👉7 Things to Know Before You Join Any BJJ Academy💥(PLUS TIPS)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 13 ก.ค. 2024
- In this video I'm going to share 7 things you should know before you join any BJJ academy. I've compiled this list over 6 years of BJJ training at 4 different schools. I've moved for jobs so that's the reason for the different schools....Not because I'm a school-hopper 😂
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🙏 Thanks again for all the support!
What’s one thing you’d recommend to look for in a new academy? Let’s help out the new folks so they can find a proper academy! Type your answer right here in the comment section!
As always, thank you for watching, commenting, likening the vide and subscribing to my channel!🙏👊
I would add that a person should visit an academy at the time they will be training. For instance, if you are going to train at night, don't just visit the morning class. At my school, the culture of the morning class is different than the night time. An entirely different set of people train there as well.
Great point! And absolutely correct about the different culture because typically there are different instructors...thanks for commenting! 🙏👊
@@midlifebjj That is true too (about the instructors) and no problem.
I think another consideration when choosing an academy is the overall cleanliness and/or upkeep. You’ve mentioned this in another video but it’s pretty important in my opinion. I’ve recently taken notice of my school and I don’t like a couple things. 1) hardly anyone wears sandals before stepping on the mat. They’ll be walking all over the floor where visitors sit in their bare feet then step on the mat. 2) the mats only get washed down after the last class. I really started to notice these things when I was in class and saw hair all over the place and sweat drops/puddles/ponds. Usually this is worse if my BJJ class immediately follows the kickboxing class. I really love my academy so far (2 months) but I’m considering bringing this to the attention of the owner. Rolling my face in sweat is one thing, when it’s my own sweat. But rolling my face in funky kickboxing ass swamp sweat is something totally different! Just a tip for new people looking at schools. If you might catch a case of the swamp ass on your face, the school might not be for you. (But remember, sweat and BJJ go hand in hand, too)
Man...Can't believe I left that one off the list...Thanks for bringing it to attention! We recently had a case of ring work break out...we had folks quit the academy because it got out of control...I'm doing a video on that soon....along with a video on how to prevent and what to do if you see it on you or any one in your academy. I caught it on my the top of my hand and it was a nightmare to get rid of... I've never had ring worm until this incident...straight to the shower after every class....gi straight to washer after every class...still caught it.
Man Unfiltered I’m looking forward to the video! Antimicrobial wipes or something is going into my bag ASAP. Extra precautions need to be taken when we’re rolling around with sweaty people.
Damn after this video I am realising how blessed I am with my gym...
It's 5mins away from me, got gi and nogi, classes in the morning, afternoon and evening, trains for competition and self denfense and all is thought by Canudo Zimmermann...
And I can also attend the Muay Thai and mma classses
Great tips .thx
Did jujitsu when I was younger. Just started again at 38… I’m so hooked I love it!
Rock on brother! Welcome back!
Man, I'm 43 yrs old, stuck in a rut, and desperate for a change in my life. I work from home and have 4 daughters so I don't have any contact with other guys. I'm desperate for some type of camaraderie and some type of stress relief. I've been watching your videos and feel like ju jitsu may be a good avenue. Thanks for all of this information. Its very helpful.
Even as men, we need an outlet! Give it a try!
Great tips!
I would add, look for a school that has kids classes (for us older heads lol) and if the schedules are back to back meaning kids class followed by adult class so the kids can hang afterwards when their folks train. My academy is great like that. Good family environment.
Mike K good point! My academy has the same 2 days a week.
Thank you for your honesty.
Thank you!🙏
One other option you can ask about if the gym doesn't offer month to month pricing and you need more time to decide is to ask if they offer a per class price, usually reserved for out of town visitors or as the open mat fee for non-members. This will be more expensive than the class would be at the contract monthly rate, but can be worth it if the additional classes help you make an informed decision.
Good point! Thanks for bringing it up....and hanks for your support! 🙏 - 👋👊🤙
What do you think about signing up at a school that has no contracts and just a monthly fee with a 30 day cancellation notice just to try it out for a few weeks or months to see if bjj is right for you? Is that a relatively safe way to dip your toes into the water of you’ve exhausted the trial period?
So first I apologize this will be a little long; I have now visited the two bjj gyms (I don’t know that I would call them academy’s?) I’m most interested in/closest to me. I am really unsure which one to choose. Both have black belt BJJ instructors with good lineage I feel comfortable with/like and would be great to learn from.
The 1st “New element BJJ” everyone seemed extremely welcoming/family feel and I can see myself enjoying it there. Also seemed a little more “relaxed or chill”. But it is more money monthly by $30 and for me that’s a huge difference. But I could see myself lasting/staying and truly enjoying my growth/journey there.
The 2nd one “Fearless MMA”: I didn’t feel unwelcome but it didn’t have the same “family” feel like the other one did either. I feel my fitness and maybe skill level would potentially get pushed more at this school. Not because of the instructors (they both seem to be good and attention to detail and wanting their students to do it correctly and not slack) but more because the other students just seem to be more of a full on competitor mindset. Also like i said this gym is $30 cheaper.
I guess in short New element seems to be more learner friendly and fearless is more competitor friendly if that makes sense.
The man and competitor in me says do fearless because it will get you into shape quicker and you’ll definitely get pushed and it’s cheaper. But the other side tells me go with new element because you like the family feel and you can see your self really enjoying and taking your time learning. (And then my competitive side calls my “honest with myself” side a pansy and lazy for entertaining not getting pushed as hard and taking the “easy” way out lol). Thanks for reading all this and any feed back!
