Things You'll Need:
- A list of local academies
- An understanding of what your goals you are looking to accomplish.
- The ability to research your instructor.
- A Kimono also known as a GI (This is the uniform)
- Grappling shorts and a rash guard (If you are training with out the uniform)
- Dedication.
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Step 1
GiDo a search to find the nearest academies to your home, you need to decide how far you are willing to drive. A good place to find an academy is at http://onthemat.com/school_database.php or you can do a google search. You will find that some academies strictly teach Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), while others are Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) gyms that feature BJJ as one of the many arts. Ask if you can watch a class, or possibly attend one. A good academy should allow you to attend a free class.
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Step 2
No GiFind out who the instructor is, and if possible talk to him. Ask him questions such as:
-How long have you been training?
-How long have you been teaching?
-Who did you get your belt from?
-What percentage of the time to you use the GI (uniform), and what percentage of the time do you go No Gi (fighting without the heavy cotton uniform)
-Do you encourage that your students compete in tournaments, or is it OK just to attend class.
-Do you actively compete. -
Step 3
You should get a feel for the instructor at this point. You should make sure your instructor has experience not just in competition, but teaching as well. If the instructor gives you good vibes, then you should try a class. Take note how the other students treat you. If the instructor has you spar with an experienced fighter right away, this is not a good sign. Do the students train like a team? If not you are not going to get the best experience. If your looking to compete, then find an academy that actively competes.
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Step 4
Make sure that the academy trains without the GI at least a few times a week. Academies that only use the GI make you dependent upon it. It helps to develop bad habits, and in a street situation, the opponent will not have a GI on. You want to make sure that the class also teaches take downs as well. If you can't get the fight to the ground, then your BJJ will not be effective.
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Step 5
Once you decide on the academy you feel most comfortable with, make sure you learn the rules of the academy. A few quick rules to remember are:
1. Leave your ego at the door (smaller more experienced students will be able to twist you into a pretzel when you get started, it is all part of learning.
2. Wash your uniform (nobody wants to train with a guy who stinks)
3. If your academy has you bow before entering the mats or before a fight, then be sure to bow.
4. Ask your instructor how he likes to be referred to. It could be their first name, Professor, Instructor, or Master.
5. Don't talk about how good you are at other martial arts, this is disrespectful.
6. Do not try to hurt anybody.
7. If you have ringworm, or any other problems that could be transfered through contact, do not train, it will only hurt your academy.
Comments
edwardvance said
on 10/23/2009 Exceptional Article. I've been a martial artist for 25 years, and this article on finding the right Brazilian Jiu Jitsu acadamy is right on the mark. Thank you, Haydengerson. 5*
grappler said
on 8/10/2009 I think the appropriate question is also where to find the bjj club? It is actually not always easy to find a club that will be close to where you live (or work).
take a loot at http://bjjmap.com/ This website launched by fightworks podcast gives a big list of clubs across the world. (not very good for brazil of course)
for judo/bjj clubs in moscow, russia check my blog post http://kimonofighter.blogspot.com/2009/02/clubs-in-moscow-russia-for-judo-and-bjj.html