General Class Information
The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Program is divided into two classes: Beginner class and Intermediate/Advanced class. The classes are split into two sections over a period of one hour and a half. The first section is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu technique for a period of one hour. The second section is dedicated to sparring, during which the student will be able to apply the techniques he/she has learned while grappling with a fellow student. The sparring session portion of the class is optional and is only ½ hour, but recommended for faster progress.
Beginner Program
The focal point of the beginner class is entirely on technique. The class focuses on learning and applying fundamental techniques of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Students practice various techniques using a traditional Gi, also known as a kimono. Students learn and practice submissions, escapes, positioning and self defense. The fundamentals class is directed not only for the beginner but also for the more advanced students to sharpen basic techniques. When a student joins the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program, he/she is monitored by the instructors and is informed when ready to advance. We require this because there are core techniques that are essential to learn before progress in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is possible. These are the techniques that are emphasized in the beginner classes.
Intermediate/Advanced
Once the student has been invited, the student is welcome to attend both the beginner classes as well as the intermediate/advanced class. The intermediate/advanced classes will vary each night. Please check the schedule for class specifics. This class is designed for students interested in advanced techniques for competition and self-defense. Students learn and practice advanced sweeps, submissions, escapes and counters, how to reverse an attacker and how to force their opponent into submission. Detailed instruction in technique, specific drilling, and position advancement are the main focus of this class. Competition is encouraged, but not required.
No-Gi (Submission Grappling) Classes
The Ralph Gracie Submission Grappling Program deals with the principles of fighting in close range of the opponent. The class is based on techniques of traditional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and the fundamental principles remain the same. Adjustments are made to compensate for the lack of a uniform to hold on to. In Submission Grappling you learn a whole new set of grips. The wrists, back of the neck, ankle, knee and elbow grips are all different than traditional Gi grips. Students learn takedowns, positions, transitions, escapes, reversals and how to apply and defend against joint locks, chokes and other submission holds.
The curriculum focuses on fighting in a clinch and on the ground. The Submission Grappling Program helps students develop skills that are useful in real self defense situations as well as in the sporting environment. This gives students a new dimension to their existing skill set. It may be trained in solely or in conjunction with traditional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes. We think that it is important for students to understand both aspects, considering most tournaments offer both gi and No-Gi divisions.
No-Gi training makes for a faster and more dynamic style of fighting. If you are interested in a good fitness program or just to be a more complete fighter, the No-Gi program offers a good combination of both.