Frequently Asked Questions
Here we answer some questions that you may have regarding Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. If you have any other questions or feel that we are not addressing a certain topic clearly enough, please do not hesitate in contacting us.
What is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
What can Brazilian Jiu Jitsu do for me?
BJJ can help you to;
1. Lose weight and gain a strong functional body
2. Release stress through exhilarating physical activity
3. Protect yourself and your loved ones from harm.
4. Surprise yourself with what you’re capable of achieving
5. Avoid confusion and unnecessary altercations
6. Make lifelong friends
7. Gaining greater vitality and energy throughout the day
9. Build real self-confidence
11. Improve your coordination and motor skills
12. Gives you a goal to achieve in life, should you choose to master the art or achieve success in competition
…And as if that wasn’t enough, you will receive all these benefits while training in a relaxed, friendly environment.
What can I expect in my first class? What is a BJJ class like?
The fundamental program quickly prepares students for Atlantic Jiu Jitsu’s intermediate class, and gives students a sturdy base of knowledge that they will put to practice throughout their jiu jitsu study.
Class format
- Light warm-up, techniques are shown, and finally the techniques are drilled in a sequence to help you build muscle memory of the necessary movements and increase your understanding of Jiu Jitsu.
The sequence drills are Atlantic Jiu Jitsu’s secret to successful teaching, and are equivalent to sparing for beginners, but are done with little resistance to reinforce proper technique.
Do you require sparring?
There is very little, to no full-contact sparring in the fundamental class. Our founders, Romero “Jacare” Cavalcanti and Fabio Gurgel believe this is key in the evolution of beginning jiu jitsu students. Students with no grappling experience are asked to attend 25-35 fundamental classes, or 3-4 months before attending intermediate classes.
Do I have to compete?
No, the majority of people who train with us do not compete in tournaments. However there are many great competitors on the team who enjoy the competitive aspect of BJJ.
What do I need for my first class? What should I wear for my first class?
If you have a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gi, you can wear that. Other martial art gis are not strong enough for grappling. Otherwise shorts or jogging bottoms and a t-shirt . Don’t wear anything with zips/buttons etc. However a Jiu Jitsu Gi is required to participate in the intermediate-advanced classes. Gi’s/Kimono’s can be purchased directly from us.
It is a good idea to take a bottle of water and a towel. You may wish to avail of our shower facilities afterwards.
Where is Atlantic Jiu Jitsu?
Our gym can be located at Unit 9b, Cleveragh Business Park, The Back Ave, Fort Gary Business Centre, Sligo. You can find us on Google maps here and find a direct route from your location! See more information on our location page.
I am unfit – are the classes hard?
If you are unfit, Jiu Jitsu will get you fit. Each class is as hard as you make it, but you will be motivated and encouraged all along the way. Getting fit is fun, but it does require effort on your part.
If you are over the age of 45, or have been very inactive in the last few years, it is advisable to get a medical check up before beginning a vigorous activity such as Jiu Jitsu.
What is the belt system in BJJ? What are the BJJ belt ranks?
Belt Rank in Jiu Jitsu is as follows: white, blue, purple, brown, black. High level black belts then become black and red.
Each belt takes on average 1.5 to 2 years to achieve
An Alliance Black Belt instructor will award belts according to the Alliance Jiu Jitsu Association Criteria for all Alliance Jiu Jitsu students. This means that the standard in each Alliance school are the same throughout the world.
Ranking is based on 3 criteria:
1. Technical ability: a measure of how well you perform or repeat techniques under low stress.
2. Sparing / fighting ability: a measure of how well you perform techniques under a high stress or a dynamic environment (sparring). (i.e. completing a successful escape from a common headlock during sparing)
3. Personal character: this is a measure of how well you follow the guiding principles of the school.
Students and Instructors are expected to attend scheduled seminars. These experiences allow for additional learning opportunities and student evaluation.
Also check out this link for more guidance!
Do You Offer Kids/Teenager Classes?
Yes, we hold Kids classes for children aged 7 and up, and also teenager classes! These classes are held on Saturday mornings, the kids class is from 11.30am and the teenager class is from 12.30.
You can find out more info and also sign your child or teenager up here!
How do I get started?
Simple, just contact us and get ready to join our next class. For further info, don’t hesitate to contact us…