Pulling techniques from folk, freestyle, Greco-Roman, & catch wrestling, Judo, Sambo, Shooto, and, of course, BJJ, Submission Wrestling begins with a solid foundation of throws & takedowns as in traditional wrestling arts.

However, the ultimate goal is to not only control an opponent, but to get them to submit to a choke, crank, armlock, or leglock.

Capoeira combines elements of martial arts, music, and dance. It was created in Brazil by slaves brought from Africa sometime after the sixteenth century.

Participants form a roda, or circle, and take turns either playing musical instruments (such as the Berimbau), singing, or “playing” (sparring) with handstands, rolls, feints, trips, takedowns, and lots of leg sweeps and kicks!

Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a full contact combat sport that allows the use of a wide variety of striking and grappling techniques, both while standing and on the ground.

Spreading from the vale tudo (no holds barred) fights of Brazil to Japan and then around the world, MMA is one of the fastest growing sports in North America, thanks to the popularity of The Ultimate Fighter on Spike TV.

MMA classes include calisthenic warmups, shadow boxing, heavy bag striking drills (both hanging and laying on the ground), striking drills to kick pads and punch mitts, standup wrestling, clinch & wall work, open hand light-contact sparring, boxing & kickboxing, submissions, striking drills on the ground, and full range sparring.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a martial art that focuses on ground fighting techniques to enable one to attain a dominant position for the purposes of submission. With its roots in Judo and Japanese Jujutsu, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu was developed to arm a smaller, weaker person with various techniques to defend against a larger, stronger opponent. Thus, in training, the emphasis is on technique over strength.

A typical BJJ class typically consists of three parts:

1. A calisthenic warmup to gain fitness & prevent injury

2. Drilling of techniques with a cooperative partner

3. Finally, “live” training or sparring at full speed

Common goals of new BJJ students include:

Health & Fitness
Self Defense
Competition (Sport BJJ, Submission Wrestling, Mixed Martial Arts)
Having fun!

Commit to practice

Do your best to attend class as frequently as your schedule allows, and inform your instructor if you are going to be absent.

School cleanliness

Take pride in being part of the school by keeping it clean and neat. Help setup, clean, and put away the mats. Wipe down helmets, striking pads, and other equipment as quickly as possible after class.

Maintain personal hygiene

Make sure to cut your nails before class and wear a clean uniform. Poor hygiene is hazardous, disrespectful, and makes practice unpleasant. Shower facilities are available for use both before and after class. If you are ill, have any form of skin rash or an open wound that may bleed, please refrain from coming to class until you are well.

Proper uniform

Remove your street shoes before entering training area. Bare feet or clean socks are allowed. Wrestling shoes are encouraged. Remove all jewelry before training. Gis with rash guards or t-shirts underneath are required for BJJ classes. No street clothes are allowed in the Submission Wrestling or MMA classes.

Be respectful

Make sure to bow when you enter and leave the training area. Bowing is sign of respect to the school and its teachers. If you are late and class has already begun, stand to the side until the instructor asks you to join so that you do not disrupt the lesson by barging in. Finally, be mindful of other people and avoid vulgar or profane language.

Be attentive

Pay close attention when the instructor is demonstrating techniques, try to keep talking to a minimum, and ask questions if you do not understand. More importantly, practice with your training partner in mind. Do not overdo techniques and make sure to work at the level of your partner – even during live drills and sparring. No one benefits from an injury.

Bring your “A” game

In Martial Arts, input equals output. If you don’t train hard, it will show. Don’t just come to practice, ENJOY practice. Don’t just do a technique, DEVOTE yourself to a technique. “Leave it all on the mat.” The only reason people doubt themselves in a fight or competition is because they know they didn’t give 100% during practice. Remember, in the end, your success in Martial Arts falls upon your shoulders; no one can practice for you.