In Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, tapping out means signaling that you give up so the technique can be stopped safely. It is usually done by tapping your hand on your partner or the mat, or by saying “tap,” to prevent injury. Tip: Say “Tap” 3 times loudly if your hands are caught or use your feet to stomp the mat as a last alternative
BJJ Beginners FAQ
What Should I Bring To My First BJJ Class?
A good idea would be to bring a water bottle Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is an intense workout especially when beginning. Other key things which can be of benefit would be a towel, some sandals to help get on and off the mats easier. And also a bag to carry your belongings an store your valuables. Most gym’s will have trial Gi’s which can be worn if needed for a Gi class. No Gi classes simply require a rash guard and shorts. It might be a good idea to discuss with the gym prior as requirements may vary from gym to gym
When can a beginner start General BJJ classes
Once you have a firm understanding of the basics of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu you can attend general classes. For some this may take a week, others a month and some as long as 6 months. It is a great idea to ask your coach or instructor for advice. They will have a good idea of your skill level and can advise accordingly
Do BJJ beginners need to be fit?
No. Most beginners are generally not acclimated to BJJ conditioning. Thus finding it difficult as their muscles and lungs get fatigued quickly. However this is temporary, as within a few weeks of training your body becomes more conditioned. BJJ cardiovascular fitness is then built. Most beginners in most sports experience this. It is very normal
How many BJJ classes before I see results
There is no set number of classes that will make you “good” at Jiu Jitsu. Everyone develops differently and progresses in their own way. A great head start however would be to attend as many beginner classes as possible in order to decrease your learning curve. Beginner classes develop fundamental skills which help you core Jiu Jitsu game
What Do I Learn In My First BJJ Class?
In your very first BJJ class you will commonly learn the basic rules of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The objectives to defeat your opponent and various positions which score greatly due to their effectiveness. Particularly learning about the guard, more commonly the closed guard. A good beginner class will also teach students various methods of tapping to the opponent and dangerous positions to avoid
At what age should kids start BJJ classes?
Kids usually start BJJ from as young as 4 years old. This is a perfect age as brain development and cognitive function is taking place. Thus making it a perfect time to learn to control their balance, leverage and coordination for Jiu Jitsu related techniques. Many world champions have started as young as 4 years old and by their late teens are considered at black belt level. Some have started earlier (3YO). But 4 is commonly a great age in terms of ability and maturity.
BJJ General FAQ
How do you survive the first month of BJJ?
The first month of BJJ can be survived by lowering your intensity and grip strength. Holding onto an opponent burns valuable energy needed to pace yourself through the rounds. Letting go can be hard and your opponent will then have an opportunity to submit you or advance their position. But this is where the magic of Jiu Jitsu takes place. It is where you learn from mistakes and learn to use the techniques taught as opposed to strength or power. If you allow the technique to do the hard work you will become more confident in the techniques taught and thus your BJJ improves dramatically
How much does a year of BJJ cost?
Typically gyms charge in Sydney and Western Sydney i.e. Parramatta cost an average of $50 -$65 per week. Totalling an average of $248.50 per month and thus $2,982. Some gyms may charge less depending on many factors which may include space, facilities and overheads. But a study of 5 major gyms across Western Sydney including suburbs such as Parramatta, Burwood and Penrith found that the average monthly cost is $57.50 per week.
Can Women Do BJJ?
Yes absolutely. In fact BJJ is one of the best if not the best martial art for women. BJJ teaches the ability of technique over strength which ties in perfectly in defeating males through the use of technique rather than our muscling them. Where this really helps is for self defense and can be a life saving skill to have. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu encourages women to participate for this and many other reasons
How does Apex BJJ compare to other BJJ academies?
Apex BJJ stands out through its large 240sqm training space, full weights gym, registered wrestling program, structured curriculum, high level black belt coaching staff, competition wins stacking up with proven competition results. While many local gyms offer BJJ training, Apex provides a more complete and modern grappling environment for beginners, kids, and competitors. Our focus is the complete game of Jiu Jitsu and grappling eliminating bad habits that can be detrimental to your progress early on. Our program works and we create complete grapplers at Apex
How Long Does It Take To Get a Blue Belt?
Typically 2 years. To receive a blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu a student must train consistently for a period of at least 2 years. Students can receive their blue belts sooner if they are training more often. Or if they are have prior experience in martial arts such as Wrestling or Judo which can correlate well with BJJ.
What is the hardest belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
The white belt. Overcoming your fears of holding on for dear life and letting go. Knowing that when you let go you may inevitably be submitted but forgetting the loss and instead focusing on the lesson. “What did I do wrong and how can I fix it”. That is something an instructor may try to teach but it is always up to the white belt to push through. Ultimately that is why the blue belt achievement becomes all the more special and the white belt is the hardest belt of all. You survived one of the hardest challenges you ever put yourself through and the difference from white belt to blue belt in skill level is astounding. Walking through the door was the first hurdle and so many followed until the blue belt
Kids BJJ FAQ
What Should Kids Bring To Their First BJJ Class?
