Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a grappling-based martial art that focuses on controlling and submitting an opponent using technique, leverage, and timing rather than strength. Most training happens on the ground and includes positions, escapes, and submissions like chokes and joint locks.

Submissions are techniques used to make your opponent “give up” by putting them in a controlled position they can’t safely escape from.

The two main types you’ll see are:

• Chokes – restrict blood flow (like rear naked choke, guillotine)

• Joint locks – apply pressure to joints (like arm bars, kimuras)

In training, submissions are not about hurting your partner—they’re about control. You apply them slowly and with awareness, giving your partner time to respond.

“Tapping” is how you communicate that you want to stop. It’s a normal and expected part of training.

You can tap by:

• Physically tapping your partner or the mat (multiple times)

• Saying “tap” out loud

When someone taps, everything stops immediately—no exceptions. Jiu-Jitsu should always be a safe place where you are free to try new things, fail, and not worry about serious harm. We are never looking to harm our partners.

“Rolling” is what we call live training (sparring). It’s when you and a partner practice what you’ve learned in real time, trying to control and submit each other in a safe, controlled way. Think of it as problem-solving under pressure—not fighting. This is what makes Jiu-Jitsu an extremely effective martial art.

Hygiene is a big deal in Jiu-Jitsu—for your safety and your teammates’.

• Shower before or after class (ideally both if you can)

• Wear clean gear every class (gi, rash guard, shorts)

• Keep fingernails and toenails trimmed

• No training if you have skin infections, cuts, or anything contagious

• Wear shoes off the mat—barefoot only on the mat

Good hygiene = good training partners.

Like any physical activity, there’s some risk—but Jiu-Jitsu is generally very safe when trained properly.

• You’re always in control of how hard you go

• You can “tap” (submit) at any time to stop a technique

• Coaches and training partners prioritize safety

Most injuries happen when people go too hard or don’t tap early. Train smart, communicate, and you’ll be just fine.

Yes.

All ages, body types, athletic levels, are welcome and encouraged to be a part of this community. We all benefit from the uniqueness that we can all bring to the mats. If you have come this far then the answer is most certainly yes.

Most people start to feel more comfortable within the first few weeks. Real progress (understanding positions, defending yourself, etc.) usually takes a few months of consistent training.

Jiu-Jitsu is a long-term skill. Progress can feel slow at first, but it builds quickly if you stick with it. Showing up consistently matters way more than natural talent. A general recommendation is to give it 3 months of 3 times a week to figure out if you like it.

Belts in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu represent your experience and skill level. For adults, the main belts are white, blue, purple, brown, and black.

Progression takes time—much longer than most martial arts. It’s normal to spend a couple of years at each belt. Promotions aren’t based on tests, but on your overall growth, consistency, and understanding of Jiu-Jitsu.

As a beginner, your focus should just be on learning and showing up. The belts will come naturally over time.

These are the two biggest organizations in Jiu-Jitsu and therefore a lot of training is done with their rulesets in mind. The rulesets differ and can be quite complicated. It is worthwhile to study both as they are referenced often in training.

We track all hours and progression through our gym management software Kicksite. Every student regardless of membership needs to sign in. This is how stripes and belt promotions are calculated.

Stripes are 100 hours. Your fifth stripe would be a new belt. So each belt is 500 hours of training.