OUR PROGRAM

Dave catches a rear choke

Our Brazilian Jiu-jitsu program is focused on building a solid foundation of fundamental techniques.  We believe that great jiu-jitsu is simple jiu-jitsu.  This means that we teach high-percentage proven techniques that almost anyone can easily learn and apply in a real situation against a resisting opponent.  The most fundamental techniques of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu are simple and direct, yet highly effective. 

Once a solid foundation of basic techniques has been built, the intermediate and more advanced student will learn to create a dizzying array of technique combinations. It is at this stage of training that the focus lies on helping each student develop the techniques and combinations that best suite their individual body types and abilities.  Training at this level does not just focus on technique alone, but also strategy and tactics.

Progress is measured on the mat through the real-life application of technique during our sparring sessions at the end of every class.  We also have many open-mat training sessions which allow for extra training time.  You may use the open mat sessions for drilling technique, conditioning, or sparring.  

Our program covers all aspects of authentic Gracie Brazilian Jiu-jitsu.  Here is what our program covers:

Chris sinks in a collar choke

Brazilian Jiu-jitsu:  The core of our program focuses on training in the traditional gi (uniform).  It is this type of training which allows you to develop a technical and effective style of fighting.  Training in the gi allows for a large variety of techniques from the standing position, as well as on the ground.  These techniques include strikes, throws, take-downs, sweeps, pins, chokes and submission holds. Sometimes the uniform is used against the opponent as well, for certain chokes and submission techniques.

Submission Grappling:  This is basically Brazilian Jiu-jitsu minus the traditional training uniform.  Practitioners typically wear grappling shorts and shirt.  This type of grappling does not allow a lot of opportunity for holding onto your opponents clothing, which often makes for a faster moving fight.  The same type of techniques are used in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu as are used in Submission Grappling.

Self-Defense:  Brazilian Jiu-jitsu includes a core set of self-defense techniques that address some of the most common types of street attacks.  You will learn to defend the sucker punch, head lock, bear hug, and many other types of attacks.  If you aren’t learning these techniques, you aren’t learning complete Brazilian Jiu-jitsu.

Chris Mahan (pictured far right) – 2007 Pan Am Silver Medalist.

Striking:  We supplement our Brazilian Jiu-jitsu training with additional training in boxing and kickboxing.  We train these techniques like a fighter training for a bout- using only contact drills against training equipment such as the focus mitts and heavy bag.