I need to get a special uniform?
A: You are required to have the full GB uniform as a member of our team. This consists of a Kimono or Gi as well as a GB Rashguard. The uniform is essential to many components of life as a GB student. It ensures we are all on a level playing field, that we all have what is required for good hygiene and good training. Uniforms can be viewed at gbwear.com.au but we have a GB Pro Shop at the school where you can purchase the uniforms without paying for shipping.
Q: Do we have Women's Only classes?
As of April 2022 Women's classes are at 3PM on Saturdays (Check the timetable) for 14yrs and up and all levels.
The majority of our classes are mixed. Coaches are always mindful to pair all students as to their strength, size and experience level to ensure the comfort of our students. As you get more experienced, you might try to test your skills against bigger, stronger opponents to more accurately simulate a real-world self-defence scenario. We endeavor to have women coaches visit wherever possible and are passionate about the growth of our women's team. As we gain more female members, there may be more scope to expand the number of women's only classes.
Q How fit do I have to be to start Jiu-Jitsu Classes?
A: BJJ is a great way to get fit! We can work with whatever fitness level you are starting from. Having said that, it can help if you do some additional strength training, movement or yoga alongside your BJJ sessions
Q: Do I have to touch other people?
A: Yes, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a full contact sport. It's usually a strange experience for people to touch others in a class for the first time. Everyone in our classes is very friendly and we have a strict code of conduct. There is a clear structure and it's always clear how and when contact should be made. No one will touch you without your consent. If you are every unsure whether something is appropriate, always speak to the coaches or school owner about your concerns.
Q: Does it hurt?
A: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a contact martial art and is a fighting sport, sometimes it can be uncomfortable to engage in for that reason. When you are learning, training partners are encouraged to be gentle and safe with each other. There is no ego on the mats and tapping out as soon as you are uncomfortable is encouraged, particularly until you get used to the sensations and work out where your limits are. One of the skill sets you learn participating in this sport is how to expand your resilience and tolerance for discomfort, but our focus is longevity and we want you to continue participating until you are old and grey!
Q: Are there special rules I should know about?
A: No one will rouse on you for doing the wrong thing, you are here to learn! There are some etiquette guidelines for our school and all Gracie Barra schools, so please read THIS poster which outlines everything in detail.
Q: What qualifications or checks do our instructors have?
A: All our instructors have done the comprehensive Gracie Barra Instructor Certification Program which is repeated and updated every year. This includes a global background check. All our Instructors and First Aid Certified and have an up-to-date Working with Children Check. Some of our instructors have additional health and fitness qualifications. Some of our coaches have additional certificates that connect both to their other work as disability support workers and working with children with diverse needs. These include Austism and Challenging Behaviour Training, Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Training and Reactive Attachment Disorder Training.
A: How do I pay?
After the free trial which ensures your child is comfortable and keen to continue in class, they can begin a membership with us. We use a company called EziDebit for this and memberships are paid via direct debit.
Q: Do you operate in School Terms only?
A: We are open all year round. This means your child can continue to train through the school holidays. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is not just an after-school activity but teaches your child hugely valuable life skills and it's important to maintain these through committed, regular attendance.
Q: Do I have to pay if we go away for school holidays?
You have to option to pause your membership with us as long as you give us 30 days notice.