If you have never trained BJJ or another grappling sport before, we strongly encourage you to schedule an "Intro" class with us prior to participating in your first class. This Intro class will be a 1-on-1 session with one of our coaches to give you a broad understanding of what to do, what not to do, and what to expect from your Jiu Jitsu journey. The Intro class will last about 30 minutes, and will include a private lesson so you can be introduced to some fundamental concepts that will be essential to your success.

If you're wanting to dive headfirst into the sport without an intro class, you are welcome to do so. Dress in athletic clothing, preferably with a tight fitting top and shorts with no pockets or zippers. Make sure to remove all jewelry before class to avoid injury. Say "hi" to whoever is on the mat, and let the coach take care of the rest! At BlackHat, you are guaranteed to learn something, be challenged, and be looked after with care. We pride ourselves at introducing brand new beginners to the sport, and would love an opportunity to be your first gym.

No, you don’t need to be in great shape or even good shape to start Jiu Jitsu. Jiu Jitsu is accessible to people of all fitness levels. With that being said, it is very important to note that speed, size, and strength all play a crucial role in your overall effectiveness as an athlete. The healthier you are, the greater your potential for success. If you have any spine, neck, or other serious medical conditions that could complicate regular physical activity, we recommend speaking with a healthcare professional before starting. Our focus is on gradual improvement, and we can help you get fitter as you progress!

None! Athletic clothing, preferably a tight-fitting shirt and shorts without pockets or zippers is all you'll need to have a great training session. As you become accustomed to the sport, you may choose to train with a "Gi", which you would have to purchase yourself. 

Yes, Jiu Jitsu is more effective for self-defense now than ever before. Traditional Jiu Jitsu was created with self-defense in mind, which led to a heavy emphasis on the bottom game. While this was valuable for overcoming larger opponents, it also led to the pitfall of becoming "comfortable" in the bottom position. Modern Jiu Jitsu has evolved significantly by integrating techniques from wrestling and Judo, improving takedowns, scrambles, and escapes. Today, Jiu Jitsu is much more balanced and dynamic—no longer about lying on your back and pulling your opponent on top of you, but about controlling and escaping from any position to protect yourself in real-life situations.

Jiu Jitsu originally became popular in Brazil with the use of the “gi,” a traditional kimono-like uniform worn during training and competitions. The gi allows practitioners to grip various parts of the uniform, such as the sleeves, collar, and pants, which alters the dynamics of grappling. This creates a style of Jiu Jitsu where grips and control via the gi are central elements of the game.

No-Gi Jiu Jitsu, on the other hand, doesn’t involve the gi, and practitioners wear athletic gear such as rash guards and shorts. In No-Gi, grabbing clothing is not allowed, which changes the nature of the exchanges. No-Gi Jiu Jitsu has grown significantly, particularly in the U.S., due to its popularity in MMA. The fast-paced nature of No-Gi, along with its similarities to wrestling, has attracted a new audience from various combat sports.

No-Gi, along with styles like Sambo and Catch Wrestling, now falls under the broader category of "Submission Grappling." While there are slight differences in rules, these disciplines all share overlapping tactics and techniques, making them part of the same grappling family.

This is the age-old question, often debated in Jiu Jitsu circles and online forums. The answer depends on several individual factors, including athleticism, coordination, flexibility, coachability, quality of instruction, training frequency, and recovery habits.

Some exceptional athletes have earned their black belts in under 5 years, but this is extremely rare. For the average practitioner training consistently 4-5 days a week without taking long breaks, it typically takes about 10 years to earn a black belt. However, many practitioners don’t maintain the commitment required to progress to that level.

What truly sets Jiu Jitsu apart is its depth. A black belt is not the end of the journey—it’s often said that "the journey begins at black belt." The skill gap between a new black belt and a world-class black belt is wider than the gap between a white belt and a new black belt, reflecting the endless potential for growth in the art.