So you’ve finally decided to train BJJ?
Congrats! The hardest part is over.
Most adults think about it for years, but never actually commit to it.
Joining a BJJ gym is not like taking a trip to Dick’s and picking out some gear.
Every gym has its very own ecosystem and culture.
You will want to make sure wherever you choose is a place you can see yourself training long term.
(Honestly, if you can’t commit to training for at least 1-2 years you’re wasting your time).
So when you call up several academies to interview them, (which I recommend) here are 5 questions that you should ask them (and some bonus ones)
1. "What’s your money back guarantee?"
People train Jiu-Jitsu for a plethora of different reasons (fitness, mental health, PTSD, Self defense, & community to name a few).
You will want to make sure the owners stand by their product.
For instance, at Metro Jiu-Jitsu, we have a 6-month money back guarantee!
If you train consistently for 6 months and hate it, we give you a full refund on tuition, no questions asked.
2. "What’s your cleaning & hygiene protocol look like?"
Skin infections are no joke.
Grappling mats can be home to nasty bacteria like Staph, & Ringworm, which if left untreated, can actually result in death.
That’s why it’s important to have a rigorous cleaning schedule every night….and especially have a special mat scrubber/vaccuum that actually sucks up the liquid.
The old school method of “mopping the mats” is flawed.
Because the second you touch the infected mat with a mop to put it back in the bucket, guess what……your entire bucket is now infected.
The spraying method doesn’t work either because there is sure to be clumps of hair, toenails, and other types of debris on the mat that should be swept up before hand.
3. "What evidence can you produce that your program will help me or my kids off the mat?"
BJJ tournaments are a great way to test your skill against another grapplers.
But last I checked, I couldn’t redeem my NAGA belt for groceries....or use it to earn my way into a promotion at work.
So the intangible benefits of Jiu-Jitsu are just as important (if not more important) than the technical grappling skills.
In fact…..90% of grapplers will never compete in a Jiu-Jitsu tournament. 90%
So, it’s important when searching for your home gym to ask for testimonials of men, women, and children who have used bjj to thrive outside of the gym!
4. "Does your gym have a policy against using profanity or foul language (especially in front of kids)?"
If harsh language doesn’t bother you, then this may not be an issue for you.
But at Metro, we prioritize being very family centric.
Everything from in our gym, from the decor to the music is going to be suitable for kids of all ages.
(Full transparency…..we do slip sometimes. 🙊 But we try not to make it a habit.) 😉
5. "What does your curriculum look like to meet the needs of beginners as well as advanced grapplers?"
Middle Schoolers and College students don’t attend the same classes.
So it should be when you’re just starting out your Jiu-Jitsu journey…..you don’t need to learn how to invert into berimbolo with a crab ride to the back take, with guys who have been training for 5 years.
You need to learn the fundamentals of grappling.
Your base.
Your stance.
Elbows tight.
Protect the neck.
Chest pressure.
How to breathe.
How to move your hips.
Make sure the gym you’re interviewing has dedicated classes for you.
BONUS QUEST: "Are all of your coaches background checked and cleared to be around children? Can you present clearance upon request"
(Yes, sadly….you need to ask this)
There are too many stories of instructors that abused their position to do awful things.
At Metro Jiu-Jitsu, all our coach's background checks are readily on file upon request.
BONUS QUEST: "What’s your family discount?"
If you can see your entire family training in martial arts, ask ahead of time if there is a family discount.
(Metro’s is buy 2, get one free.)
BONUS QUEST: "Do you offer early morning classes?"
For the working professional or busy family man…..sometimes the evening classes just won’t cut it because it’s taking away from family time.
Check to see if the gyms have any early morning Jiu-Jitsu (like 6am or so).
I promise there is not a more productive feeling than starting your day with Jiu-Jitsu…..everything else will be easier in comparison.
Hopefully these questions give you some greater perspective on how to choose the right Jiu-Jitsu gym for you.
Call several up, and try out their classes.
You’ll know the best fit when you feel it.
See you on the mat!
-Written By David Fox
