December 30, 2008 in News by Gumby

F.A.Q. About Heroes Martial Arts

Q:  Why Heroes Martial Arts?

A:  I’ve sort of made a brand for myself as “Gumby”, but calling the studio “Gumby Jiu Jitsu” would probably lead to some legal problems.  As many friends as I’ve made, more than a few wouldn’t recognize “Alan Marques BJJ” either because of the nickname I’ve made for myself (pretty much only my parents still call me Alan).  We could have gone with any number of more fierce or traditional sounding names, but that’s not really our style.  The name “Heroes” has a lot of different positive connotations, but primarily it’s because it appeals to the comic book nerd in me, and martial arts in some way is as close as most of us will come to living the super hero life.  Heroes is colorful and fun, and that’s what I want in a Martial Arts Studio.

Q:  No, I meant why should I train at Heroes Martial Arts?

A:  There are a lot of (excellent) choices to train in martial arts and even in Jiu Jitsu located in the San Jose area.  Heroes was formed because we love the martial arts, we love to teach, and we think that we have something to offer you.  We care very deeply about the progress of our students on the mat, and feel we have the ability to help you reach your highest potential. We are equally committed to fostering an atmosphere where everyone can feel welcome and be their self.   Furthermore, we strongly believe in teaching martial arts for the “real world” and whatever situation you find your self in, you’ll have a realistic sense of your skills and abilities.  Check us out, we think you’ll like us!

Q:  Is competition required to advance at Heroes Martial Arts?

A:  No, competition is purely an individual choice and most people who participate at Heroes will never compete.  It is about reaching your own maximum potential.  At the same time, those who decide to compete will do so knowing that the full support of Heroes Martial Arts is behind them and we will prepare you if that is your choice.   Classes are geared towards both types, and we feel the success of the academy is largely how everyone does their part to do better and help their fellow students get better.  It’s really a great dynamic!

Q:  Are there any rules or formalities I should be aware of at Heroes Martial Arts?

A:  In our teaching experience, we want to push and challenge the students, but we want to do in a safe, friendly environment.  The 3 “rules” we’ve set up are in order to maintain this type of atmosphere, with these guidelines in mind we hope that common sense will dictate your actions:

1:  I will enter the Academy with the mindset that I will somehow better myself every time.

2:  I realize that in order to better myself, it will take hard work and dedication.

3:  I will contribute to the academy, in that my fellow students will be able to follow the first two rules.

Above all, we hope you fun when you are training at Heroes Martial Arts!

Q:  Do you teach Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) at Heroes Martial Arts?

A:  Mixed Martial Arts is a relatively new sport on the scene, having first been introduced (to the United States) with the UFC in 1993, and has been seen an absolute explosion of popularity in the last few years.  MMA is a hybridization of a number of different disciplines in order to compete in a sport with specified (and shifting rules), including boxing, wrestling, muay thai, and arguably the most important aspect: Jiu Jitsu.  This requires the athlete to have some level of familiarization, if not proficiency in all of these styles.  The very top level competitors tend to have specialized in one area first and have developed to a very high level in it before cross training in other disciplines.

At Heroes Martial Arts, we have decided to specialize in the Jiu Jitsu and grappling arts in order to give our student a true depth of ability in these aspects.  The concepts and techniques learned can be applicable in a number of different situations, including self defense, sport Jiu Jitsu and even MMA.

December 29, 2008 in News by Gumby

Heroes Martial Arts Class Schedule and Descriptions

Jiu Jitsu Gi:

This is the traditional Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class (with gi mandatory).  This class is open to all levels and follows the traditional sequence of warm ups, techniques, then sparring, with drilling intermittently used.   What is shown will vary from class to class depending on the level of the students, questions that have arisen, etc, but can vary from brushing up on fundamentals to learning the latest advanced techniques.

No Gi:

This is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class with the gi being optional.  This class is open to all levels and follows the traditional sequence of warm ups, techniques, then sparring, with drilling intermittently used.   What is shown will vary from class to class depending on the level of the students, questions that have arisen, etc but can vary from brushing up on fundamentals to learning the latest advanced techniques.

