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Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU?

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art, combat sport and a self-defense system that focuses on grappling and especially ground fighting.  It promotes the principle that a smaller, weaker person can successfully defend them-self against a bigger, stronger assailant by using leverage and proper technique most notably by applying joint-locks and choke-holds to defeat the other person.  Brazilian Jiu Jitsu can be trained for sport grappling tournaments and mixed martial arts competition or self-defense.  Sparring and live drilling play a major role in training, and a premium is placed on performance, especially in competition.

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WHAT IS MUAY THAI?

Muay Thai is the devastating "science of 8 limbs" from Thailand developed over 1000's of years.  The exact date of the creation of this fighting art is not known but it is widely believed to be over 2000 years old.   The art has been developed year by year passing from teacher to student for as long as the Thais can remember. Muay Thai is often referred to as the science of eight limbs as it employs not only punching and kicking techniques but elbows and knees as well.

 

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WHAT MAKES BJJ DIFFERENT FROM OTHER ARTS?

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu differs from other martial arts in that it provides solutions for all possible stages of combat. Other disciplines like Tae Kwon Do or Karate focus on striking and rely on a person's strength and speed to deliver damage, but speed and strength doesn't matter when you're on your back. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu differs from other martial arts fundamentally. While other martial arts rely heavily on strength and speed, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu relies on superior technique and leverage.

 

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HOW MUCH DOES MEMBERSHIP COST?

Cost will vary based on each Individuals class interests and needs.  We do offer free trials for some of our classes and encourage potential students to come in to speak with a school representative to view the facility and possibly schedule a trial. 

 

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DO YOU OFFER FAMILY PLANS?

Yes. Please speak with the school manager regarding the variety of plans available to family members.

 

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WHAT IS A GI?

A Gi (sometimes referred to as Kimono) is the uniform that is typically worn when training Jiu-Jitsu. It consists of 3 pieces: a jacket (or top), pants, and a belt. The material in which the three pieces are made is specially reinforced to withstand the rigors of daily practice. Many Jiu-Jitsu players regard their Gi in the same way a knight would their armor. Most practitioners of Jiu-Jitsu who advocate the usage of the Gi cite the more technical aspect of grappling with a Gi.

 

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WHAT ARE THE BELT RANKINGS IN JIU JITSU?

As with other martial arts, the progress of a student is marked with a series of colored belts. Unlike other martial arts where Black Belt marks a persons proficiency in a style, in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu the rank of Black Belt is conferred to individuals who have mastered the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.  The belts in order are: White, Blue, Purple, Brown and Black. Often schools award four stripes for White through Brown belts. Black Belts are typically awarded one stripe every three years up to ten stripes. There are special classifications for Black Belts fighter and instructors. Instructors have Black Belts with Red bands and Black Belt fighters have White Bands. Typically, Black Belt instructors are not allowed to promote others up to Black Belt rank until they receive their first stripe. The ranks for children are different. Blue belt and higher ranks have age requirements so children have the following ranks beginning with White, Yellow, Orange and Green. Each belt has 4 stripes. These belts are utilized until age 16.

 

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HOW LONG UNTIL I GET MY BLACK BELT?

Typically, it takes anywhere from 8 to 15 years to attain the rank of Black Belt in Jiu-Jitsu. Each belt (with the exception of Blue) takes about 2-5 years of dedicated practice; Blue Belt can often be attained in about a year of dedicated study.

 

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IS JIU JITSU SAFE?

At the Emerson Souza Academy safety is paramount. Accidents may happen, however, lack of seriousness during training and the resultant careless application of technique or counters contribute greatly to injury. Careless practice is disrespectful to the spirit of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.

 

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WHO CAN LEARN JIU JITSU

Practically anyone can utilize the techniques created by Carlos Gracie. Carlos Gracie, when he created his revolutionary system, weighed no more than 135 lbs. The core principle of Gracie Jiu-jitsu is to provide a method for smaller, weaker individuals to protect themselves from bigger, stronger attackers.

 

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IS BJJ GOOD EXERCISE?

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can provide you with far more extensive results than typical aerobic exercise. The resistance encountered while rolling provides you with a good base to improve your core strength through intense abdominal workout, increase your muscle tone, and reduce you body fat while improving your balance, bodily coordination, cardiovascular capacity, and muscular endurance.

 

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WHAT DO I WEAR TO MY FIRST INTRO CLASS?

The best thing to wear to a first class is a shirt and shorts. A mouthpiece is also recommended and although it's not required it is recommended that gentlemen wear an athletic support.

 

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WHAT IS A TYPICAL CLASS LIKE?

We begin class with some light calisthenics and stretching. Following our warm-up we then begin drilling technique. These drills when done over and over help form muscle memory and help our students retain technique. After our drilling is completed then we begin to spar (or roll). Rolling is when students are able to put their techniques to the test with training partners who can resist and counter just as they would in an actual fight, providing valuable real-world experience should the techniques ever need to be applied in an actual fight.

 

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HOW DO I GET STARTED?

We invite you to take a free class. To set up your free lesson please contact us at 516-868-5000 or fill out our contact form.

 

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Typical Benefits of training with us:

Great for Self Defense

World Class Instruction

Friendly Atmosphere

Excellent Training

Great Cardiovascular Conditioning

Increase Muscle Tone

Rapidly Reduce Body Fat

Increased Self Confidence

Supreme Stress and Anxiety Reducer

Develop flexibility

Improve your overall health

Increase your energy

Expand your awareness

Focus your concentration

 

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