Frequently Asked Questions 

What makes Gracie Jiu Jitsu Different?

Though Jiu Jitsu has become a huge success around the globe, in many ways it has taken a step backwards. The most dominant and beautiful art of self-defense has drifted into the sport realm where the focus is only on scoring points and winning tournaments. Most schools teaching the art of BJJ focus only on the aspects that are conducive to winning medals at tournaments. These tournaments do not take into consideration striking of any type, so this means the self-defense portion of the art is almost completely removed. At Gracie jiu jitsu is focused on self-defense and street readiness, specifically designed to give anyone the skills necessary to survive an attack against a larger, stronger and more athletic opponent. 

What is the history of Gracie Jiu Jitsu?

Gracie Jiu Jitsu, the original Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, was created by Grand Master Helio Gracie over 80 years ago.  The grandmaster was a frail 140 pounds. He formulated this system in order to defend himself from opponents twice his size.  The art of Jiu Jitsu grew very popular around the globe and soon reached the United States. When Helio Gracie’s eldest son Rorion Gracie relocated from Brazil to sunny southern California and began teaching the gentle art, (Jiu Jitsu actually means “gentle art”) he began hosting challenge matches in which practitioners from other arts such as Kung Fu, Karate, and Boxing would fight against his students to test the dominancy of Jiu Jitsu.  Rorion Gracie knew his was the more dominant art and wanted to show the world what Gracie Jiu Jitsu could do. In order to do this, he created The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in which his younger brother Royce Gracie fought multiple opponents from various martial arts.  The show was televised and became a huge success, and as you might have heard, the smaller Gracie brother Royce won the title. Rorion later sold the show and focused on teaching the art with his family at the Gracie academy.  Today the Gracie academy is run by two of Rorion’s sons: Rener and Rydon Gracie.

What do we do?

 We focus on the mission created by our leaders and teachers Rener and Rydon Gracie. That mission is the preservation of Grand Master Helio Gracie’s beloved art of self-defense, his teachings, and the Jiu Jitsu way of life. We dedicate ourselves to street awareness, not points. Knowing how to survive in a dangerous situation, protecting our kids from being bullied as well as acquiring balance within our life is our goal. If you are in the market for street self-defense, bully-proofing your child, life style change or just want to try something new please come give us a shot.

How old should kids be to safely start Jiu Jitsu classes?

Our youngest students are 5 years old. When taught by qualified instructors jiu-jitsu is safe for kids. Our instructors prioritize safety, and students learn age-appropriate techniques, aligned with a standardized, age-appropriate curriculum. 

Little Champs for ages 5-8 and Junior Grappler for ages 8-12.

Will my child become a bully?

Through our work, we have seen that confident kids make kinder kids. We teach children how to not only stand up to bullies for themselves, but how to stand up for others. Our Rules of Engagement teach children to avoid the fight if at all possible, by first using their words, and then telling an adult. When they do need to resort to physical self-defense, we do not teach children punches or kicks in the Gracie Bullyproof program, but rather, empowered by Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, to neutralize, defend, control, and negotiate if possible.

Are parents allowed to watch?

We encourage parents to watch their children in their kids martial arts lessons. We love parents getting involved! Even better… you can join in our martial arts classes for adults and have yet another thing in common with your little one. We love seeing the bond of families who train together!

Karate vs BJJ which is best?

Many parents ask, what’s the difference between Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Karate classes? While we believe all martial-arts have value, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has not only been proven to be the most effective martial art for a smaller person to defend themselves in a real fight for nearly a century, it also can be the most gentle. Kids Karate lessons or Taekwondo classes rely solely on landing punches and kicks, jiu-jitsu for kids focuses on neutralizing a threat with verbal boundaries, distance management, body control, and eventual negotiation.

How long does it take to reach each belt promotion (blue, purple, brown, black)?

The time it takes to progress through the rankings relies more on your training philosophy than anything else, and because of this, it varies greatly from person to person. Generally speaking, it takes approximately 8-12 months to earn the Gracie Combatives belt, another 6-12 months for blue belt, and then 3-4 years for each belt after blue. Altogether, it will take anywhere from 8-14 years for you to reach black belt.

Do I need to be athletic for this?

There are zero fitness requirements to be able to start our beginner Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes! One of the benefits of BJJ is that it relies on technique and timing rather than strength, speed, or athleticism.
Our students start at all different fitness levels, however, you will find that you do enhance your fitness by doing our BJJ classes. Isn’t that the point though?

What do I need to bring to my first martial arts lesson?

Upon arriving for your first jiu-jitsu class, we will provide a uniform, called a gi, for you to wear. We recommend wearing comfortable undergarments or leggings, and a T-shirt or rash guard that you can wear under your gi. We will also have training attire available for purchase after your class.

I’ve never done martial arts before? Is there a beginner class?

Yes, all new students and inexperienced visitors start in the beginners Combatives program where they will learn the 36 core techniques of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in a fun safe and cooperative environment.   

Am I told to old to train?

We have students of all ages, each with different goals in mind. Whether you are 7 or 89, our classes and programs are designed to provide results at any age and are enjoyed by both younger and older students.

Why train with a gi?

The gi game obviously has a lot more to it. Everything that can be done without the gi can be done with it, making it a more complex game. Additionally, taking away the gi allows physical attributes such as size strength and slipperiness to come to play with greater effect due to the lack of levers and friction. Working with the gi is generally considered more of a thinking man's game. Not that no-gi isn't, it's just that the gi removes many physical advantages and ads more techniques. For now, you should view your gi as a set of training wheels. As you develop a higher level of proficiency, you will learn to perform Jiu-jitsu techniques both with and without a gi.

What is a typical class like?

We begin class with some light stretching/calisthenics. Following our warm-up, we then begin reviewing techniques learned in previous classes. These drills when done over and over help form muscle memory and help our students retain technique. Class is taught by one of our certified instructors demonstrating and explaining each technique and skill is short manageable slices. Our students do not begin to spar (or roll) until they have earned their first belt and shown a mastery of basic techniques that will keep them and their partners safe when rolling.  

What is your pricing for classes?

Click here to contact us about pricing information.