Jiu Jitsu Fundamentals Class:

Fundamentals is an hour long class open to all levels, but specifically targeting beginners or anyone wanting to brush up on the basics of Jiu Jitsu.  These classes will be gi only and really work specifically on core positions, philosophies and technique.  Although there will be drilling to reinforce the technique and positions, there will be no sparring in the Fundamentals class.  Also, the classes taught will be scheduled ahead of time, so students who wish to work on a particular fundamental will have the ability to choose a class that will work on a specific need.

Judo:

Judo is a art and a sport emphasizing takedowns, clinch work with the gi (jacket) and grappling.  The class can be taken to supplement the traditional groundwork curriculum of the Jiu Jitsu class, or exclusively as a stand-alone class in order to appreciate the art to judo.  Particular emphasis will be placed on safety and break falling.

Wrestling:

In wrestling we explore different styles of wrestling and takedowns, both in the context of submission grappling/MMA as well as a sport unto itself.  The classes will segue into the no gi class.

Competition Class:

The competition class is for the most hard core of students, and is designed to give an edge to those students who wish to actively compete.  Attendance is not mandatory, but strongly encouraged for anyone who wishes to compete.  This class will emphasize the team concept more than any of the other classes, and students who choose to compete will enter knowing they have the full support of the academy from pre-competition preparation through coaching during the actual matches.

Warm ups and workout will be far more intense for the competition class than the regular classes.  Specific tournament strategies and rules will be discussed and video may be reviewed.  Sparring sessions will replicate as closely as possible tournament situations students are preparing for, including mock tournaments.

Open Mat:

Open mat is an adult class with no scheduled curriculum, and a chance for students to interact with each other, free spar, work on techniques individually, and ask the instructor questions.

Kids Class:

The kids class will be designed for ages 6-12. This class will last for 50 minutes and will first and foremost emphasize having fun and enjoying exercise. The students will learn discipline and values all in the context of learning Jiu Jitsu.

Teens Class:

The teens class will be designed for ages 13-18 and will serve as a bridge for the children and adults classes.  The class will be one hour long and be structured in the same way as the adult’s lunch/corporate classes will be.

December 27, 2008 in News by Gumby

FAQ About Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Q: What is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?

A: Probably the best description of what to expect in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has been written by our friend John Danaher, from Renzo Gracie’s website:

“Brazilian jiu jitsu is a grappling-based martial art whose central theme is the skill of controlling a resisting opponent in ways that force him to submit. Due to the fact that control is generally easier on the ground than in a standing position, much of the technique of Brazilian jiu jitsu is centered round the skill of taking an opponent down to the ground and wrestling for dominant control positions from where the opponent can be rendered harmless. To control and overcome greater size, strength and aggression with lesser size and strength is the keynote of the sport. This is done by utilizing superior leverage, grip and position upon your opponent. Students of the sport gain a deep understanding of the workings and limits of the human body. This knowledge can be used to subdue and control an opponent with whatever level of severity the student chooses. The path to this knowledge is physically and mentally demanding. Students benefit from greatly increased physical fitness, problem-solving ability, self-knowledge of their body and mind and the many social benefits of working within a large group of like-minded fellow students as you learn and have fun together.

Many students first learn about jiu jitsu through the great popularity of mixed martial arts (MMA) competition, where Brazilian jiu jitsu technique is very prominent. Indeed, the beginnings of the contemporary MMA competition were largely tied up with proving the combat-efficiency of Brazilian jiu jitsu . The practice of Brazilian jiu jitsu as a sport, however, is strongly separated from MMA. Daily classes do not feature kicking or punching. The focus is on safe grappling technique that can be done on a daily basis with no more fear of injury than any other contact sport.”

Q:  How does Brazilian Jiu Jitsu differ from Gracie Jiu Jitsu?

A:  The terms Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Gracie Jiu Jitsu are often used interchangeably, and no real enforceable guideline exists for a distinction between the two.

