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Frequently Asked Questions
What is grappling?
Grappling is a generic term to describe combat in very close quarters or on the ground, with or without strikes.
What kind of grappling do you do?
We mostly grapple without strikes. We try to devote equal time to training with gi and without.
If you aren't striking your opponent, how do you "win"?
The goal of a grappler is to make the opponent submit, or give up. This is usually achieved by means of joint locks, compressions, and chokes. If the opponent doesn't give up once a submission move is "sunk in," he/she will quickly become incapacitated, either because he/she is unconscious or because a limb is broken.
Wait a minute! Doesn't that hurt?
In a word, yes. But, we don't allow a submission hold to be applied in full force. For joint locks, we apply slow, contantly-building pressure. For chokes, we do slap it on. Either way, our partner has the time to tap, either the mat or his/her opponent, to signal, "Okay, you got me. It's starting to hurt." Then we get up and go again.
What's the difference between grappling with a gi and without?
Grappling with a gi offers a lot more opportunities to control your opponent than without. You can grab the sleeve, collar, or belt while searching for your submission or escape. There are also many submissions utilizing the gi collar.
What do you mean when you say Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a "live" martial art?
We say that BJJ is a "live" art because we train and spar with people, not focus mits, punching bags, or the thin air. The only way to learn and progress in the sport is to get down-and-dirty with other grapplers.
What do you do in a typical class session?
After placing the mats, we stretch independantly. We then go into the techniques to be learned. On average, we cover three techniques per class, starting with basic positions and submissions. A technique is demonstrated, then we go through the motions three or four times.
From there, we move on to flow drills, or "practice" grappling. Here, at a strength and intensity level of 50%, we start in a position and work a few submissions or an escape, with the opponent giving medium resistance.
After that, it's grapple time. We usually dedicate half-an-hour to free grappling, where each practitioner is out to best the opponent while utilizing his/her complete knowledge and strength. Grapple time is always a learning experience.
Is rolling around all you do?
No. We train for tournaments with the gi. Known as "sport competition". We also train for No Holds Barred events.
What kind of class does Greg run?
Class, while structured, is a friendly, informal affair. Greg simply wants to present the opportunity for people to learn about and participate in a sport he loves.
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