Gym attire is the only thing required for your first class (shorts, sweat pants, T-shirt, etc.). We will provide you with a jiu jitsu uniform (gi, pants, belt) once you start training with us. You do not need to have your own uniform to participate in your first class.
In your first introductory lesson, you will be given a tour of the facility and one of our friendly instructors will ask you to fill out an information sheet where you will specify your martial arts goals.
Adult students typically feel confident jumping directly into group classes. However, if an adult is feeling a bit apprehensive about stepping onto the mat, we highly recommend trying a 30-minute private lesson. Many adults prefer private lessons to group lessons altogether.
In your first group lesson, you will be partnered with a qualified instructor, not another student. This is done to assure your safety and maximize your understanding of the basics. Your instructor will then teach you one basic fundamental jiu jitsu technique so you fully comprehend what Gracie jiu jitsu self defense is all about!
We guarantee an informative and safely conducted class where you will have fun and instantly be hooked on Gracie jiu jitsu!
There are different pricing options depending on your needs. Before your first class, we will go over your personal goals and schedule to create a training program that best fits your budget and personal needs. Because we offer multiple membership options, students have a lot of flexibility in choosing the membership that suits their needs. We do not believe in hard sales pitches or pressuring people to join.
We offer jiu jitsu classes SIX days a week, Monday through Saturday, for all levels and throughout the day in the morning, afternoon, and evening. We also offer Muay Thai classes every day of the week except Wednesdays and Sundays in Finksburg and Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in Columbia.
Many people believe they need to be an athlete to participate in martial arts. Our entry level classes are structured for people with little to no experience in any martial art. Gracie jiu jitsu is based on proper timing, technique, and leverage. Students do not need to be in excellent physical condition to have success with our program. In fact, training with us WILL definitely help you get in much better shape!
You will most definitely achieve a better physique and increased confidence in yourself over time, but you will never be expected to push yourself to the point of physical exhaustion. Injuries can happen this way. If new students are pushed too hard, they are likely to feel as though they cannot keep up and that the class is too advanced for them. This is especially common with older people and people who might be out of shape. There is no need to feel embarrassed or limited by your level of physical fitness, age, or body type. It is our job to build you up, not break you down. This is the Gracie way!
Classes are one hour or 1.5 hours. Each class includes warm up exercises and drills; instruction in different techniques, submissions, sweeps, etc.; and at least 15-20 minutes for rolling or sparring with training partners.
Yes, we encourage our students to train with as many different types of partners as possible, especially as you progress through the curriculum. That includes men and women, bigger and smaller students, and novice and advanced students. There are often female students in most classes. However, if someone is uncomfortable with training or rolling with someone from the opposite sex, they by no means have to.
Yes, definitely. Many students train in both locations. In fact, we encourage our students to train with various types of partners. The more exposure you get to different training partners and instructors, the more likely your jiu jitsu will improve.