Frequently Asked Questions
What equipment do I need to participate?
For Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu it will depend on what classes you are attending. We offer Gi and no-Gi Jiu-Jitsu. No-Gi attire consists of shorts with a t-shirt or tight fitting rash guard. You will want to make sure that the clothing does not contain buttons or zippers as that could injure your training partners or the mat. For Gi Jiu-Jitsu you will need to purchase a Gi. The official academy Gi can be purchased from http://store.cjjusa.com/ or you are welcome to purchase from any other online retailer. The Gi is a uniform that looks like a traditional martial arts uniform but is made of much heavier material.
When are the classes?
Classes are listed on our schedule page. Here you will be able to sign up for an account, purchase a membership, and enroll in our seminars.
Do I need any experience to attend your classes?
No, many of the people that attend our classes have no formal ground training before attending. This is definitely not a problem as we will teach you all of the basics and fundamentals which we will build upon as you learn more advanced movements. If you do have experience in ground grappling we will help you extend that knowledge to as far as you wish to go. We have had students compete at the highest levels of MMA and grappling tournaments.
How do I get promoted and know I am progressing?
In Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu there are multiple belt levels which are detailed on the BJJ page. There is no formal testing and you will be promoted when you can demonstrate the techniques and philosophy of BJJ. This includes using the main principle of Jiu-Jitsu which pits technique against strength.
We currently do not have a ranking system for our no-gi program. Your instructor will monitor your progress and put you with other students of different levels to challenge you and continue your growth.
What ages do you enroll at the academy?
Our classes start at age 8 and have adults training into their 60s currently.
I am visiting from out of town, can I come in to train?
Yes! We welcome visitors from other schools. Day passes can be purchased from our Membership section before attending.
Can I show up for classes and look to purchase at the school?
Yes although all of our memberships and day passes are sold online through our website or the app. Once an account is created and membership purchased off of the Membership page then you can attend any of the classes that fit your schedule.
Do you offer tours of the academy and trial classes?
Tours of the academy, Q&A and prospective students watching classes are on Monday at 5:45pm to watch the 6pm fundamentals or intermediate class. We do not offer free trial classes as every student must have a membership or day pass to be on the mats. All other times to check out the school must be coordinated by emailing info@iowabjj.com.
What style of BJJ (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu) do you teach?
Our students learn all aspects of BJJ from the self defense curriculum to the latest moves being performed in competition. Depending on what interests you more is what you can focus your training on. We offer the foundation to learn and train with both. Our head academy is out of California at Caique Jiu-Jitsu. www.cjjusa.com It is Gracie Jiu-Jitsu as our affiliation has direct roots to Helio Gracie.
Do you offer individual or private lessons?
Yes, we offer individual lessons and they are most often performed with 2 students and an instructor. They can also be performed 1 on 1 with just a student and instructor as well. These are offered by appointment only and can be coordinated through our email at info@iowabjj.com.
How does your pricing work?
We offer monthly memberships and they setup through our online store. The monthly fee will be drafted from your CC or bank account monthly. No contracts as it is a month to month membership. Cancellations do take 30 days from the receipt of the request.
Rules of the Academy
Mat Rules
- Keep nails short, all 20 of them.
- Remove all jewelry.
- No shoes (wrestling shoes are allowed), food, drinks, or gum are allowed on the mat.
- No clothing with zippers or sharp edges.
Academy Rules
- Keep the changing rooms and spectator’s area clean and orderly.
- Keep children supervised at all times. Do not let them run around and disrupt class.
- Check in at the front desk to record your attendance.
- No smoking permitted in any part of the Academy.
- No pets.
Training Etiquette
- Maintain good hygiene. Wear clean uniforms and training clothing.
- Train with the equipment and attire required.
- Let your Instructor/training partners know if you are injured. Stay home if you are sick or have any funky skin rash of any sort.
- Follow rules of good sportsmanship before, during and after each activity or game.
- Know your limitations & those of your training partners. All submission holds should always be applied in a controlled manner.
- Do not seek to harm fellow students physically or emotionally.
- Tap early & often. Tapping is not a sign of weakness; rather it is a part of the learning process.
- Check your ego at the door. The mat is a learning environment. It is not a competition. Your concern should be with learning & improving, not defeating your teammates during training.
- Be aware of those around you to avoid injuring your teammates. It is considered customary & respectful for the lower ranking students to yield space to higher belts.
- Acknowledge corrections or constructive criticism regardless of age or rank.