A Japanese judoka, prizefighter, and former member of the Kodokan named Mitsuyo Maeda, also known as Count Koma, emigrated to Brazil in the 1910s where a local influential businessman named Gastão Gracie helped him get established. In return for his aid, Maeda taught Jiu-Jitsu to Gastão’s son Carlos, who then taught the art to his brothers, including Hélio Gracie. Hélio had the opportunity to teach a class one day while Carlos was absent. He realized that most of the techniques could be adapted in a way to increase leverage therefore minimizing the force that needed to be exerted to execute the moves. Through Hélio’s experiments, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as we know it today was created.  Today, all Brazilian/Gracie Jiu Jitsu students can ultimately be traced back to the Gracie brothers.

While the basic techniques and terminology are basically the same, many instructors have their own individual styles or points they tend to emphasize in the art, even within the Gracie family themselves!  With the spread of Jiu Jitsu world wide, it is wise for the student to investigate the credentials of an instructor as well as a careful analysis of their teaching ability, as opposed to merely relying on a brand name.

(By the way, the lead instructor of Heroes, “Gumby” received his black belt and all previous rankings directly from Ralph Gracie, one of the more prominent members of the family.)

Q:  How does the Belt Ranking System work in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?

A:  For adult students, there are five levels of belts in order:  white, blue, purple, brown and black.  The normal time of progression between belts averages about 2-4 years, but is largely dependant on actual ability level as opposed to just time in the art.  Because of the long time in between ranking changes, some school also use a stripe system to give an indication of progress between belts.

After black belt, there degree system is to designate active time in the art.  7th degree becomes a red and black belt.  10th degree is reserved for the founders of the art, the brother Carlos, Gastao, Jorge, Oswaldo and Helio Gracie.

There are additional belt colors for children under the age of 16.

Q:  Is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu really the most effective form of self-defense?

A:  No!  Your most effective form of self defense is to avoid being put in a bad situation in the first place.  In today’s world, even if you are the most highly trained fighter in the world, the safest thing to do is always to escape!

However, when all else fails and you can’t possibly escape the situation, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has been proven time and time again to be among the most effective arts you can learn.  Why?  Three reasons:  Firstly, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu specializes in the close quarter situations, especially the ground, where the defender may often be the most helpless.  Secondly, by use of leverage and technique, the user of Jiu Jitsu is taught to over ride strength and aggression.  And Finally Jiu Jitsu classes emphasize a lot of sparring and chance to use learned techniques against live opponents.  This is extremely important, because the lessons taught in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu are often used in every session, so the student gets a quick sense of what works realistically or not!

Furthermore, time in the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu will undoubtedly give a student confidence and a positive self-image that will carry over to all aspects of their life.  Would be attackers are usually looking for easy victims, and students versed in Jiu Jitsu do not fall under that category and are often left well enough alone.

Q:  Now, about all that sparring in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?

While we’re confident you will come to look at it as a bonus that you get to spar every class, we realize this can initially be more than a bit intimidating.  Part of the acquisition of knowledge is the practical application of it, and you can look at sparring as a laboratory to put your theories to the test.  Aside from which, we think sparring is really fun.

If you are new to the art, don’t worry, you will be eased into sparring and will spend time working with the instructor and more senior students who help guide you before you begin to spar with students of your own level.  While competitive, the strongest emphasis is always on student safety.

Sparring generally begins from the knees because that is where the majority of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu techniques take place (and also on a busy class the mat may get crowded).  For those students seeking the extra challenge, sparring from standing and emphasizing competition is available.

Q:  What equipment do I need to begin training?

A:  For the Gi class, you will need a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu style gi.  We should have some available for sale at Heroes, or you can check out a fine retailer like the OTM FightShop or www.OntheMat.com .  A Judo gi would would work as well, however be aware that because of the different cuts Judo uniforms are at a disadvantage in BJJ competitions (and BJJ gi’s are illegal in Judo competition).  Traditional martial arts gis are generally too thin and not designed to withstand the abuse typical in a BJJ class.  For consideration of others, please make sure your gi is clean.

For the no gi classes, standard uniform is typically a pair of board shorts and either a t-shirt or rash guard.

Optional but recommended equipment would be a mouth guard and a protective cup.  It is also recommended that each student has their own supply of athletic tape.

Some students also opt to wear ear guards to protect against cauliflower ear, and wrestling shoes.

