We noticed there are a number of questions which come up very regularly for people investigating Jiu Jitsu at Maximillian. To make things a bit quicker and easier, we’ve created the FAQs below to answer these.
What does a normal class look like?
A standard class will include the following components: warm up, techniques and sparring. Warms ups may also include technical skills and are primarily geared toward injury prevention; techniques are the heart of the lesson where students get a chance to learn and practice the art; sparring is when students are able to put into practice the technique they’ve learnt against a resisting partner.
What should I bring to a trial class?
The good thing is that you don’t need to bring much to a trial class. Come dressed in comfortable exercise clothes (with no buttons or zippers), and please ensure no jewelry is worn during the session. Other helpful items to bring are flip flops and a water bottle. Students will need to arrive 5 to 10 minutes before the class starts.
Do I need to get fit before I join?
Thankfully, the answer is a resounding “No”. Jiu Jitsu carries a unique fitness requirement which one will develop over time through regular participation. Even if you are currently fit in other sports or activities, you’ll still need to get ‘Jiu Jitsu fit’. We encourage students to take their time and go at their own pace.
I’m afraid of getting hurt - isn’t it dangerous?
Pretty much all sport carries an element of risk. Surprisingly, Jiu Jitsu as a combat sport carries less risk than many other common activities, such as rugby. One of the reasons for this is the fail safe of ‘tapping’ which allows students to train safely. This coupled with a healthy club culture and responsible training practices allows students to train Jiu Jitsu safely in an ongoing manner.
How do memberships work?
All memberships work on a month-to-month basis, so you don’t have to commit for six or twelve months at a time. Should you wish to cancel, you’ll just need to provide one full calendar month’s notice. It is also required that students have or arrange their own gi at sign-up.
Do you offer once-a-week training packages?
Jiu Jitsu has a steep learning curve given its potential as a valuable life skill. With a frequency of training only once a week, we’ve found that the learning curve just becomes too slow and frustrating for students to enjoy themselves and flourish. Thus we do not offer once-a-week packages.
Do you offer no-gi only memberships?
At present Maximillian does not offer no-gi exclusive memberships. The main reason for this is that a gi is required for our grading structure. These gradings play an integral role in the journey of Jiu Jitsu students and we don’t want any of our members to miss out on this.
How do gradings work?
Maximillian gradings do not follow a strict ‘assessment format’ as with other classical martial arts. Rather, individual student grades are determined before each event based on a number of specific criteria. This allows us to make the grading ceremonies a time of celebration and enjoyment. Adult Gradings occur twice each year and our kids gradings occur at the end of each school term.
If I join, do I have to compete?
No, students are not obliged to compete as a member of the academy. We do however encourage those who are interested in competing and provide the platform to assist with preparation for the different events.
