Frequently Asked Questions
Below is our FAQ section, which is meant to help you get a better picture of our classes and approach. Still interested in learning more about something not listed here? No question is too big or too small. Reach out to us, we are happy to answer.
Do I need to be fit to start?
The simple answer is no! Jiujitsu is great for fitness and will develop your own fitness over time. It is perfectly normal for a beginner to feel uncomfortable at the start of learning jiujitsu. Everyone struggles at the start, because it’s very difficult to already have “mat fitness” built up. We’ve had all types from professional athletes, military personnel and other forms of martial artists all struggle just as much as anyone else, proving fitness isn’t a major factor for beginners!
Is jiujitsu good for self defence?
Brazilian Jiujitsu has proven itself many times over as one of, if not the best martial art for self defence, there are no other styles that successfully train a person on how to defeat a much larger and physically stronger attacker than Brazilian jiujitsu. This is evident in many early day MMA events in particular those where very few rules applied, no weight classes and no standing up the athletes when the action slowed down on the ground. In that era of MMA Brazilian Jiujitsu stood out among all other styles of martial arts and dominated in UFC, Pride and Vale Tudo events. There are also plenty of examples of its success on YouTube and it is the base style of most MMA fighters today as well as Police and Military units around the world.
Our primary goal at the academy is to make our students proficient in defending themselves above all else! Competition medals, belt promotions and other awards are all very nice and our students regularly do well in these areas, but that all comes second to that very important goal of self defence first!
Do I need to have previous knowledge in self defense?
None at all! Although it is closely related to other grappling arts such as Judo, Sambo and Wrestling, it is not a requirement to have any previous training to start learning BJJ.
What do I bring with me on my first class?
For your first class a compression style t-shirt and shorts is fine, avoid lose fitting clothing as it may rip by accident and avoid wearing clothing with hard buttons or zips to avoid injuries, a long under layer can be worn under the shorts also. We also recommend you bring a bottle of water and a gum shield is optional, if you already own one. Nails should be trimmed and long hair tied up. Protective cups are not allowed. All additional information will be given during your first class!
What age can join?
We currently have options for all ages from age 4 up, we offer kids under the age of 14 a place on our clubs Judo program run by Kano Samurai Judo Club (who we also share the training facility with)
We have found that kids with this foundation and understanding of grappling excel should they decide to join BJJ later. Over 14’s join in with our adults classes which has proven to greatly increase their confidence and learning rate in a very short amount of time. To find out more please contact us!
What are the coaches qualifications?
All coaches are IBJJF certified black belts and are visible on the IBJJF black belt database under the academy name: Team Felipe Martins. The IBJJF (International Brazilian Jiujitsu Federation) is the largest jiujitsu organisation in the world and holds the strictest set of standards in recognising the promotion of all ranks within BJJ ensuring the art remains legit and that all lineages are traceable back to the source of Jiujitsu. Our lineage is visible on our home page.