Classes typically consist of the warm-up, technique and sparring. Each part is given a different amount of focus depending on the instructor and schedule to upcoming tournaments. Each class starts with lining up from higher-ranking belts to lower, greeting the instructor with a bow and showing respect to the academy. The warm-ups can include everything from running, body-weight training to BJJ specific body-drills. It is important to prepare the body and loosen the muscles prior to technique/sparring to help prevent injuries. Following the warm-up, the instructor will teach technique(s) depending on the curriculum he/she had laid out. Each class is prepared to be learnt progressively so it is important to be consistent in your attendance and take the time to learn each technique properly. The third and final part of the class is sparring. An integral part since it allows the students to utilize the techniques learned under the stress of a resisting partner. These sparring sessions are held in a controlled environment where trust and mutual respect for one’s training partner is a must. We do not tolerate any malicious behavior or disregard for the safety of others. Anyone that acts in such a way and is at risk of hurting themselves or others will be asked to leave. For most beginners, sparring will not be allowed until the instructor has deemed the student fit and able. Following the sparring session, the class will line up once more to bow out to show respect.

There are two types of training at Bangkok BJJ; gi and no-gi. Gi classes require that you wear a gi (kimono) that is similar to a Judo gi while no-gi only requires that you wear shorts and t-shirt. The gi allows for greater options in controlling the opponent and requires a stronger command of technique since the control works both ways. The gi not only acts as a handle but also an extension for greater leverage to choke the opponent as well. No-gi uses the base of gi-training but without the added control of the gi. Because of this, techniques do not have a one-to-one translation and strength and explosiveness play a larger role. At Bangkok BJJ we believe both are equally important and do not feel one should be neglected for the other. We do our best to integrate both into the curriculum so that the students feel comfortable either way. It is not mandatory to train both gi and no-gi but we encourage it.

If you are a beginner and do not have a gi, we do have a few gis that can be rented but we encourage everyone to buy their own once they’ve committed to taking classes. Bangkok BJJ offers their own for sale but these can be bought online as well.

That is partly dependent on the skill-l;evel or experience of the student. If the student has had previous training and can show he/she is not at risk to hurting themselves and others, then yes, they can spar their frist class at Bangkok BJJ. In the case of a complete biginner, students must get approval from the head instructor/coach before sparring and only under supervision of a higher belt. Sparring is a large part of BJJ training but you will not be asked to take part in this portion unless you are ready.

There are a total of 5 belts in BJJ; white, blue, purple, brown and black. Each belt, outside of white, must be awarded by a qualified black-belt instructor. There are no pre-set requirements recognized by the larger BJJ community and promotions are mostly determined by the head black-belt instructor. Several factors can attribute to promotion outside of one’s ability to execute the techniques or accomplishments at tournaments; such as attitude and character on and off the mat.

Bangkok BJJ has added a belt color to the ranking system between white and blue. The green-belt represents those with the physical skill to implement the techniques but may lack the experience and technical knowledge of a blue-belt. This is an interrum belt within the academy but in tournament, green-belts still compete at the white-belt level.

Without taking away from the belt-system, our focused is more on personal progression, allowing for the belt to be a byproduct of the time and energy spent training, not the goal.

Everyone learns differently and some progress faster than others. Ultimately, if you do not quit you will become a black-belt. We recommend a minimum of 3 classes a week to gain the proper conditioning and technical instruction to make steady progress in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, our focus is in grappling without strikes. There is no punching, kicking, gouging or hair pulling. We also obstain from manipulating the smaller joints like fingers and toes. This is mainly to preserve a safe training environment where the focus is about trust and self- control. Additionally, each belt-level has it’s own set of moves/techniques that are allowed and other high-risk moves that are not.Again, this is an issue over safety and we want to stress the importance of self-defense to high-risk techniques like foot/ankle/knee locks.

* white-belts are limited to straight ankle-locks

- NO: heel-hooks, twisting ankle-locks, kneebars, neck cranks, fish-hooking, chin-gouging, slamming...

Here is a basic list of what is to be expected while in the academy.

* Maintain a clean gi/uniform (please wash after every use)
* Maintain short/clean finger-nails and toe-nails
* Maintain general hygiene (this is a contact sport, be considerate to others)
* Do not wear shoes on the mat area
* Be on time for class
* Bow when entering and leaving the mat area
* Bow/shake hands before sparring with your partner
* Respect your instructor and your training partners at all times
* Pay attention and allow others to hear by keeping chatter to a minimum
* No foul language
* Be a cooperative training partner when learning technique and drilling
* Do not be overtly aggressive or angry while sparring
* Ask questions when you do not know what to do
* RESPECT EVERYONE

Yes, injuries do happen. While we do our best to protect everyone, injuries are a part of the experience and will happen from time to time. By warming up correctly and wearing the proper protective gear, you can lessen the chance of injury. We strongly suggest wearing a mouth-guard during sparring along with groin-guard and ear-guards. While the latter two are not mandatory, the mouth-guard is a must. The last thing we want to see is a training partner injured and unable to attend class. Without training partners we’re unable to progress.

Have fun.