The Best Jiu Jitsu Near Me Guide

How to Find The Best Local Jiu Jitsu GYMS and Classes

Who are the instructors?

Finding good jiu jitsu near me instructors is paramount to your development as a practitioner. Jiu jitsu instructors should not only be able grapplers themselves, but excel at communication and teaching. Find out who awarded the jiu jitsu instructors their belts to ensure they come from a legitimate linage. Occasional instruction from purple and brown belts, especially when you’re a beginner, is acceptable, but try finding a gym where the head blackbelt still teaches regularly.

How to research and find the right gym for beginners?

While smaller cities may only have one or two options, more central locations frequently have dozens of jiu jitsu schools to choose from. A quick google map search, looking for both jiu jitsu schools and MMA schools, can provide an overview of the grappling classes available in the area. Are there well-known instructors in the area? Are there jiu jitsu schools near me for beginners? Do class schedules fit my schedule? Once you’ve answered these basic questions, taking a trial class is essential. Finding out if the gym has sparring partners in your weight class, just in case you want to compete in the future, will also prove beneficial.

What to expect on my first day?

Standard Jiu-Jitsu classes consist of warmups followed by paired drilling. The majority of schools will end class with rolling, the jiu jitsu training version of sparring. Jiu jitsu instructors usually encourage newcomers to watch the rolling rather than participate on their first day. Remember, fundamental classes require no prior experience in grappling and everyone, young or old, male or female, can attend.

How much are memberships or contracts?

Memberships for jiu jitsu schools can range greatly depending on coaches, location, and the school’s prestige. Small schools, especially non-profit schools like BJJ foundations in Madison, Wi, can charge as low as 50 dollars a month. The top tier competition schools in Los Angeles, on the other hand, can reach 350 dollars a month. Sometimes, however, you can pay less if you agree to attend fewer classes a week.

How many classes do they offer per day?

Like memberships fees, the exact number of classes at jiu jitsu gyms vary. Larger jiu jitsu schools generally offer a variety of classes, including jiu jitsu for kids, competition classes, fundamental classes, advanced classes, and occasionally classes in related combat sports like Wrestling, Judo and Kickboxing. Most offer two or three evening classes and one in the afternoon or morning. Just remember, while taking a greater number of jiu jitsu classes will lead to quicker improvement, make sure to avoid overexertion.

Is location Important?

Are there jiu jitsu gyms near me?’ is one of the first questions you should ask yourself. Finding a gym near your home or work will allow you to train consistently. Location, of course, needs to be balanced against other gym preferences, but neglecting ease of access can cost you in the long run.

Is Jiu Jitsu right for me?

Jiu-Jitsu is a highly effective grappling martial art. Practitioners choose to pursue Jiu-Jitsu because of its proven effectiveness in self-defense, the ability to compete in jiu jitsu as a combat sport, and as a fun way of keeping in shape. The trust needed between drilling partners also means jiu jitsu schools have some of the tightest knit groups in martial arts and so can be a great way to meet new people. Jiu-Jitsu taining also offer a more fun alternative to repetitive strength and conditioning programs.

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Is it better if they teach more than one discipline?

Modern Jiu-Jitsu is constantly evolving as practitioners learn new techniques based on what works in competition. The astute observer will notice jiu jitsu has numerous techniques that overlap with Judo, wrestling, sambo and many MMA GYMS teach some form of jiu jitsu as well. As a result, taking supplemental classes in other disciplines just depends on personal preference.

Do jiu-jitsu schools offer discounts?

Jiu-jitsu schools, like any business, will offer discounts for special occasions and situation, especially if providing a discount to spouses or family members means they can attract more clientele. Ads are usually run for these discounts on social media platforms, but asking at the front desk is also entirely acceptable.

Does jiu jitsu have a uniform?

Jiu jitsu is divided into gi, or traditional kimono, and no-gi classes. Both styles are generally taught in the same jiu-jitsu schools, although some schools like 10^th planet and MMA affiliated organizations only teach no-gi. Most gyms can loan you a gi on your first day, but eventually you will need to purchase your own gi and white belt. It’s recommended that you wear rash-guards, spats, and combat shorts without pockets for the no-gi days. Aside from wicking sweat, the spats and rash-guards will protect you from scratches and matt-burn. Later down the road, a mouth guard and groin guard will prove useful in protecting you from accidental elbows and knees during rolling.

Finding jiu-jitsu gyms for women

More and more gyms are catering towards jiu jitsu for women. If you find a gym with a few female practitioners, especially higher belts, it’s a good sign of an inclusive and respectful environment. Because of the natural strength deferential between men and women, women need to be extra cognizant of their technique to offset their opponent’s advantage in muscle and weight. This usually makes high-belt female practitioners excellent teachers.

Is jiu-jitsu safe for kids?

Jiu jitsu for kids, like any contact sport, has some risks. Top tier Jiu jitsu schools, however, concentrate on educating children in a fun, easy going environment. For kids the most important lessons learned in training jiu jitsu are the same as other martial arts; self-discipline, respect, and how to keep active. Watching a kid’s class to see if coaches are friendly and patient can help you decide if the jiu jitsu classes create the right atmosphere for your children.

What are the different styles of jiu-jitsu and how are they different?

The highly popularized Brazilian jiu jitsu, developed by the Gracie family in Brazil, is based largely on its Japanese predecessor. Within Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu several styles have been created as the martial art developed. While most large schools follow a similar curriculum and train in both gi and no-gi, some jiu jitsu schools have developed a unique approach to training. The Gracie gyms, for instance, tend to emphasis the self-defense aspect of Jiu-Jitsu. Mostly Gi oriented, the Gracie gyms teach their students how deal with striking in a street fight. The 10^th Planet system, invented by Eddie Bravo, focuses on making jiu jitsu applicable to MMA. They too emphasis techniques that disrupt their opponent’s ability to strike but, unlike the Gracie family, they train exclusively in no-gi.