Frequently Asked Questions
Is it membership only or can I pay per session for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at Five Rings Grappling Academy?
We offer both pay per session rates and membership options. We do twice per week memberships or unlimited training. You can also pay for individual classes or block bookings at a cheaper rate. Memberships and block bookings allow students to train at both locations for the price of one.
What do I need to wear to my first Jiu Jitsu session?
We recommend that you wear something you feel comfortable training in. We always aim to pass out a freshly cleaned uniform that will fit so you can get the full benefit of the class.
What days are the beginners classes?
We have classes that would suit a beginner every day. If you would like a class that has been planned to make sure someone with no experience at all would understand then we have Fundamental classes of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Sheffield on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. BJJ Fundamentals classes are on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Mansfield. All Levels classes are great for new starters too.
Do I have to start in the Fundamentals classes?
We would always recommend that new starters complete the Fundamentals programme before advancing. However, if you have extensive Judo, Wrestling or MMA experience it may be possible to join the Advanced programme straight away.
Do you do discounts?
Yes. We offer discounts if more than 2 family members train with us as well as student discounts. Emergency Services and Veterans also receive a special rate as a sign of our appreciation. We have numerous students who have been passed to us from the Re-Org foundation.
I don’t feel very fit, could I still join?
Definitely. Our classes are designed to stretch your comfort zone both mentally and physically. The beginners sessions run at a steady pace where everyone can go at their own speed. You will find yourself getting fitter with regular training sessions at Five Rings Grappling Academy.
I’ve never done a martial art before and feel very nervous about walking in.
We totally understand that it can be nerve wracking walking into a busy place where you’ve never been before to introduce yourself. We were the beginners once too. By the time you are walking in, we will have probably spoken to each other by email, social media, text or phone call. We will always arrange for you to come to your first class at a time where we can personally greet you, introduce ourselves and walk in with you. We will introduce you to the coaches and show you around our friendly club.
I don’t know what i’m doing. Do you teach private classes?
All new starters get a free private induction class of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at Five Rings Grappling Academy. This gives you the chance to ask any questions at the same time as learning some of the fundamental movements and positions. The induction class can also be taken with a friend. It will give you the knowledge of what you need for your first class.
What is a gi?
A gi is the uniform we wear to train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. It is jacket and trousers and uses a belt to keep the jacket closed.
How is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu different to Japanese Jujutsu?
It is different as Japanese Ju Jutsu is mainly used as a very low contact art that is practised standing. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu starts standing but is mainly practised on the ground. Japanese Ju Jutsu follows a strict curriculum and grading processes where Brazilian Jiu Jitsu usually does not.
Who are the Gracie family and what is Gracie Barra?
The Gracie family are regarded as the first family of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Gracie Barra is one of the largest teams in the sport. It originated out of one club in Barra de Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro and is headed by Carlos Gracie Jr (the son of Carlos Gracie)
You say that your logo represents the five adult belts of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, but what is this coral belt I’ve seen mentioned?
There are 2 coral belts in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (red & black and red & white) that signify 7th and 8th degree black belts. They represent an amount of time teaching and training the art. It takes a black belt 31 years to achieve the red and black coral belt and then a further 7 years for the second. The only belt after this is a red belt. A red and white belt must spend 10 years teaching and training to achieve this rank.
Can you tell me more about Five Rings Grappling Academy’s mentor Mauricio Gomes?
Mauricio Gomes is a red and white coral belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He was the son in law of Carlos Gracie (the originator of the art) and father of Roger Gracie (10x IBJJF World Champion & ADCC Champion). Mauricio originally came to the UK in the late 90’s to help spread BJJ across the globe. He is famous for the knee on belly position and is the highest ranking Jiu Jitsu teacher in Europe. Mauricio has been training BJJ for over 55 years and is a legend of the sport. He is also one of only 6 people to have ever received their black belt from Rolls Gracie. For more information click here
Does that mean that Five Rings Grappling Academy is one of the very few places in the world with a direct living link to the founders of this martial art?
Yes. There are few independent academies in the world with such a strong lineage and none that teach Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Sheffield or Mansfield. Mauricio over sees all of our black belt promotions in order to maintain the standards and integrity of the art. We are extremely proud to continue all of our progression with Mauricio and Gordo.
What is the IBJJF?
The IBJJF is the International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation. It sets the rules of the sport and guidelines for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu all over the world.
If Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is so good, why do you teach wrestling, judo and mixed martial arts? Surely it is better to be good at one discipline instead?
Yes…. and no. We believe that to be knowledgeable and well rounded in all grappling arts is best. Although our base art is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu it is not as effective as Judo at takedowns in the gi or Wrestling out of the gi. Having just one art can be limiting in different aspects.
Why is grappling better than boxing, karate or taekwando? Surely hitting someone attacking you gives you a better chance to run away? Besides, I really don’t like people touching me or being in my personal space.
It is a fact that most fights will result in a clinch. Even in the sport of Boxing, fighters will sometimes stand up and hold onto each other. In a street situation, people with no martial arts background will try to grab hold of a person. Learning how to grapple effectively gives you the upper hand in both situations. If a striker is close enough to hit you then you are close enough to grab them… and clinch safely. If an untrained attacker tried to grab you… you can control the position, take them down and control the positions to keep yourself safe.
Make contact now to find out more by clicking here