FAQ

1. What is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art that focuses on grappling and ground fighting. It promotes the concept that a smaller opponent can submit a stronger opponent by using superior leverage, grip, and positioning. The sport of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu does not include punching, kicking, or striking—this is why it’s called “the gentle art”. This is also what makes it possible to practice techniques against each other.

BJJ is the most effective and the fastest growing martial art in the world. It’s also a great way to stay in shape, make new friends, build self-confidence, and gain a deep understanding of the workings of the human body.

2. What should I bring to class?

You'll be breaking out a sweat!

• water
• No Gi: athletic shorts or gi pants & rashguard or t-shirt
• Gi: bring a gi / martial arts kimono. A Jiu Jitsu gi is tighter fitting and more durable than many other martial arts gis, but it is fine to use any type of gi to begin
• a towel if you would like to shower afterwards

3. Do I need any protective equipment?

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a grappling art, but sometimes accidents do happen, and the occasional elbow or knee may make contact. It is a good idea to wear a mouth guard. Some people also like to wear lightweight knee pads.

 4. I have never trained jiu jitsu before, should I contact you first, and which class should I take?

You can send us a message via Facebook or halifaxbjjsociety@gmail.com if you like, but you are also welcome to just show up! Please arrive 10 minutes before class starts to sign our waiver.  

You can start with a free Intro to BJJ Class, which focuses on the very basic fundamental techniques, movements, and positions of BJJ. It gives you a solid foundation that you can later build on with more advanced techniques. 

We are always excited to introduce people to the sport, and our class structure allows instructors to spend more one-on-one time with new students. If you have never tried jiu jitsu before, you can start training at our Fundamentals classes.

5. What are your classes like? 

Our classes start with a brief warm-up before we move on to the lesson for the day (drilling). This may be a series of techniques or an in-depth exploration of a few moves. We finish class off with free rolling / sparring, where you have the opportunity to practice and defend these techniques in a more organic environment. Competition Class has a focus on training by upcoming tournament rules. Open Mats are less structured, with a warm up then free rolling. 

6. Where can I buy training gear?

We sell training gear at the gym. We have rash guards, shorts, spats, t-shirts, Gi's and Belts.

Muay Thai FAQ

Q: What equipment do I need to start Muay Thai?

A: Ideally, you would have hand wraps, gloves, shin pads, a mouth guard, and a cup (if needed).

Q: What size gloves do I need?

A: Gloves come in a few sizes; generally 10, 12, 14, 16, and 18 ounces. These sizes allow you to progress from focus mitts, to heavy bag workouts, to sparring (using generally 16 to 18 oz and above). For hitting pads or a heavy bag, using 10 oz gloves, or 12 oz gloves are your best options.

If you can only afford one pair of gloves, get 16 oz, and that will allow you to cover all aspects of training.

Q: Can I spar without shin pads?

A: No. For safety reasons, sparring without shin pads is not a good idea. Shin pads are also used for a lot of the technique portion of the class, so it is highly recommend that you purchase a pair for training.

Q: What are good brands of equipment?

A: This question has a wide ranging answer. Fundamentally, the best equipment for you is the kind you have the budget for. Twins, Yokkao, Fairtex, and Hayabusa have the best made equipment, but are also the most expensive brands out there. If you are serious about your training gear, these are typically the brands you should purchase.

However, there are countless other very affordable and good quality brands out there to choose from. Venom, King, Everlast, and Rival are just a few of the more affordable but well made brands out there.

You can also find more budget friendly models in the higher end brands.

Q: If I'm not sure what to get, who can I talk to?

A: Us! Come to any of the striking coaches, and we will help point you in the right direction.

Q: What kind of mouth guard should I get?

A: The one that is most comfortable for you. The simple $5 boil and bite guards are the most popular, but getting fitted for a mouth guard at a dentist is always an option.

Q: I've never sparred before. Is it safe?

A: At Halifax BJJ Society, student safety is our top priority. For this reason, we only allow light sparring in our Muay Thai program, and this allows beginners to jump in and learn the basics of sparring movement and technique.

Q: If I don't want to spar, can I still attend class?

A: Absolutely! You are welcome to do pad work, heavy bag work, or simply watch during sparring.