FAQS
Check out some of our most frequently asked questions below about our BJJ program and other aspects of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu:
What does “Jiu-Jitsu” mean?
The word Jiu-Jitsu is of Japanese origin and essentially means “gentle art.” The basic concept of this “gentle art” is to use your opponent’s strength against them and to your own advantage. This is achieved through the use of the principles of leverage, angles, pressure, timing, and knowledge of human anatomy. With these principles in play, you then become capable of reaching a non-violent submission from your opponent.
While many other martial arts focus on strikes and kicks to achieve victory, the Jiu-Jitsu way is to focus more on grappling, holds, and techniques, as well as the application of chokes and joint manipulations that will eventually cause your opponent to submit. And while Jiu-Jitsu is a great self-defense technique, it is also a wonderful way to get into shape and feel great. It is an exercise of the mind, as well as the body, and can be quite the passion for those who begin practicing it.
Can I still take a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Class if I’m not in the best shape?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a wonderful way to get into the best shape of your life! Most people today use the excuse that they don’t go to the gym because they aren’t in better shape, which is actually counterproductive. You actually go to the gym (or begin taking martial arts classes like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu) to achieve better physical and mental health. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can help you with strength training, cardio, endurance, and flexibility.
It is important, however, to keep in mind that all of these things take time. You won’t take a few classes and be the best of the best. You will want to be patient with your training and take your time to master each part, taking caution so that you do not push yourself too hard to do too much too soon. Injuring yourself is not a great way to get started on a healthier and more physical path. Be kind to yourself and be patient. All good things come with time and patience, as well as hard work and dedication.
How long does it take to obtain a black belt?
The amount of time it can take to obtain a black belt generally ranges between 8 and 15 years of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or martial arts training. However, this varies for each individual, and it is important to achieve all of your successes with time, patience, and perseverance. It is important to set goals and equally important to understand the time frame that those may require to achieve.
Just be sure to express your goals with your coach, and trust your coach and their training, as well as trust yourself and your own limits. It is important to push yourself to be the best and achieve goals, pursue your goals safely and at a pace that you can handle. We all progress at different speeds, and that is completely okay.
Is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu more beneficial for women?
Because women are most often attacked by a male attacker that they intimately know (ex-boyfriends, ex-husbands, etc.), whether in New York or anywhere in the world, the attacker can usually get close enough to harm them before the woman even has a chance to figure out what is going on. This is why Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is very beneficial for women as far as self-defense.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can help women to escape harm from an attacker or escape after being pinned down. Women can learn how to escape a chokehold, as well. Because Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a grappling sport and not focused so much on strength or striking, it is highly beneficial for women because the size or strength of the attacker becomes less of a factor.
Not only are Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and other like forms of martial arts great for self-defense, but it is also a great way for women to get a workout – both physically and mentally! It will help you to boost your confidence while also relieving stress. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu here in New York is also a great way for women to widen their social circle and meet other women who share the same passions or face some of the same challenges through their training partners.