A good idea would be to bring a water bottle Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is an intense workout especially when beginning. Other key things to remember would be a towel, some sandals to help get on and off the mats easier. And also a bag to carry your belongings an store your valuables. Most gym’s will have trial Gi’s which can be worn if needed for a Gi class. No Gi classes simply require a rash guard and shorts. It might be a good idea to discuss with the gym when booking the trial class
How much do kids classes cost?
Typically gyms in Western Sydney charge an average of $55 -$65 per week. However Apex prices are less than this. We have positioned ourselves to be affordable. A study of 5 major gyms across Western Sydney including suburbs such as Parramatta, Burwood and Penrith found that the average kids BJJ weekly cost is $55.00
Are kids Wrestling classes included with my membership?
Yes, however we select kids who are competing to attend these classes. The intensity of the Wrestling program demands kids who are competent in grappling fundamentals. Otherwise they can hurt themselves and others. Apex also advances Teens into the Wrestling program once they are ready to add this to their skill set
At what age should kids start BJJ classes?
Kids usually start BJJ from as young as 4 years old. This is a perfect age as brain development and cognitive function is taking place. Thus making it a perfect time to learn to control their balance, leverage and coordination for Jiu Jitsu related techniques. Many world champions have started as young as 4 years old and by their late teens are considered at black belt level. Some have started earlier (3YO). But 4 is commonly a great age in terms of ability and maturity.
BJJ Classes FAQ
What Do I Learn In My First BJJ Class?
In your very first BJJ class you will commonly learn the basic rules of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The objectives to defeat your opponent and various positions which score greatly due to their effectiveness. Particularly learning about the guard, more commonly the closed guard. A good beginner class will also teach students various methods of tapping to the opponent and dangerous positions to avoid
What is a Fundamentals / Beginners Class?
The Beginners class which is sometimes referred to as a fundamentals class teaches basic Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Basic BJJ focuses on core concepts to help fast track beginners. Concepts such as guard, sweeps and basic positions and submissions. These classes are perfect for anyone beginning to train BJJ
How Are The Jiu Jitsu Classes Run
At Apex we like to start with a warmup to get the blood flowing. Warmups vary from class to class and are set to challenge your physical capabilities, we mix it up to keep the classes engaging and fun. We then dive into technique which is usually connected to our program. The program allows students to follow along, catch up and even advance with online learning. We then start rolling putting the learning into live practice. We don’t set time restrictions as some days may vary
How many BJJ classes before I see results
There is no set number of classes that will make you “good” at Jiu Jitsu. Everyone develops differently and progresses in their own way. A great head start however would be to attend as many beginner classes as possible in order to decrease your learning curve. Beginner classes develop fundamental skills which help you core Jiu Jitsu game
What Is An Open Mat Class?
Open Mat is a class that is not taught by an instructor. It basically means members and sometimes non members will freely roll with one another. Often times Open Mat classes are done in both Gi and No Gi depending on who is rolling and the agreement made between the two partners. Open Mat sessions help students test their skills and develop new techniques. Open mats can be attended by all BJJ belt levels
BJJ Terminology FAQ
What does Gi and No Gi mean?
Gi basically refers to the kimono or the uniform a student wears along with their designated belt colour. Gi training can be challenging due to the amount of grips and stalls that may arise when your opponent holds resists against your techniques. No Gi however refers to training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu without the Gi. Usually students wear rash guards, t-shirts and shorts. This style is much more fluid, some would even say faster paced. Mainly due to the lack of grips available to grab or hold onto
What does Rolling mean?
In Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, rolling simply means practicing by sparring with a partner in a safe and controlled way. Instead of just drilling moves, both people move freely and try techniques on each other, like escapes and submissions, at a pace that matches their skill level.
What is a submission?
In Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, a submission is a technique used to make your training partner give up by applying controlled pressure to a joint or the neck. When done correctly, it ends the exchange safely without causing injury.
What does Drilling mean?
Practicing specific moves repeatedly usually with a partner without resistance. Drilling can also be done without a partner using equipment such as. Grappling dummies, yoga balls, resistance bands and even the mat walls
What is Flow Rolling?
Flow rolling refers to light, relaxed sparring focused on movement rather than winning. The aim is to maximise efficiency of movement while discovering positional advantages
What is an Open Mat Class?
Open Mat is a class that is not taught by an instructor. It basically means members and sometimes non members will freely roll with one another. Often times Open Mat classes are done in both Gi and No Gi depending on who is rolling and the agreement made between the two partners. Open Mat sessions help students test their skills and develop new techniques
What is does Open Mat Mean?
