I'm reposting this, which was originally a question from someone looking at our school for the first time. I've edited it a little and added some things. The question was: "Does your school focus more on sport or self-defense?" It is a good question and I had to reflect on it some before writing an answer. There are schools that focus on one or the other, if not exclusively then at least they state one or the other as a focus. For example, Gracie Torrence states that the main goal of their jiu-jitsu is self-defense. I think Alliance would be on the other end of the spectrum. There are both great schools and, although I have trained with students from both, I have never been at either school for a class. Below is what I feel is the focus of our school. Individual members may have a different focus. Hopefully the response will give you a better idea of what our guiding principals are at Renzo Gracie Pittsburgh.
Robert,
Sorry that it took me a while to respond. I saw your message when I was training in NYC and wanted to provide a more thoughtful answer than was possible on my Blackberry while sitting at a restaurant with other people.
I do not think we are really about competition or self-defense. What I think we emphasize is more like personal development. For example, use the following as an analogy: someone who enjoys mountain biking is not necessarily doing it for competition and may not use his bike as transportation to and from work. It is more of a game that the person derives challenge and other benefits such as health and camaraderie from.
The techniques of jiu-jitsu were developed from both sport and martial-craft/self-defense over the centuries. There has always been a co-mingling between the two different expressions of jiu-jitsu and more generally grappling. One of the modern geniuses of martial arts, Kano Jigoro, (founder of Judo), emphasized training/competing with a resisting opponent. He felt that this type of training was the only way to truly learn how to apply techniques even if they were martial or self-defense applications. Another way of saying this is that the only way to develop effective self-defense skills is to hone them in a competitive environment. This can be friendly competition among classmates among classmates or high-level international sport. The venue doesn't matter. At Renzo Gracie Pittsburgh we adhere to this philosophy. Renzo Gracie (one of my teachers) believes this and has had extensive "street" experience and teaching experience with NYC and Rio De Janeiro special police units. Katas, or as we say in western martial arts, "shadow boxing" and drilling techniques is important but cannot, on their own, realistically make someone competent in a high pressure, real situation.
To answer your question in a more specific way, the techniques we teach/practice, especially in our beginners ("fundamentals jiu-jitsu classes) will be effective outside the academy on the street or in entry-level competitions. They will give you a good base. You will not see "defense to a chair strike" or how to disarm a knife-wielding person. There are places which teach this. I do not think there is strong evidence that it really helps in life and death or seriously stressful situations. I feel that, as a black belt, I would be at a serious disadvantage against a sixteen year old kid with a five-inch blade. Furthermore, some of the benefits I would receive from my training would not be specific techniques. Some important benefits may be more body awareness and clarity of mind under stress. I do believe that I am safer and more confident due to my jiu-jitsu training and technique although this is tempered by understanding the limits of it. I hope this answered your question. See you in class.
-Warren
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Monday, December 5, 2011
New to Jiu-Jitsu? What to expect Q & A:
Q: What should I do if I would like to try a Jiu-Jitsu class, a fitness class, or a private class?
A: Fill out the simple contact form under the contact tab on our webpage. Someone will get in touch with you soon. Alternatively, just stop by the school 10 minutes or so before a class and speak with an instructor. See our schedule page on the website http://www.renzograciepittsburgh.com/for class times.
Q: What should I do once I arrive?
A: Introduce yourself to the instructor, fill out the participation waiver completely, tell the instructor a little about yourself and your background in athletics and fitness if any, and ask questions.
Q: Who can do Jiu-Jitsu?
A: Anyone who is healthy enough for exercise can participate. In your class you will find people from ages 14-50+. Most fundamentals classes include beginners as well as a few more experienced participants who often help new students with the techniques. Both men and women participate in our classes. Our women students can elect to train with other women or with anyone in the classes.
Q: What is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
A: It is a grappling-based martial art that teaches how to control a resisting adversary through the use of leverage, timing and creating situations that utilize strength imbalances. As a sport and activity it is one of the fastest growing worldwide. Mixed martial arts (MMA), of which BJJ is a integral part, is the fastest growing sport in the world in terms of revenues and viewership.
Q: Will I get hurt in class?