Jamison Diehl thanks for watching and the comment. I can see the dilemma. If the $30 stretched me financially, I wouldn’t do New Element BJJ. I have a wife and kids so they come first...if it didn’t stretch me, I would choose New Element. Trust me, you will be pushed either way-- your cardio will be pushed-- you’ll stay with the one that you connect with more and given that the journey is long - connecting is important. If you want to be a competitor and that’s what you’re after, I’d choose Fearless MMA....do you want to be a competitor?
Man Unfiltered thanks for your thoughts! I am not looking to get into competing, at least not for the for seeable future. If I got good enough I could see myself wanting to do one or two comps just for the fun of it but nothing serious ever. I am leaning towards new element but might see first if they’d be open to working a deal with me like if I do some work for them before or after classes or something especially seeing as I will only be willing to do two days a week. Mmmaybe I’d be able to squeeze in a Saturday class every once in a wile. I just want to word it the right way as to not offend or make them irritated that I’d even ask. With that said should I even bring up the other gym being $30 dollars less? I’m leaning towards probably not.
Jamison Diehl I wouldn’t bring up the other place…I’ve done that before...the guy just made the case of why the cost was more... more classes, more black belt coaches, etc....Now, to your other point - I have heard of guys doing a little work around the gym for a reduced rate. Stuff like mopping the mats....it’s not unheard and certainly worth a shot! Just be honest with them. Tell them you really want to sign up but the cost is just outside your budget - then bring up helping out around academy. If they act “irritated’ - I’d think twice about signing up. But that’s just me!
New to the channel
Welcome
Just what i needed, im going in a hour!
Awesome! Glad to help. Thank you for watching and commenting...and hopefully subscribing! 🙏
@@midlifebjj thanks man, the first day was awesome!
SaintSeiya awesome brother! Keep it going and be sure to come back and let me know how your journey is progressing. 🙏👊
@@midlifebjj Definitely
@@midlifebjj so i rolled for the first time today and it was rough i gotta say but i did tap out a whitebelt and got taped out by the blue belts. It was amazing!
I'm looking at joining Gracie Barra next week. Already have my free session scheduled. Any thoughts by anyone on here on if Gracie Barra is a top school? Maybe any pluses and negatives by those with experience there would be helpful.
One of my instructors came from a Gracie Barra and has nothing but good things to say. I believe they are one of the largest schools with an awesome curriculum... would love to hear from someone who has or is currently attending a GB school, though. Thanks for watching and commenting! 🙏
@@midlifebjj Thanks for the reply. I'm actually turning 40 in 2 months and am just trying out bjj for the first time this week, so have been loving your videos and soaking in the info on what to expect. Never ever thought about bringing sandals until you mentioned it. Good looking out.
Anthony Dvorak anytime, brother! Glad the videos are helping out. I want you guys prepped as much as possible - there’s enough stress with just showing up and trying to learn!
I’m in South Carolina....about how much should I be paying a month ?
I was paying $125 in Raleigh NC. Can’t imagine there would be much difference in SC....providing a Black Belt is teaching.
Phonetically, "Hi-ar-ik-cal". Yes, I am a pathetic "word nerd". Your doin' good man. Keep it up.
Thanks brother! I’ll take all the help I can get!😀
If I sign a 1 year contract...I’m going no matter what.
That’s the idea..it’s certainly a commitment!
How often are the mats cleaned?
How do the bathrooms look?
Are there women?
Do they train neck cranks and heel hooks?
All important questions to me.
Agreed! Thanks for the list. Oss! 🙏👊
Can you clarify about the neck cranks and heel hooks. My position is that if you don't familiarize the students with these positions and their dangers you actually leave them as a hidden land mine that may explode when a spazzy white belt or open mat visitor violates the policy. I think a healthy culture that introduces these techniques, and at the least basic entries and breaking mechanics and allows application on willing partners is a reasonable approach. Older grapplers are wise to be picky about partners. If you don't want any X submissions, let your trusted partners know.
@@StanleyPinchak sure. I wanted a gym that not only allows neck cranks and leg locks, but teaches them as a regular part of the curriculum.
I didn't want to go somewhere that acted like the bottom half of your body doesn't exist or that neck cranks weren't legitimate.
At the same time, I wanted somewhere that taught proper application as to allow safe training.
One of the actual things I said when talking to me coach was "I don't want to be working closed guard one day and get can openered to hell without ever knowing it was on the table"
As I've spent more time in the gym, leg locks are a staple for my style (since I'm so short, I'm usually in on a leg anyways) and I'm happy with that.
@@StanleyPinchak actually the "are there women" relates somewhat to it. If small women are there and they're not scared some meathead is going to injure them for life with said moves, you can trust that the gym values your safety even when the big scary nono subs are on the table.
@@jamesthera I totally agree. Even if you don't want to compete, the possibility of encountering a can opener in a self defense application is very real. Or the scenario of visiting a gym that allows these techniques and yours does not (then imagine rolling the wrong way in an entanglement because you didn't know any better).
The best way to know you are in danger and how to avoid leg entanglements / cranks is to learn how to apply them. Starting with demonstration and practicing rote technique and then working on them in progressively more realistic scenarios up to live rolling. Gym culture is huge in creating a safe environment and good training partners for practicing these submissions.
Gyms that don't have these in the curriculum are not doing their members favors, regardless if a particular member personally avoids them in live rolling.