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, fitness, and/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 before a class. See our schedule page on the website http://www.renzograciepittsburgh.com/for class times.


Q: When should I arrive?

A: About 10 minutes before the start of class time.


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: There are no strikes in our Fundamentals Program. It 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. As with any contact sport there is some risk.


Q: What is the typical age-range of people in class?

A: In our adult classes most of the students range from 20-35 years old. We do have many members that are older and younger.


Q: Do you have women in your school?

A: Yes. We have several women members.


Q: Can I participate in class my first day?

A: Yes! If it is your first time visiting the school you can either watch or participate in class. It is up to you. We have gis (uniforms) to loan on a first-come basis.


Q: What does it cost?

A: You can try or observe as many of the classes labeled “Fundamentals Jiu-Jitsu” and “Conditioning” as you would like for one week at NO COST. If you would like to stay with us after that ask an instructor to go over payments options with you.


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: Is Jiu-Jitsu a contact activity?

A: Yes, you with be in close contact with others. We demand hygiene and keep our facility clean.


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, NYC, a school 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.


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 Frankie 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: What is “Conditioning”? What is “Youth Movements”? What is “Youth Jiu-Jitsu “?

A: Conditioning is included in Jiu-Jitsu members’ available classes or can be done as a separate program. It is a fitness program that can complement Jiu-Jitsu training but does not involve contact or Jiu-Jitsu skills but is a circuit resistance training program using Russian kettlebells and the TRX suspension trainer. “Youth Movement “ is for kids 5-7 years old. “Youth Jiu Jitsu” is a martial art and fitness program for kids 8-13 years old. More information is available under our programs tab on our website www.renzograciepittsburgh.com


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.

www.renzograciepittsburgh.com

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