FAQ
What is Jiu Jitsu?
“Jiu-Jitsu” translates from Japanese to “gentle art”. Even though its origins come from Japan, today most people know Jiu-Jitsu as a Brazilian martial art. In 1915 Mitsuyo Maeda arrived in Brazil and began teaching Jiu-Jitsu and Judo, which at the time were not separate disciplines like they are today. Three of Maeda’s students became the founders of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: the brothers Carlos and Helio Gracie, and Luiz Franca. These three would later be recognized as the founders of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu by maximizing the effectiveness of existing techniques, creating new variations, and making it a distinct martial art. Jiu-Jitsu is a grappling art that utilizes one's own unique body mechanics and leverage to apply chokes, joint locks, and pressure to ultimately submit larger and stronger opponents.
Is jiu jitsu worth it?
"I wished I had started sooner" is one of the many, commonly heard statements from new students. Jiu-Jitsu is a great tool for teaching practical self-defense in a safe, simple, and realistic manner all while making it fun and engaging. It is also a great means of meeting new people and making life-long connections with a group who share the same passions.
can i be injured while training?
While Jiu-Jitsu is known as the "gentle art," it is a grappling art where injuries can occur as they could with any kind of physical sport. However, the great thing about Jiu-Jitsu is that it is scalable and can be taken at your own pace with care to your own physical demands and needs. The potential is there, but here at Empire we mitigate injury as much as possible with safe training practices and communication.
Do I need to be physically fit before coming to train?
You do not. While it can help, you do not need to be in shape to start training. Over time, your body will adapt to the demands of grappling and is a fantastic way to build flexibility, strength, endurance, and cardio. The best way to get in shape for Jiu-Jitsu is training Jiu-Jitsu!
What is a blue belt in Jiu Jitsu? Blue belt is the second belt in BJJ. The belt ranks for adults goes as follows:
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For children the belt ranking system is different to keep children interested and engaged in the sport. It goes as follows:
How long does it take get a black belt in Jiu Jitsu?
10-15 Years. For most practitioners, it comes after about 10-15 years of dedicated training both on and off the mats. A black belt in Jiu-Jitsu is a very prestigious title; they are not handed out lightly.
Is Jiu Jitsu a good workout?
Grappling is excellent for improving your strength, endurance, cardio and flexibility. Jiu-Jitsu burns more calories than the average gym workout in the same amount of time. This makes Jiu-Jitsu more time effective.
Is Jiu Jitsu practical?
Most altercations end up on the ground, and being able to defend yourself while simultaneously attacking from that position is an irreplaceable skill. Unlike other martial arts that require speed and coordination to execute moves successfully, Jiu-Jitsu relies on the technique of pressure and control to eliminate the threat of danger and place you into a position of advantage.