FAQs

Absolutely. For complete beginners, we have perfected our tryout process so that you get the necessary one-on-one attention that you deserve without any intimidation or fear of injury. By coming to class on a consistent basis, your cardio and endurance will improve as you spend more time on the mats. We have a very systematic curriculum for beginners that instructors will work with you on throughout your first few weeks/months to ensure knowledge retention and practical application, allowing you to maximize your gains from Jiu-Jitsu.

All you need is a gi and a belt! (Don't have one? No problem. Our VIP introductory program includes a trial uniform.) If you are a seasoned practitioner but don't have a gi, we have them for sale. Other equipment includes mouth guards and rash guards, which we highly recommend. For women, we suggest sportswear such as sports bras, high neck tanks or shirt, and yoga shorts or leggings.

Upon arrival, about 15 minutes before your scheduled class time, you will be greeted by one of our friendly staff members who will have you fill out a waiver and show you to the changing rooms. The classes follow a simple flow: a warm-up that includes stretching, cardio, and conditioning, followed by the drill and technique of the day. Once the class is done, we will schedule your second class—ideally within the same week, so that comprehension and application of what you learned is not interrupted.

Emphatically, yes! One of the great things about BJJ is you can start at any age. At the NYC BJJ Academy, we pride ourselves in having one of the most internationally-ranked Masters team of students. Our students range from 3 to 68 years old! You'll be able to train at your own pace while still being pushed to reach your personal best. There are no judgements or egos here.

The movements of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu utilize all muscle groups, providing you with a total-body workout. There is a balanced mix of aerobic and anaerobic cardiovascular conditioning that is unlike any other workout out there. As a result, you develop a type of endurance that only comes from mat time. Some of our students have even quit their gym because this is all the workout they need! The more you put into the mat, the more you will get out of it.

The gi consists of a kimono jacket, drawstring pants, and a belt. The no-gi uniform consists of a rash guard, fight shorts, and spats. In the gi, we incorporate more “grips,” and in no-gi, “hooks” are utilized more. What does this mean for the beginner? If you’re just starting out, it’s important to start with gi classes, as there are many more components that you can exploit and use for leverage, allowing you to “slow down” the game of BJJ. This is where you will find your technique and control, ultimately opening up more possibilities of attacks and movements. Although no-gi Jiu Jitsu is similar, it takes away those advantages and makes the playing field more conditional upon physical attributes.

For adults, belt ranks start at white, blue, purple, brown, and black. Kids’ ranks will vary depending on the school, but the IBJFF ranking system that we follow goes from white, grey, yellow, orange, and green. Not all schools follow a striping system, but those that do follow a 4-stripe system as they advance between belts. Getting from one belt to the next is more subjective; there’s no cookie-cutter process. An individual’s progression timeline depends on several factors, but it typically ranges 1-4 years between each belt. Ultimately, the goal of any martial artist is to reach black belt, but getting there takes a lot of time, patience, and endurance. And we invite you to take that journey with us!

Visiting students are always welcome! Call or email our front desk for drop-in rates.