Sunday, February 7, 2010

Finding a Jiu Jitsu Gym

Jiu Jitsu is offered in a lot of gyms across the United States because it is an effective self-defense technique that anyone can use when faced with a threat. If you want to learn that, all you have to do is find a gym.

One thing you should know when looking for a Jiu Jitsu gym is that each one is different. It is only in doing some research and asking the instructor some questions will you be able to find the right one for you.

You should ask the instructor to tell you a little bit about the school. They should tell you how long they have been in operation, how things are done here and if they are a member of the American Judo and Jujitsu Federation or AJJF.

Most students start out as white belts. In order to move up, a good question to ask will be what is their testing policy and what are the fees. In general, test fees should not exceed $60 and the cost should be the same regardless of the color.

It will also be nice to know the name of the head instructor and how many junior instructors there are present. Naturally, they will tell you the accomplishments of these individuals and you can check this out by doing some research on the web.

Students are required to wear the proper attire when inside the gym. If this will be your first time, ask if you can wear a T-shirt and pants or shorts first. If you are told to wear the Gi which is the official uniform, then go ahead and get it because you will be using even if sign up in another gym.

The Gi will cost from $30 to $60 and will last several years before you have to buy a new one. Just be sure to keep it clean.

If the gym teaches Jiu Jitsu to all ages, you should know how these are grouped. If you are an adult, you don’t want to be in a class that has kids in it but rather with those who are close to your age group.

One of the most important questions to ask is how much the classes are. A lot of instructors will try to avoid answering this question and instead try to give you a free trail period. Although that sounds good, you need to know how much you will be paying when you decide to do this on a regular basis.

Is there a contract? If there is none, then that is great but gyms that have it do not allow you to cancel for any reason including injury.

Aside from speaking to the head, make time to talk to the students there. Their input is also important especially when you will be paying a monthly fee as a member of the gym.

After asking these questions, go home and then pick the top three. You should then make time to avail of the free class to get the feel of what it is like to workout over there. This will all help narrow down your choices so you are able to find a gym, go there on a regular basis and learn everything there is to know about Jiu Jitsu.

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Friday, December 25, 2009

Why You Should Learn Jiu Jitsu

To be prepared is the only way you can keep yourself out of harm’s way. You might think that a can of mace will be able to do that but if you don’t have time to take it out, then it is useless. This is why you have to learn Jiu Jitsu.

Jiu Jitsu is an ancient Japanese martial art. It is technique which consists of ground grappling, punches, kicks, throws and weapons. The key here is leverage so even someone small will be able to learn it.

If you think defending yourself is the only benefit of learning Jiu Jitsu, think again. Studies have shown that learning a martial art like this one will help build balance and coordination, increase your self-confidence and self-discipline, improve mental focus as well as reduce stress.

It is also a great form of exercise that will significantly improve your endurance, flexibility, muscle tone, speed and strength since you are doing this repeatedly to get the technique right.

You can also learn Jiu Jitsu to attain fame and fortune. You will have to learn this technique first and become an expert just like Royce Gracie who used this technique to win the first four championship titles of the UFC or Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Anyone can learn Jiu Jitsu. If you enroll your child in a program, you will notice that their confidence levels will improve thanks to the help of experienced instructors and students who will all be helping in a non-competitive environment. In fact, two of the most important values that will be instilled in them is patience and self-control because it teaches them to yield rather than resist.

For adults, this will reduce your stress levels and enable you to develop conflict resolution skills since sound decisions can only be made when you are relaxed and your mind is at ease.

Regardless of age, people who learn Jiu Jitsu or any other martial art are less likely to get involved in violent situations.

So now that you know the benefits of learning Jiu Jitsu, the only thing to do now is find a gym that offers it. You can ask your friends, check out the neighborhood gyms or surf online. Once you have found it, see if you can attend one class then decide whether or not you want to pursue it. Most gyms offer the first class for free so you should take advantage of it.

There are certain rules which you have to follow in order to learn Jiu Jitsu. This includes wearing the proper attire, how to address the instructor and proper behavior in class which is to show respect and for the safety of everyone present.

Students who practice and are ready may move on to the next belt. This can happen at any time as long as you are able to complete the requirements. If you fail, then you just have to practice where you had trouble and then retake it.

Jiu Jitsu which means the gentle art is not designed as an offensive weapon but rather a defensive one. This will be very useful during an attack because you will be able to subdue your opponent without causing any injury but bodily harm may be necessary if you have no other choice.

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