Frequently Asked Questions

We trace our lineage directly to the founders of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu;
Masters Carlos and Helio Gracie > Carlos Gracie Jr. > Jean Jaques Machado > Roberto “Gordo” Correa > Gustavo “Guga” Machado > Justin McQuown

At our Academy, we are firm believers in the application of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as a Self-Defense System. While competitions can be good to “challenge yourself” and see where you are against BJJ peers outside your home Academy, practitioners should not lose focus on the Self-Defensive roots of BJJ as a Martial Art.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the most basic description, is a 4-step Self-Defense System where the practitioner;
1. Takes the opponent to the ground, removing the ability for an opponent to employ explosive force (kicks, punches etc.);
2. Get past the opponents legs. Legs can be dangerous from an untrained individual and even more dangerous from a trained individual;
3. Utilize pinning or controlling positions allowing you to minimize your opponents movement and;
4. Finish the engagement with a series of strikes and/or submissions.

Every individual's journey in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is different. If you wish to compete, you should do it. If you are not interested in competing, that is perfectly acceptable. You will never feel pressured to compete from any of our Staff or Coaches at this Academy.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu can be intimidating for a new student for a number of reasons. We’ve listed some common reasons below…
1. “What if I’m not good right away?” – We have this preconceived notion that we have to be good at things right off the bat. Learning a skill like BJJ takes time… a long time. You will progress every time you show up for a class. Progress happens by being present and repeating.
2. “Won’t the other students judge me?” – The reality is BJJ students are usually some of the most helpful people you will meet. BJJ develops a very close bond between students because of the trust you have to have in them to release you from a submission. They will end up being some of the closest friends you have in your life. Everyone is busy learning, getting submitted and getting humbled every day. You’re not alone on this journey.
3. “It looks hard, seems hard to do” – It is. This is the closest you will get to an actual physical conflict that is performed in the safest environment possible. We will make you comfortable being uncomfortable. Life can be difficult…a strong mind is the best tool you can have at your disposal.
4. “I need to get in shape first” – Brazilian Jiu Jitsu will get you in shape. While you may not have washboard abs unless you diet properly, your cardio, core and overall strength will improve greatly by doing BJJ… plus you’re learning a valuable skill while doing so.

The classes will start promptly at the scheduled time. The typical class schedule will run as follows (varies according to time – Approx. 1 hour);
5 Minutes – Functional Stretching
5 Min – Cardio Warm-Up
5 Min – Core/Abdominal
30 – Min Technique Training. The instructor will demonstrate techniques that will be replicated with a training partner. The practice/implementation of these techniques will be sharpened under the guidance of your instructor.
10 Min – Positional sparring or “Rolling” (depending on the class) to emphasize the use of the techniques taught.
5 Min – Cool down and review of the techniques taught during the class before dismissal.
Please keep in mind the Instructor Staff may slightly modify the above schedule accordingly based on individual factors… but this is the schedule that should generally be expected by students.

At GMBJJSRQ, we will generally work a series for the month showing offensive and defensive techniques from the designated series and variations from each of these offensive and defensive postures. We will focus on correct positioning, attention to the details that are typically overlooked and significant repetition of these techniques. Our goal is for students to have a strong fundamental understanding of these techniques and the ability to apply them correctly when pressure from a resisting opponent is applied.

The proper terminologies used are as follows;
BJJ School is called an “Academy”. Our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy provides a professional learning environment and the class structure and curriculum for the Academy was designed by Professor Justin and approved by Professor Gustavo “Guga” Machado. The classes and core curriculum are designed for injury prevention, knowledge retention and longevity in practicing the Art.

Instructors or Teachers. Once someone attains the rank of Black Belt and pursues a path of teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, they are commonly referred to as “Professors”. This is due to the time it takes to attain the rank of Black Belt. Generally speaking, a Black Belt has mastered the fundamental principals of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Students from the rank of Purple Belt and Brown Belt may also assist in teaching (as invited by the Professor) and they are typically referred to as “Coaches”. Are we strict about “titles” at our Academy? No. We do not define ourselves by titles or ranks.

Professors and Coaches at this Academy will treat every individual that comes through our doors with respect and dignity and we will expect that level of respect and dignity to be reciprocated from all students.

Yes. After your Intro to BJJ class, you will be invited to join a Trial Class. For this trial class you will be lent a clean, sanitized Academy Gi. Please note that you must wear underwear and a T-shirt or Rash Guard underneath your Gi. After this trial class, if you decide to join you will be provided with an opportunity to either buy a Gi directly at the Academy or you can buy one on your own. The Gi’s are sold at cost with no markup to the student.

Note** All Full-Time GMBJJSRQ student Gi’s will need to have the Academy Patch on the Back of the Gi (GMBJJ Wolf Logo). These are available for sale at the front desk or if you purchase an official “Ouano” Academy Gi, they come with all patches already sewn on.

This is a question that is asked often. Frankly there isn’t an easy answer. While the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) has minimum requirements in time that is to be adhered to between promotions, everyone’s journey is just that… “Their Journey”. Every individual is different and everyone progresses differently. So, promotions in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu vary for individual practitioners. A large majority of progress comes from “time on the mat”. Therefore the more regularly you train, the more you should progress. If you would like a better description of each belt and what they should be “capable” of at each level, you can find that on the “Classes” page.

The Academy Schedule is posted on this website under “Schedule”. At our Academy we require students to sign up for classes each week. This is for a number of reasons but we believe it is instrumental for the instructor to see who is attending each class and allows them to plan for the class attendance size. It is also a commitment by the student to attend the class or classes they have signed up for. Each week you will have the opportunity to register for the classes you wish to attend. Our Academy utilizes “Zen Planner” for all administrative functions; Student Enrollment, Tuition Payments, Class Sign-Ups, Class Check-Ins and all Seminar Sign-Up and Payments. You will be able to utilize the Zen Planner App to do many functions directly on your computer/laptop or smartphone.

It is recommended that you arrive early and be prepared for classes to start on time. While we understand that being late or departing early may happen from time to time, tardiness or departing early consistently is distracting for both the Instructor and your fellow students. We will do our best to accommodate late arrivals/early departures from class but please be mindful of interruptions in class.

This is very important. You are likely to be very sweaty after training – no one likes a smelly Gi (Or Training Partner). You should wash your Gi immediately after class. To protect the fabric of your gi, do not wash it higher than 40 degrees and keep it away from the tumble dryer. Wash cold and hang dry.

Yes, you must keep your feet protected between the changing rooms and the mats at all times – this protects both your feet and the hygiene of the Academy – specifically the Mat (shoes are also fine). There are spaces near the mat for storing your flip flops/footwear.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a contact Sport and individual cleanliness is paramount. Please ensure you are clean and free of any ailments that may be transferred to another student. Ensure you keep your fingernails and toenails trimmed and clean as well.

Note** Due to the recent COVID-19 concerns, we will require individual temperature screening and use of hand sanitizer on arrival at the Academy. Students will be required to utilize the sterilization station for your feet prior to stepping on the Academy Mat. During classes, students will only be paired with ONE partner for training period. If you have been displaying any Flu-like symptoms please refrain from coming to the Academy. The health and safety of our students is paramount.