A: Our Fundamentals Jiu Jitsu program is designed though years of experience to minimize the chances of injuries. Instructors monitor students training constantly and also ensure that the environment is safe. For example very large and athletic people are paired with people of similar stature. There are no strikes in the fundamentals program. As with any contact sport there is some risk.
Q: Do you have women in your school?
A: Yes. We have several women members.
Q: What does it cost?
A: We offer beginners a free introduction lesson. After the introduction lesson you can stay and watch a class. If you can't make a class just come by and watch. Meet the intructor and talk to other members. If you would like to try some classes in a more hands on way before joining us they we offer a 5 day unlimited pass for just $20 for new prospective members. If you would like to stay with us after that ask an instructor to go over payments options with you. Our prices start at $89-140 month for adult classes and start at $65 for youth. Those with at least 6 months of Brazilian Jiu jitsu, or extensive grappling, judo, or wrestling get 5 days unlimited training free. Visitors from other academies are free.
Q: Do I have to be an athlete to do your classes?
A: No! Most people are fit enough to start our classes. You can go at your own pace.
Q: What is a typical class structure?
A: 10-minute warm-up, which is designed to create heat in the muscles and develop basic movement skills from Jiu-Jitsu. 40 minute of instructions and drilling techniques. 10 minute of live positional training.
Q: Do you have showers?
A: Yes, we have two showers.
Q: I’m new in the area, is your school a good place to meet new friends?
A: One of the best things about Jiu-Jitsu is that it brings people together. We cultivate a friendly atmosphere in class and often have events which can include an informal get-together at a bar to watch the UFC, a group trip to New York City main Renzo School, an academy party, or going to an MMA event to watch your friends compete.
Q: What is a “gi”?
A: A “gi” is the training uniform used by Judo and traditional Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Unlike some martial arts that use uniforms for dress only, our gis are very functional. They are a training tool that teaches skills. Grips and holds use the gi so it is much heavier and stronger than uniforms used in Karate for example. In addition to being a teaching tool the gi is also important for building self-defense skills since in Pittsburgh we often wear jackets when we are out on the street. We also have classes which are no-gi . Ask an instructor how you can get a gi.
Q: Should I train with the gi or without (no-gi Jiu-Jitsu)
A: You should do both no matter what your goals are. The gi teaches posture, help make your defensive skills crisp and builds certain types of physical strengths. These are just some of the benefits. Training without a gi builds speed and sharpens certain offensive skills to name a few benefits. It is a lot of fun to learn different holds and movements for each discipline as well as seeing where techniques intersect or need to be modified. There are competitions both with and without the gi. Most of the top competitors are champions in both. Most good MMA fighters train both gi and no-gi at different times.
Q: How do I get a gi?
A: Ask an instructor at Renzo Gracie Pittsburgh when you arrive and they will help you. We sell top quality gis at good prices.
Q: Do the classes teach you how to fight like fighters in the UFC and other MMA events?
A: UFC fighters and most professional MMA fighters spent years training and are full time fighters. Many are also exceptional athletes. Most of the best ones train or started training in a school like Renzo Gracie Pittsburgh. You will immediately be more of an educated fan of MMA by participating our classes. After more time you will learn to use many of the most important skill that top MMA fighters use.
Q: What should I do if I want to compete in mixed martial arts or sport Jiu-Jitsu?
A: Join our school and participate in our classes! UFC champions Frank Edgar and George St. Pierre are often seen in public classes at Renzo’s in NYC. You should be prepared to dedicate lots of time and work. It is not an overnight process but months and years of training. Anyone who wants to compete can do so at some level if they can dedicate the time and effort. Many of our members do not compete. Some of the most respected Jiu-Jitsu practitioners have never competed.
Q: Will I get in shape and lose weight by doing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
A: Without a doubt, yes. We have had many members loose over 20lbs in a couple of months and change their body composition to one with less fat and more muscle. There is no other activity that, in one hour, does as thorough a job of mixing resistance training, endurance/cardio, balance, coordination and flexibility as BJJ or grappling arts. Other benefits are breath control, hand and core strengthening and mind/body connection. Almost all muscles are worked. Metabolism is raised so calories are burned not just in class but also throughout the rest of your week. Our conditioning classes offer an extra boost to get you in shape even faster since we feel physical fitness is so important.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)