Frequently Asked Questions

​What is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?​

Brazilian Jiu-jitsu is a grappling based martial art and combat sport. The central focus of BJJ is using timing, leverage, and strategy to nuetralize a much larger more aggressive attacker by employing, takedowns, pins, and submisssion holds.

Do I need any experience?

No experience is necessary and all stages of fitness can enjoy learning BJJ. We have a user friendly beginner class that is certain to make you feel comfortable while arming you with self defense techniques against the most common street threats. . ​

I'm not as young as I used to be, is it too late for me to start?

You are never too old! Brazilian Jiu-jitsu is truly a martial art for everyone and we have a thriving community of senior practitioners. OUr instruction staff is professionally trained to assist you so that you can learn and perform at your at your own pace.

I heard BJJ is full of people who like to hurt each other, is this true?

I can't speak for all academies but In my experience, through BJJ, I have met some of the kindest people ever. At Gracie NEPA we provide a fun, safe environment to train and take every effort to insure our students can enjoy learning this art injury free.

What equipment will I need?

Initially, nothing. During your two week free trial wear comfortabvle clothing which is free of buckles, zippers, or straps and a t-shirt with sleeves (no cut offs or tank tops). We also ask that you refrain from wearing watches, earrings, rings, bracelets as it is a full contact sport.

What measures do you take for safety?

We take every measure to keep our students safe starting with our ego free environment, a highly structured class ciricullum, and a state of the spring load mat surface. As with any athletic or daily life endeavor no one can guarantee a fully injury free experience as that largely depends on how you approach your training, We recommend that finger and toenails be kept trimmed and that you refrain from wearing watches, rings, bracelets and other items of jewelry while training.

BJJ seems to be a very male orientated sport, can a women train Jiu Jitsu?

Absolutely! We in fact have an active and thriving female membership and are proud of diverse and inclusive training environment.

​​Is there any academy etiquette I should be aware of?

Basic mat etiquette is mostly an unspoken set of rules that memebrs and coaches alike follow in order to ensure the best training experience is had by everyone attending the sessions. Listed below is a set of basic tenants our members follow:

1. Fingernails and toenails must be trimmed to a reasonable amount so they are not a danger to other partners.
2. Appropriate clothing must be worn during the session. No hoodies or apparel that has zippers or buttons.
3. Your body must be free from jewelry including watches, bracelets and piercings during the session.
4. No shoes to be worn on the mats at anytime during the session,
​5. We reserve the right to remove any persons from the academy who is deemed under the influence of intoxicating substances or poses physical danger to other members.
6. All acaemy members expected to be treated with respect by instructors and practitioners regardless of race, creed, religious beliefs, political affiliation, gender or sexual orientation.
8. In order to ensure other practitioners stay healthy, if you are displaying symptoms of any infection illness please stay away from the academy until you are no longer contagious..