Do I have to be in shape to take a class?
Not at all. All experience levels, shapes, sizes and ages are welcome. Every beginning student is encouraged to start at an easy pace and to take breaks as necessary. Our goal is to help you attain your own personal goals. The only way to do that is through safe training, encouragement, and support. Having said that, you will be getting in good shape by default. You’ll just be having too much fun to notice it.
Are classes hard?
It’s true, some of our classes can be challenging. However, at Eagle BJJ, we are a family. We respect each others unique abilities and pace. We support each other to become slightly better than we were the day before.
“BJJ is not about being better than someone else, it’s about being better than you used to be.”
-Unknown
Can I try out a class before paying anything?
Yes! Give us a call or stop by. (909) 790-0108
Can I compete in BJJ?
Yes. There are a large number of BJJ competitions that take place in Southern California. Most tournaments group competitors by age, weight, and belt level. If you are interested in competition, we will help you prepare a game plan as well as help you prepare physically.
Do I have to compete in tournaments?
Definitely not. Competitions are a good way to test your skills, however, they are not required. Many of our students train to learn self-defense, get in shape, and simply because they love it.
How does the belt system work in BJJ?
Eagle BJJ utilizes a ranking system based on the International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation system. All students begin at the white belt level and progress through each rank at the discretion of the instructor. Promotions are based on various factors including: ability to perform techniques during live sparing, frequency of attendance, and conduct on and off the mat.
Belt progression for youth (under 16 years old)
Belt progression for adults (16 years and older)
Before being promoted to the next belt, each student must receive a total of four stripes on their current belt. So, for example, a newly promoted blue belt will need to attain four stripes on their blue belt before being eligible for promotion to purple belt. This is true for all belt levels and for all ages.
Example of progression from blue belt to purple belt
How long does it take to get a black belt?
That depends on a variety of factors. At Eagle BJJ, we believe that belts should not be handed out simply for showing up. Every belt is earned by the student through hard work. Thus, the time frame between each belt level varies between student. Luckily, there is no race.
Having said that, below is a rough estimate of the average time spent at each belt level:
White > Blue: 1.5 years
Blue > Purple: 2.5 years
Purple > Brown: 4 years
Brown > Black: 2 years
What is a “gi?”
The gi, sometimes referred to as a kimono, is the traditional uniform used in BJJ. The BJJ gi was adapted from the uniform commonly used in Japanese martial arts, specifically Kodokan judo. The gi consists of three main components: a heavy cotton jacket, reinforced drawstring trousers, and a belt. In training and competition, the gi can be used to control and submit opponents (such as with an Ezekiel choke).
What is “no-gi?”
“No-gi” refers to training and competition in which practitioners do not wear a gi. Instead, shorts and a rash guard or other athletic attire are worn. In no-gi training and competition, clothing cannot be grabbed or used to submit or control the opponent.
What is “street jiu jitsu?”
Our school is unique in that we sometimes forego both the gi and no-gi attire and train in street-clothes. Our street jiu jitsu classes take place in a controlled environment and are designed to help students utilize BJJ techniques in real-life situations. An emphasis is placed on defending and avoiding punches as well as adapting to unique situations.
