Jiu-Jitsu FAQ
Do I Need Experience to Start Jiu-Jitsu?
Not at all! Our classes are beginner-friendly, and our instructors will guide you every step of the way. Whether you're new to martial arts or have previous experience, there’s a place for everyone.
What Should I Wear to Class?
- Gi Classes: A clean Gi (training uniform) is required. If you don’t have one, we can guide you on purchasing your own.
- No-Gi Classes: Rash guard and grappling shorts are required. Avoid clothing with zippers, buttons, or anything that could cause injury.
How Important Is Hygiene in Jiu-Jitsu?
Hygiene is critical for safety, comfort, and mutual respect. Here are our hygiene rules:
- Clean Gear: All uniforms and training clothes must be washed after every session.
- Personal Hygiene: Keep nails trimmed and hands and feet clean. Use deodorant but avoid heavy fragrances.
- Health Checks: If you’re feeling unwell or have any contagious condition (e.g., skin infections), please stay home until you’re cleared to train.
- Shoes on the Mats: Shoes are not allowed on the mats to keep training areas clean. Wear sandals or flip-flops when walking off the mats.
How Are Classes Structured?
- Warm-Up: Every class begins with exercises to prepare your body and mind.
- Technique Instruction: Coaches will demonstrate and teach techniques in detail.
- Drills: You’ll practice the techniques with a partner to build muscle memory.
- Sparring/Rolling (After Classes/Open Mat): Live practice to apply what you’ve learned in a controlled environment.
What Are the Etiquette Rules for Training?
- Respect the Coach: Pay attention when the coach is speaking and follow their instructions.
- Respect Your Training Partners: Always train safely and avoid unnecessary force.
- Tap Early: If you’re caught in a submission, tap to prevent injury.
How Often Should I Train?
Consistency is key! We recommend training 2-3 times per week for beginners to build a solid foundation. As you progress, you can increase your training frequency.
Do I Need to Compete?
No, competition is optional. While some students enjoy testing their skills at tournaments, others train for fitness, self-defense, or personal growth.
Muay Thai FAQ
Do I Need Experience to Start Muay Thai?
Not at all! Our classes are beginner-friendly, and our instructors will guide you every step of the way. Whether you're new to martial arts or have prior training, there’s a place for everyone at The Garden MMA.
What Should I Wear to Class?
- Training Clothes: Athletic shorts and a fitted T-shirt or tank top. Avoid loose clothing, zippers, or buttons that could cause injury.
- Protective Equipment: Gloves are required. If you don’t have your own, we can provide loaner equipment and guide you on what to purchase for future classes.
How Important Is Hygiene in Muay Thai?
Hygiene is critical for safety, comfort, and mutual respect. Here are our hygiene rules:
- Clean Gear: Wash all training clothes, wraps, and gloves after every session.
- Personal Hygiene: Keep nails trimmed, hands and feet clean, and use deodorant (avoid heavy fragrances).
- Health Checks: If you’re feeling unwell or have any contagious condition (e.g., skin infections), stay home until you’re cleared to train.
- Shoes in Training Areas: No shoes are allowed in training spaces. Use sandals or flip-flops when moving off the mats onto the concrete floor.
How Are Classes Structured?
- Warm-Up: Classes start with dynamic warm-ups to prepare your body for training.
- Technique Instruction: Coaches demonstrate and teach Muay Thai strikes, footwork, and defensive techniques in detail.
- Pad Work & Partner Drills: Practice your skills with a partner or on pads for accuracy, power, and timing.
What Are the Etiquette Rules for Training?
- Respect the Coach: Listen to instructions carefully and follow them.
- Respect Your Training Partners: Train with control and care to avoid injury.
- Keep Your Gear Clean: Bring sanitized gloves, wraps, and shin guards.
- Wipe Down Equipment: After using pads or bags, wipe them down to maintain cleanliness for everyone.
How Often Should I Train?
Consistency is key! For beginners, 2-3 sessions per week will help you build a strong foundation. As you progress, you can train more frequently based on your goals.
Do I Need to Compete?
Not at all! While some students enjoy the challenge of competing, others train for fitness, self-defense, or personal development. Competition is entirely optional and supported if it aligns with your goals.
