There are many reasons to train in the grappling arts.  Self-defense, self-improvement, fitness, sports and competition and just because it’s fun are all great reasons to start at Heroes Martial Arts!

Never grappled before?

That’s okay!

At Heroes Martial Arts, we really enjoy working with novice and first time students.

What do you need to get started?

A good attitude and a willingness to work hard is a great start.

DISCLAIMER:  If you have health concerns, it is always best to consult with a doctor or medical professional before beginning any exercise program.

Do you need to be in shape to start?

The program at Heroes Martial Arts are designed to keep you in shape, give you motivation to stay in shape, and give you tools to maintain your shape, even when you’re not training.

As long as you’re healthy and ready to begin an exercise program, we can work with you.  The skill level and difficulty ramps up quickly, but we will get you prepared for it.  Warm up exercises before each class emphasize core strength, flexibility, endurance and students can easily do these exercises on their own even when not at the gym.

Because nothing is quite so challenging, and exhilarating as working with (and against) another human being in a physical chess match, no type of fitness level meets the demands of grappling quite like grappling does, and the competitive aspect will give you plenty of motivation to want to improve your shape.

About all that sparring…

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.

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

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.

What equipment do I need to begin training?

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.

Why is the Gi so important in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?

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!

How do I get started?

If you’ve never trained before, it is highly recommended you attend the fundamental classes to start off with.  These class cover the foundational skills, movements, and concepts of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and are specifically designed to be beginner friendly (although many of our advanced students all enjoy taking these classes).  If you do not have a uniform a gi will be provided to you on the first day of class.

First class is always free to participate in!

If you just want to come in and observe and get a feel for Heroes Martial Arts first, you are always welcome!

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