F.A.Q.'s
1. Question: Do I need to train in some other martial art before taking Jiu-jitsu?
Answer: The answer is, no. The only martial art that can prepare you for learning Jiu-jitsu is Jiu-jitsu. Classes are structured with the beginner in mind. Sure, we have advanced classes as well, but the bulk of our students come into class without any previous martial arts training whatsoever. The beginning student starts with the basics. Like building a house, first you must est. a foundation.
2. Question: Do I need to get into shape before signing up for classes?
Answer: The short answer is "No". We get this question a lot. In fact, the only way to "get into shape" for bjj is to attend class, because no other workout uses all the muscles that you will use in bjj. The closest would be swimming, but even that falls short. So, the best way to get into shape for bjj is simply to attend class regularly. Within a couple of weeks you will be in better shape, guaranteed. You'll have more endurance, improved cardio. and more strength by training in Jiu-jitsu. BJJ builds lean muscles; not bulky muscles.
3. Question: How do I sign up?
Answer: First step is to come take a free class (if you have no previous training in BJJ) to see if you like it. After your first free class, you can join. To join, you must do three things. Pay your first months tuition (see schedule and prices link), fill out the paperwork to join Rickson's Association and send it in to the association along with a small photo of yourself (wallet size) and a check made out to the R.G.I.J.J.A. in the amount of $35 (that covers your membership for one year) and the last thing you need to do is buy a gi. Students must join the association a.s.a.p. after their first class (within a week). You have up to two weeks to purchase your gi.
4. Question: Where can I buy a gi?
Answer: All students must order their gi from Rickson's association. When you are are ready to purchase your gi, come see me.
5. Question: When (what time of the month/year can I sign up?
Answer: Anytime. You can join one of our classes at anytime. Beginners are always welcome.
6. I have been watching the UFC on T.V. and was wondering how realistic is training in the gi for self-defense? Wouldn't I be better off to train without the gi if my goal is to train for the UFC, street self-defense, etc.?
Answer: This is a common misconception nowadays in part due to the popularity of the UFC on t.v. People see that the fighters are not wearing a gi, and conclude that it must be better to train without a gi. Nothing could be further from the truth. Here's why....
First, the UFC and other cage fighting events are somewhat artificial. You have a referee to stop the match before things get ugly. The fighters wear gloves which prevents them from breaking their hands when striking an opponent therefore they are free to strike with full force. Try this without a glove on (esp, if you have little or no training) and you are sure to break your hand. Without gloves, you simply cannot strike someone with full force to the head. Also, the gloves make it difficult to get a hold of and maintain that hold on your opponent. And last, while it is true that the fighters do not wear a gi when competing in the UFC, on the street, I cannot remember ever seeing anyone take their clothes off before getting into a fight. On the street, even if someone is only wearing jeans and a t-shirt, that is still something to grab onto. And with a little adjustment of the grips, you can just as effectively choke someone wearing a t-shirt as you can someone wearing a gi. In the winter time, people wear jackets. A jacket is very much like a gi and you can easily apply your gi techniques to someone wearing a jacket.
On another note, fighters who spend years training in the gi before switching to MMA are always more technical fighters. You simply cannot get as technically proficient if you only train No-Gi. Rickson says that a combination of about 80% gi training with about 20% No-Gi training with give you the optimal results.
7. Question: If I decide to sign a contract (instead of paying month by month) what are some of the benefits? What are the drawbacks? What are my obligations?
Answer: Any student can pay either month by month or sign a 6 mo. or even a 1 year contract. So, what's the difference? There are advantages and disadvantages to both. If you pay month by month, then the obvious advantage is that you can quit at any time with no further obligations. The disadvantage is that you have to pay a higher monthly payment because you are not under a contract.
If you choose to go with either a 6 mo. or a 1 year contract, then the advantage is that you pay a smaller monthly payment (the longer the commitment the cheaper the payment; a one year contract comes with a lesser payment per month than a 6 month contract and either a 1 year contract or a 6 mo. contract is less per month than a student who is not under a contract but rather pays month by month).
The trade-off (disadvantage) of being under contract is that you have to fulfill your contract (pay monthly) until your contract comes to an end even if you are unable to attend class for whatever reason. I do make some exceptions to the rule, but the final decision of whether or not to "freeze" your contract for a period of time, is ultimately up to me and not the student. Reasons that I may or may not freeze a contract for are as follows...
- Death in the family.
- Serious illness, disease or sickness (IF I decide to freeze your contract, a doctor's note will be required first. Again, the decision is up to me. This will be decided on a case-by-case basis).
- Loss of job.
- You move a distance of over 50 miles away.
- Other... at my discretion.
8. Question: Why can't I access the Members Corner section of your website?
Answer: The Members Corner section of our website is for members only. To gain access to this section of the site, you need to first become a student. Then you'll need to join Rickson's Association. At that time you'll have access to Member's Corner.