What should I bring for my first class?

Answer: The number one thing you need to bring is a positive attitude. After that, wearing some athletic apparel that does not have metal zippers, etc. is fine for your first couple of classes. It would also be wise to bring a water bottle. Mouthguards and athletic cups are discretionary.

How old does my child need to be to attend?

Answer: That all depends. We will take children as young as 3 on a case by case basis. A large part of that decision is the child’s level of potty training. Children under 5 should have their parents stay unless told otherwise by instructional staff.

How many times a week can I attend?

Answer: Monthly Unlimited Memberships are exactly that, unlimited. Come as much as you want/can.

What class(s) should I take?

Answer: All of them, eventually. If you have never grappled and taken jiu-jitsu courses, you should take the beginner classes until you get permission to join the advanced classes by Coach Adam. Once you are able to attend advanced classes, you may continue to take beginner courses as well.

Do I need to buy a gi? If so, what kind?

Answer: Yes. The gi is foundational in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Blue Gorilla BJJ is heavily focused on gi training. We recommend using Gold BJJ for your gi. Contact Coach Adam about discounted pricing.

In all honesty, you could refrain from purchasing and training in the gi (only taking nogi classes), but do not expect to get promoted in belt rank. I will not promote anyone who never trains in the gi.

How many times a week do I need to come to improve?

Answer: Once a week is still beating 99% of the population, but the sweet spot is 2-4 times a week. This keeps the skills fresh in your mind, but doesn’t burn you out.

How do the belt rankings work?

Answer: We give stripes based of attendance as a metric showing advancement towards a future belt. These are meant as a guide and a mark or consistency. They do not guarantee a belt. Professor Mannon told me he does not give anyone a belt unless they are good enough to wear that belt anywhere in the world. I strive to hold that same standard. To simplify, stripes are given based on attendance, belts are given based on skill. Just keep showing up and trying to get better and you’ll be a black belt before you know it. Also, there are no belt testing processes or fees associated with belt progression.

I don’t feel comfortable sparring and touching members of the opposite sex. Can I still train?

Answer: Absolutely! It is not uncommon for people to not want to spar with members of the opposite sex due to religious, moral, or traumatic reasons. At Blue Gorilla BJJ, we want to foster a comfortable family environment. Anyone is allowed to turn down a request to spar from another person based on this reason. We offer women’s only classes, and encourage spouses and parents/children to train together. We also understand that in the beginning, going with a friend or family member makes the experience less intimidating. We just want everyone to get better and have a blast doing it!

My child is not very tough (yet), will they be able to make it through the class?

Answer: Yes. Just trust the process and give it time. My oldest son started when he was 4 years-old and was very bashful. In the first couple of weeks, he would barely do the warmup and his first class, he just sat on the mat and stared at me. I didn’t expect anything from him other than just showing up. Within a couple of weeks, he was fully engaged. This was before we established the beginner class. Now, my 3-year-old son is able to actively participate and looks forward to coming to class. Just bring them, and let the coaches coach. We WILL get them there.

Do you offer memberships that do not involve contracted agreements?

Answer: Yes and no. We have several pricing options, but it is general practice in the martial arts and fitness worlds for members to sign 12-month agreements, followed by month-to-month payments thereafter. With that said, I understand life happens and things change. While I never want any student to quit Jiu-jitsu, I am very understanding and can make accommodations as seen fit. I ask that you give the gym at least 90 days before you consider cancelling the membership. Also, I HAVE to have 30 days notice of termination in order to cancel the memberships.

I’m really small and weak, can I still train?

Answer: Yes. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was made for smaller and weaker people to defend themselves against larger and stronger opponents.