Please arrive a few minutes before the class starts so you can sign a waiver and we can show you around the gym. Before class starts, fill your water bottle and feel free to stretch out on the mats.
Classes start with a light warm up of BJJ specific drills. Most of these movements will be new to you, so don't feel discouraged if you don't get the hang of them at first. Nobody was perfect on their first day - just try your best and they'll get better with time.
After warm-ups, techniques will be covered as a group, and then students will pair up and practice the techniques. In the Fundamental classes, techniques focus on core BJJ movements and positions and are taught with the beginner in mind. In other classes, techniques will follow that week's positional theme. Instructors will be available to help fix your technique or answer any questions you may have - don't be afraid to ask for help.
In Fundamental classes, after technique is covered you will have a chance to connect the techniques you learned into a situational drill. In other classes, you will have an opportunity to try the techniques you learned against a fully resisting opponent in a "live" drill or sparring rounds. Sparring is not mandatory, and feel free to just observe if you would like.
Brazilian jiu jitsu is a grappling-based martial art that focuses on controlling your opponent. BJJ focuses on taking your opponent down to the ground, establishing a position of dominance, and rendering the opponent harmless. Students learn to use position and leverage to overcome diffence in size and strength.
Since kicking and punching are not part of training, BJJ can be done on a daily basis with no more risk of injury than any other contact sport. It is both a physically and demanding sport, and students benefit from increased phyiscal fitness, problem solving, and many social benefits of working within a close group.
A t-shirt, board shorts, running shorts, or sweatpants are all fine. Please avoid wearing any baggy clothing with pockets or belt loops as fingers and toes can get caught in them and cause injury. Also please avoid wearing anything with external zippers as they can damage the mats. Bring a pair of flip flops with you to wear when walking around the gym and a water bottle.
Please ensure fingernails and toenails are trimmed. If you have long hair, you'll want to put it up during the class. All piercings and jewellery will need to be removed before training.
Come meet the Guardhouse team and get a first-hand experience of our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training.
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