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 Submission Grappling?

Submission Grappling is a combat sport, it is a grappling based, individual, positional domination game. The goal is to advance your body into your opponent’s territory and assert positional dominance, points are awarded for positional advancement and control.

Finally, once the opponent is under control a submission hold can be applied forcing the opponent to concede the match. Each match has a time-limit, once reached without a submission the opponent with the most points is declared the winner.

What is Jiu Jitsu?

Jiu jitsu is the philosophy that is used by many submission grappling practitioners. It promotes the concept of using the minimum effort for the maximum results. Efficient technical ability is considered the most important aspect. Development on this path has shown that smaller weaker person can defeat a larger stronger individual.

Jiu Jitsu promotes the principle that a smaller, weaker person can successfully defend against a bigger, stronger assailant, using leverage and efficient technique. This concept has been proven many times, and has gained enormous popularity throughout the world since Jiu jitsu expert, Royce Gracie defeated three consecutive opponents on one night in the inaugural Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC) in 1993. Royce used his Jiu Jitsu skills to defeat much larger and stronger opponents. Since then Brazilian Jiu jitsu has been adopted by many organisations such as the US Marines, US Army and countless law enforcement agencies as their primary method of combative training.

What can Jiu Jitsu do for me?

Jiu Jitsu 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 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 Jiu Jitsu 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 demonstrated and then practiced, the techniques are drilled in a sequence to help you build muscle memory of the necessary movements and increase your understanding of Jiu Jitsu.
As we progress we add game-based activities to build experience in the essential positions of grappling.

Do you require sparring?

Yes, there is game based sparring in the fundamental class. This is important for students to develop the necessary understanding of grappling scenarios. Students with no grappling experience are asked to attend 60 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 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. A Jiu Jitsu Gi is required to participate in the Intermediate-Advanced classes. Gi’s/Kimono’s can be purchased directly from us. See our uniform rules

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, it is possible that Jiu Jitsu can get you fit. However, if you are very unfit, it may be prudent to engage in a fitness program before joining the program. 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 40, 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 Jiu Jitsu? 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!