What to Expect
At The Garden MMA, our friendly academy owners and coaches will greet you as soon as you step through the door. We’ll show you around the facility, introduce you to fellow students, and answer any questions you may have. Our goal is to make you feel comfortable and at home from day one.
Beginner-Friendly Instruction
Our classes are designed to accommodate all skill levels, especially beginners. If it’s your first time on the mats, don’t worry! You’ll learn at your own pace, and our instructors will guide you step by step to ensure you feel confident and supported throughout your training journey.
Structured Class Format
Every class at The Garden MMA follows a consistent format to maximize your learning:
- Warm-Up: Get your body and mind ready with functional, martial arts-specific movements.
- Technique Instruction: Learn key techniques demonstrated by our experienced coaches, focusing on proper form and application.
- Drilling: Practice the techniques with a partner to build muscle memory and refine your skills.
- Optional Sparring (Advanced Participants): For those ready to roll, apply what you’ve learned in a safe, live training environment.
Some Techniques May Feel Advanced
It’s normal to feel that some techniques in our curriculum seem advanced or difficult to execute at first. You might not be able to perform every move right away, but that’s okay. With consistent practice and guidance, you’ll progress and develop confidence in your abilities.
What to Wear
- Wear athletic shorts and a fitted T-shirt or tank top.
- Hand wraps and gloves are required. If you don’t have these items yet, we can provide loaner equipment and guide you on what to purchase.
- Avoid loose clothing, zippers, buttons, or accessories.
- Wear comfortable, fitted athletic wear that allows for movement, such as leggings, yoga pants, or shorts paired with a tank top or T-shirt.
- Avoid overly baggy clothing to ensure ease of movement and proper form during poses.
- To keep your clean items separate, bring a wet bag for your sweaty training clothes. This keeps your other belongings dry and helps contain odors until you can wash your gear at home.
Gi Classes:
A clean Gi (training uniform) is required. If you don’t have one yet, let us know—we can provide one for your first class or recommend where to buy one.
No-Gi Classes:
Wear a rash guard or fitted athletic shirt and grappling shorts. Avoid clothing with zippers, buttons, or pockets to prevent injuries or damage to the mats.
Muay Thai Classes:
Yoga Classes:
Wet Bag for Sweaty Gear
What to Bring
Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is essential during training. Bring a reusable water bottle to keep yourself refreshed throughout the class.
We have a water fountain available on the first floor.
If you forgot your water bottle, we have water for sale, and you can purchase water for your convenience on the BJJ Link kiosk in "Store".
Sandals or Flip-Flops
To maintain cleanliness in our training areas, sandals or flip-flops are required for walking off the mats. Our facility has concrete floors, so wearing footwear when you're not training helps keep the mats hygienic for everyone.
Optional: Mouthguard
If you plan to participate in sparring, a mouthguard is recommended for your safety. It provides protection and peace of mind, especially during advanced classes.
Arrive Dressed in Your Training Gear
We recommend arriving already dressed in your training gear to save time and streamline your experience. For example:
- Jiu-Jitsu Classes: Wear your rash guard and grappling shorts under a layer of casual clothing.
- Muay Thai or Yoga: Wear comfortable athletic gear suitable for your class.
Simply remove your outer layer, and you’ll be ready to hit the mats immediately.
FAQ About Showers and Toilets
Are There Showers at The Garden MMA?
No, we do not have showers available at our facility. This is intentional—shared showers in training environments can increase the risk of spreading germs and skin infections. By eliminating this risk, we help maintain a cleaner and safer environment for everyone.
Even in academies where showers are available, most people choose to wait until they get home to shower for added comfort and hygiene.
Where Can I Change or Use the Restroom?
- Before and After Class: Please use the restrooms near the entrance for changing.
- During Class: The restrooms near the fitness room are available for your convenience.
How Can I Stay Fresh After Training?
We provide free Defense Wipes for quick post-training clean-ups. Use them sparingly to sanitize your skin and freshen up before heading home. This is a simple and effective way to reduce bacteria and stay clean without needing a shower.
By prioritizing immediate hygiene practices like washing your gear after each session and using personal wipes, you can avoid the need for shared facilities while keeping yourself and others safe and healthy. If you have additional questions, feel free to ask!
