Q: “What is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?”
A: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a competitive grappling sport that focuses on ground fighting and utilizes leverage and human anatomy to submit your opponent.
Q: “So Karate?”
A: No, while erroneously used as an umbrella term for all martial arts, Karate is a specific martial art from Japan that focuses on punching and kicking.
Q: “What makes Spectrum Jiu Jitsu different from other schools?”
A: Great question! Our focus at Spectrum is to provide the highest quality BJJ instruction in the best possible environment. Our program is lead by university certified educators who know how to convey information and create a positive learning environment. We don’t waste your money and time with things that don’t work - all of our coaches are active competitors and our academy has produced multiple state champions! We implement the latest concepts, pedagogy, and teaching methodology so you can learn BJJ in the most efficient way possible using the ecological approach. Check out some of our testimonials here!
Q: “What is a typical class like? What is the ecological approach?”
A: Our classes are split between live training games revolving around specific grappling skills and free sparring… and that’s it! No frills - just a class purely focused on making you as good at Jiu-Jitsu as possible!
The ecological approach in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a way of learning that focuses on solving real problems during live movement instead of drilling fixed techniques. In simple terms: You learn by playing and exploring in realistic situations, not by memorizing step-by-step moves. The idea is that your body figures out what works through experience and adapting to your partner’s resistance—just like you’d have to in an actual roll or match. This helps you develop timing, feel, and decision-making naturally.
Q: “Do I need to lose weight or reach a certain fitness level before participating in a class?”
A: No! Our program is designed for absolute beginners of all body types! The best way to get into shape is to train!
Q: “I’m afraid I’m going to get hurt. Is this dangerous?
A: No! We don’t throw beginners into full sparring or dangerous situations. You will learn how to grapple in a safe environment with constant coach supervision. If ever you are put in a position where something hurts, just tap and your partner will immediately stop!
Q: “What do I wear to my first class if I don’t have a gi?”
A: We recommend you wear clothes you can move comfortably in. We can provide you with a fresh loaner gi for your first class. Then you are provided with your own when you sign up!
Q: “I’m a smaller person, will I be crushed by bigger training partners on my first day?”
A: No! We have individuals of all sizes at our academy.
Q: “Am I too old to train?”
A: No! That’s the beauty of a sport like Jiu-Jitsu. It can be tailored to your own goals and intensity level. We have students of all ages!
Q: “Am I too injured to train?”
A: Probably not! We have some individuals with pretty serious injuries (not from Jiu-Jitsu) who still train all the time! You can tailor the intensity of your training to your ability level!
Q: “Do women train?”
A: Absolutely! We have lots of women who train at our academy. In fact, BJJ is growing in popularity with women due to its fitness and self-defense benefits! Plus you learn how to beat up people bigger than you! We even have a women only class on Fridays at 6:15pm!
Q: “I probably won’t be very good because I’m not aggressive, competitive, athletic, fast, flexible, etc.”
A: Neither are some of our coaches! Don’t worry, while strength helps skill development is far and away the most important attribute in Jiu-Jitsu. It’s much more of a strategic game than you may think.
Q: “Do I have to compete?”
A: No! While we strongly recommend competing it is completely optional!
Q: “I want to compete. How long should I wait before I do my first competition?”
A: You can compete as soon as you’d like, but we recommend 2 months unless you have experience in another form of grappling or competitive sports just so you have a decent understanding of competitive Jiu-Jitsu and how to stay safe.
Q: “How often should I train?”
A: As often as possible! For beginners we preach consistency over intensity. This means you should train as often as you can to absorb as much information as possible, but don’t overtrain and get injured. If you’re injured you can’t train. If you can’t train you don’t get better at Jiu-Jitsu.
Q: “What is nogi? Can a beginner do that?”
A: Nogi refers to grappling without the gi. Stylistically this tends to be a little faster paced as there is less friction. Absolutely! We recommend wearing a compression shirt (called a rashguard) and grappling shorts. We can provide these for you. We offer nogi classes every evening.
Q: “What are stripes and how do they work?”
A: Stripes are a tool coaches use to gauge a student’s time spent at each belt. Students can earn stripes through skill development, competitive experience, and commitment. Generally you will receive 4 stripes on your belt before being promoted to a new belt.
Q: “How the heck do I tie my belt?”
A: Here you go!
Q: “As a beginner what should I focus on first?:
A: Consistency in your attendance (come to class as much as possible) and guard retention.
Q: “Can I just watch a class first?”
A: Of course! Come on in any time!
Q: “What do I do when I come in for my trial class?”
A: If you have already filled out our liability form you can stop by the office to get your loaner gi. If a coach is busy, have a seat on the bench outside of the office and we’ll be right with you!
Q: “How much does it cost?”
A: Check out our memberships here!
Q: “I’m ready to try a class! How do I do that?”
A: You won’t regret it! Just fill out a free tryout form here!