Grappling FAQ

1. What is grappling?
Grappling literally translates to hands on. Wrestling and Judo are the most popular grappling sports. Jujitsu is the oldest grappling martial art which has spawned Judo, Aikido and Brazilian Jujitsu. Other parts of the world have their own styles including Sambo, Glima, Hapkido, Shuai jiao, and Malla-yuddha.

2. Is Japanese Jujitsu and Brazilian Jujitsu (BJJ) the same?
No. Japanese Jujitsu was developed by Samurai (unarmed combat art) a long time ago and may have been brought over by the Chinese or Indians. Jujitsu back then was just a catch phrase all for fighting which involved punches, locks, throws, and kicks.
BJJ was devloped by the Gracies after a Japanese Judo player named Maeda/Count Koma, went to Brazil and taught them for a short time. The Gracies focused more on ground grappling and locks, pretty much eliminating all strikes and creating a special point system.

3. What’s the difference between Judo and Brazilian Jujitsu (BJJ)?
The techniques are the same. The gi is similar
The rules are different. In Judo you win by scoring a clean throw on to their back, a submission; a pin for 25 seconds; or accumulating fractions of points with partial throws or pins for a short time. In BJJ you win by submission or adding up the points you obtain through pins after match time has elapsed.

4. Which style should I do?
It depends on what aspect of grappling you are looking for. All styles are based on learning how to control your opponents balance. Wrestling is more ground control with some throws, Judo is mainly throws with some ground control as well as joint manipulations, BJJ is mainly ground control with joint manipulations.
Classes will vary with the instructor. Some will be relaxed and cool, and others may be like boot camp. Best thing to do is a trial month of unlimited classes. Then choose the one that makes the most sense to you.

5. What is the age requirement for wrestling?
Currently the programs are for junior high school (12 year old) and up. If there is enough interest in a younger program (6-12yo) it will be added to the schedule.

6. How long to get a blackbelt?
It is different for every person. Grappling arts tend to take longer than striking arts to achieve. The average if there could even be one is 8 to 10 years.

7. What is the dress code?
The wrestling program will require athletic shorts, a t shirt, and mat shoes are optional. The Judo and BJJ programs will require a single or double weave gi. All equipment will be available for purchase in the Pro Shop.

8. What color Gi should i get?
We use Aa blue or white Gi

9. What is the scoring system for BJJ?
Rules & Regulations Point system:
Takedown - 2 points
Sweep or reversal - 2 points
Guard pass - 3 points
Knee-ride - 2 points/3points
Mount - 4 points
Back control - 4 points

10. What is the scoring system for Judo?
In Judo competition the objective is to score an Ippon (one full point). Once such a score is obtained the competition ends. An Ippon can be scored by one of the following methods:
1. Executing a skillful throwing technique which results in one contestant being thrown largely on the back with considerable force or speed.

2. Maintaining a pin for 25 seconds.

3. One contestant cannot continue and gives up.

4. One contestant is disqualified for violating the rules (hansoku-make).

5. Applying an effective armbar or an effective stranglehold (this does not usually apply for children).

6. Earning two waza-ari (half point). A waza-ari can be earned by:

a. A throwing technique that is not quite an ippon (for example the opponent lands only partly on the back, or with less force than required for ippon);
b. Holding one contestant in a pin for 20 seconds; or
c. When the opponent violates the rules (shido) three times.

If the time runs out with neither contestant scoring an Iippon, then the referee will award the win to the contestant who has the next highest score.

11. If I already have rank, what belt level am I?
Each martial art has it's philosophy and ranking system. Even if you are ranked in one art, you will not automatically "such and such" belt in another. Typically, to get a ranking in a particular school, you have to attend classes and learn their philosophies and techniques. Then you must demonstrate basic moves, and in some cases you must compete, spar, to achieve a new rank (belt). Ultimately it is at the instructor’s discretion.