Q:  Why is the Gi so important in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?

A:  Traditionally, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu begins in the gi, and many instructors (ourselves included) feels that the use of the gi helps reinforce basic techniques because it slows the grappling game down somewhat and provides many more handles and opportunities for a skilled opponent to use against you.  It also believed that the gi simulates most of the self defense situations a students is likely to encounter (unless you happen to live in an area where people don’t typically wear clothes!)

Of course it is important to be understand the no gi version of BJJ as well, which has become increasing popular over the years, this is why we offer a no gi class at Heroes Martial Arts.  But truthfully, the expert grappler should be able to respond to any situation, no matter what your opponent happens to be wearing!

Q:  Is it true that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu requires no strength, and will allow a weaker opponent to overcome a stronger, more aggressive opponent?

A:  Yes, although we have to make a disclaimer here.  One of the fundamental principles of Jiu Jitsu is that proper technique and leverage is the most important part of gaining control of a fight, it is far from the only factor.  Natural athletic ability, strength, speed and even flexibility certainly does play a part for the successful grappler, but none of these attributes can replace or overcome the power that comes from technique.  Exactly how much natural ability technique can overcome, or what happens when you combine athletic ability with technique, is a big reason why even the best martial artists continue to train as hard as they do.

Q:  Is there any special preparation I can do to get in shape for training?

You should always consult your physician before starting at Heroes Martial Arts, or beginning any rigorous exercise program.  That being said, no workout program simulates and stimulates your body in preparation for grappling than like….grappling.  Exercises that promote endurance, flexibility and strength seem to be the best preparation/supplementation and grapplers are always looking to build upon their core strength.

The warm up exercises that begins each class contain an excellent sampling of exercises designed to improve your grappling ability and overall fitness that can be easily be performed in any setting.  But whatever your initial shape is, Heroes Martial Arts will work with you to get you in better overall fitness and health!

December 18, 2008 in News by Gumby

Meet Our Head Instructor “Gumby”

So if you read the flyer on the front, you’ll see that Heroes Martial Arts has”High Level Black Belt Instruction”.  It’s only fair to tell you about our instructors then, and what better way to start off than with the head instructor:  Alan “Gumby” Marques.

Gumby is well known in the Martial Arts as the co-founder of OTM (www.OntheMat.com), one of the world’s leading sources for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Submission Grappling and Mixed Martial Arts.  OTM has been involved with virtually every major event (including the UFC, EliteXC, Strikeforce, ADCC, the Mundials and many, many more) and has sponsored scores of fighters (way too numerous to list here) and is one of the most respected brands in the sport.

For over a decade now, Gumby has travelled the world reporting on and contributing to the growth of Jiu Jitsu.  As an author, commentator, coach, referee, cameraman, promoter and instructor, he’s taken on many roles, but he is most proud of being called “the spokesman of Jiu Jitsu” by many of his peers.

Gumby began training in Jiu Jitsu in 1996 under the legendary Ralph Gracie. Ten years later he would receive his black belt, a special achievement indeed, and Ralph actually made sure to award Gumby with his own belt!

“Honestly, everything I’ve ever done or accomplished in this industry,” says Gumby, “came from my love of the art of Jiu Jitsu first and foremost.  I’ve been very fortunate to travel, learn from the very best and make friends all over the world.  One of my true passions is actually instructing, and I’m very excited about the opening of Heroes Martial Arts, where I’ll have the opportunity to share everything I have gained over the years.”

In addition to running OntheMat, Gumby has maintained a blog at www.onthemat.com/gumby that you might find interesting.

Gumby personally teaches all Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes at Heroes Martial Arts.  Come train with Gumby Monday through Saturday at Heroes Martial Arts!  460 South Market Street San Jose CA 95113 or call us at 408-288-8857 for more information!

December 17, 2008 in News by Gumby

Heroes Martial Arts Coming January 5, 2009

Welcome to Heroes Martial Arts: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Wrestling and Submission Grappling serving downtown San Jose!  We have a beautiful 4700 square foot facility located at 460 South Market Street that is both close to the hub of San Jose and has easy freeway access! 

Lots more news and information coming very soon!  We’re very excited!