Open Mat refers to a casual class that engages both Gi and No Gi. Students roll freely and explore techniques, ideas and strategies.
BJJ Health FAQ
Is 40 too old to start BJJ?
Absolutely not, most members at our gym who simply fall in love with the sport of BJJ start their journey at middle age. There are some factors that contribute to this decision but mainly lifestyle factors such as work, kids and family balance have usually settled down at this age. Meaning that they are able to commit more time to invest in themselves and their health. Apex BJJ have members as young as 70 who are still practising the sport in order to stay active and healthy
Am i too old to start Learning BJJ?
Short answer no. Age is not a limiting factor in Jiu Jitsu. Relio Gracie known as the god father of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu was practising BJJ well into his 90’s. Jiu Jitsu is for everyone and at all ages. Training methods will change with age and experience but the fundamentals will be the same
How do you survive the first month of BJJ?
The first month of BJJ can be survived by lowering your intensity and grip strength. Holding onto an opponent burns valuable energy needed to pace yourself through the rounds. Letting go can be hard and your opponent will then have an opportunity to submit you or advance their position. But this is where the magic of Jiu Jitsu takes place. It is where you learn from mistakes and learn to use the techniques taught as opposed to strength or power. If you allow the technique to do the hard work you will become more confident in the techniques taught and thus your BJJ improves dramatically
Do BJJ beginners need to be fit?
No. Most beginners are generally not acclimated to BJJ conditioning. Thus finding it difficult as their muscles and lungs get fatigued quickly. However this is temporary, as within a few weeks of training your body becomes more conditioned. BJJ cardiovascular fitness is then built. Most beginners in most sports experience this. It is very normal
Will I Get Hurt Doing BJJ?
Commonly beginners may experience slight bumps, bruises or cuts but major injuries are far less common. It is important to remember that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a contact sport and injuries may occur. There are many ways to prevent injuries and two common methods are as follows. 1: Tap out when caught in a submission or bad position. 2: Don’t “spazz out” as most people in BJJ refer to a spazzy white belt being the most dangerous opponent. Roll when you feel comfortable and choose your sparring partners carefully. Some gyms do not monitor new students and this is when injuries can also occur
What can i do to avoid getting injured?
A few tips to consider:
- Warm up properly
- Choose your training partners wisely
- Avoid very dangerous positions
- Stop and reset when necessary
- Tap early to risky submissions i.e leg locks
- Get plenty of rest prior to training
- Stay alert and focused when rolling
- Be mindful of not falling or rolling onto others
Questions Foster Learning, Learning Fosters Growth
No Question is a Silly Question So Ask Away
Remember the Apex coaches are also here to answer any questions and help navigate the ups and downs of your Jiu Jitsu journey. Jiu Jitsu FAQ sections help you ask anything BJJ related and get help figuring the puzzle out. We have been in your shoes, we know the feeling. Jiu Jitsu is not easy otherwise everyone would be a coloured belt. The steps it takes and the sacrifices that you make are worth it. Just hang in there
Why Our Jiu Jitsu FAQ Helps You
Learning about Jiu Jitsu
The Apex BJJ coaches also answer your most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) regarding training, classes, BJJ techniques and faster learning processes. If you have any Jiu Jitsu related questions we can add to this FAQ list, just send us an email below and we’ll add it here. Apex supports their own so get in touch and let’s chat about your Jiu Jitsu journey and what questions you need answered
Beginning Jiu Jitsu Training
If you have ever trained Jiu Jitsu, Wrestled or Grappled you will know that the questions come to you like a burst tap. When you first experience any type of martial art especially BJJ you become hooked. Searching for your next tip or trick. Desperately trying anything that might work. If you know the Apex coaches then you know we take the time to coach and help you all the time. Whether its over a cup of tea or on the mats troubleshooting we are here for you
Jiu Jitsu Is Popular Because It Works
“It’s as real as it can get. That has made me a better person. It’s made me a better man. It’s made me understand myself, my weaknesses, my strengths, and the shit I need to work on. Jiu Jitsu has been one of the most valuable tools I’ve ever had in my life.” – Joe Rogan
The Apex of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Wrestling in Parramatta & Merrylands. Our Parramatta Jiu Jitsu & Wrestling classes provide beginner and advanced BJJ classes for all ages. We have classes for adults, women's BJJ classes and kids BJJ classes all year round. Join the our Jiu Jitsu gym and become a part of the Apex training program. Book a free trial class here
Apex BJJ is a Parramatta BJJ academy offering Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes for beginners, adults, women, and kids. Train with experienced coaches in a welcoming environment just minutes from Parramatta
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