Class Information

What is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)?

- BJJ is a combat sport that focuses on ground fighting, with the goal on gaining a dominant position and using joint-locks & chokeholds to force an opponent to submit.

At the Columbus BJJ, our goal is to teach you how to use technique, leverage, & strategy to defeat your opponent.  Our program is a part of the Jorge Gurgel Jiu-Jitsu Association, and serves as one of the 'flag ship' schools for the Team Jorge Gurgel competition team.

What's a Gi?

A Gi (sometimes referred to as Kimono) is the uniform that is worn when training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It consists of 3 pieces: a jacket (or top), pants, and a belt. The material in which the three pieces are made is specially reinforced to withstand the rigors of daily practice. Many Jiu-Jitsu players regard their Gi in the same way a knight would their armor. Most practitioners of Jiu-Jitsu who advocate the usage of the Gi cite the more technical aspect of grappling with a Gi.

What are the Belt Rankings in Jiu-Jitsu?

As with other martial arts, the progress of a student is marked with a series of colored belts. Unlike other martial arts where Black Belt marks a person’s proficiency in a style, in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu the rank of Black Belt is conferred to individuals who have mastered the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

The belts in order are: White, Blue, Purple, Brown and Black. Often schools award four stripes for White through Brown belts. Black Belts are typically awarded one stripe every three years up to ten stripes.  The ranks for children are different. Blue belt and higher ranks have age requirements so children have the following ranks beginning with White, Yellow, Orange and Green. Each belt has 4 stripes. These belts are utilized until age 16.

How long until I get my Black Belt?

Typically, it takes anywhere from 8 to 15 years to attain the rank of Black Belt in Jiu-Jitsu. Each belt (with the exception of Blue) takes about 2-5 years of dedicated practice; Blue Belt can often be attained in about a year of dedicated study.

Is BJJ good exercise?

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can provide you with far more extensive results than typical aerobic exercise. The resistance encountered while rolling provides you with a good base to improve your core strength through intense abdominal workout, increase your muscle tone, and reduce you body fat while improving your balance, bodily coordination, cardio vascular capacity, and muscular endurance.