How Do I Get Started?
Simply show up to any of our scheduled classes. Sign a waiver and hop on the mats. First class is free.
What should I bring to my first class? Do I need to buy anything?
Wear form fitting workout clothes for your first class for Jiu Jitsu and Boxing, preferably shorts or leggins with no pockets where toes or fingers can get caught on. For boxing and MMA we have gloves you can borrow. If you decide to sign up, you will eventually need:
For Jiu Jitsu
- Pocketless shorts/ leggings (no gi)
- Optional gi if you want to come to gi class
- Mouthpiece
For Boxing:
-16 oz boxing gloves
- Mouthpiece
- 180 cm handwraps
- Boxing shoes
For MMA:
-4 oz MMA gloves
- Mouthpiece
What to expect in my first class
For Jiu Jitsu: We start with a warmup. After the warmup we start the teaching portion of class where we go over a couple of techniques. We partner up with another student and learn and practice the move on each other. After the teaching portion of the class is done, we train live ( sparring and rolling), meaning we train with 100 percent resistance. Both partners are going 100 percent and trying to take you down, establish a position of control and submit you via chokeholds and joint locks and other techniques. When a partner is caught in a submission they tap or submit, signaling their partner to let go of the submission. Training is not choreographed, is not done with a compliant partner or given a narrow set of allowed techniques. All techniques are allowed and legal in our gym.
To put it simply, your kid or yourself will not be hitting/kicking boards or bags. You or your kid will be put in joint locks, choke holds and other submissions. This is what sets us and Jiu Jitsu apart from other martial arts in the area, all of our training is done full speed and full force to prepare you for a real life scenario and the intensity/ unpredictability of a real fight.
The only restrictions we impose are class specific. For example boxing is only strikes, Jiu Jitsu is only grappling, MMA is where we mix striking and grappling where everything is allowed.
How often should I come to class?
This depends on your goals. The more you train the better progression you will see. It is recommended to train at least 3 days a week to make consistent progress.
However we understand everyone has different goals and priorities and we don’t require anyone to come to a certain number of classes unless you have aspirations of competing or fighting MMA under our team. We have strict standards for our competitors and fighters who represent our gym.
What kind of people train at your gym?
We have kids aged 12 and up and adults of all ages 18 to 60+. We have aspiring fighters and competitors, police officers, federal officers, your average person that just wants to get in shape, hobbyists, moms, basically people from all walks of life with different goals. Do not feel like you wouldn’t fit in if you don’t want to fight. The people who want to fight and compete are actually a very small minority.
Do I need to be in shape to do Jiu Jitsu?
No. This is a common misconception. We have people of all fitness levels and of all shapes and sizes that train. The best way to get you in grappling shape and to prepare you for Jiu Jitsu is to train Jiu Jitsu. Over time you will get in better shape. We don’t expect anyone to know anything when they first come in, we don't require you to have prior experience or require you to be in shape before you come in. Most people who come and try a class are out of shape or have average fitness levels. Even the people who come in and are athletic, quickly realize they are not in Jiu Jitsu shape as Jiu Jitsu requires to use your body in different ways than most are accustomed to. The best way to get in Jiu Jitsu shape is simply come and train as often as you can.
Do you train kids younger than 12?
Unfortunately we do not offer kids classes at our Caribou location.
We do have a Presque Isle location where our students offer a kids class two nights a week. Click here for more info on the Presque Isle location.
We do offer private lessons for kids under 12 at our Caribou location, though they would benefit most from attending a kids class at Presque Isle.