ABOUT US

Getting in shape first is a common reason people give for waiting to start Jiu Jitsu. If you have even the slightest interest just show up; TODAY! Once you start training and plant the seed for developing better health and skill you will develop the fitness required. Regardless, you have to start for the right reasons. Is it because you’re finding yourself unable to keep up with the kids? Are you wanting to develop to the confidence to defend yourself should then need arise? Begin your jiu jitsu journey because you have a motivation to improve and jiu jitsu will give you the impetus to continue to develop your fitness. one option

For your first class, please dress in comfortable, athletic attire. We recommend rash guards or similar sporting gear designed to provide compression, elasticity, and body temperature regulation. For your own and your training partners’ safety, please avoid very loose-fitting shirts, pants, and shorts; as well as zippers and pockets.

After your Trial period, you will be REQUIRED to own and wear a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or Grappling Gi top and bottoms. The Jiu Jitsu Fundamentals class is held in a Gi, except for the last week of each month – which is held in a “No Gi” format. For No Gi, you will be REQUIRED to own a grappling Rash Guard top, or similar; and you may also wear your Gi bottoms for “No Gi” classes if you prefer.

We have “Spring Hill BJJ” branded BJJ Gi sets (tops and bottoms) and Rash Guard tops (short-sleeve), for sale on site and through your account portal. You may also purchase your own, alternate products of similar purpose and quality. We recommend equipment from trusted Jiu Jitsu brands, such as Vulkan, War Tribe, Origin USA, and many others…The grappling world has become very fashionable over recent decades and finding your own style and expression can be both fun and overwhelming. While we encourage each individual’s pursuit of happiness and pride in their craft; we also know that gear can be expensive and it makes sense to choose practical, reliable options – especially when you’re first starting out. Therefore, I recommend that you keep your Gi color selections to White, Blue, or Black; and your Rash Guard selections to minimalistic White/Black designs. Common sporting goods retails (i.e. Scheels, Dick’s) carry relatively inexpensive and useful “rash guard” alternatives, like Under Armour or Nike brand compression shirts, pants, and shorts…and this is something that can have dual purpose on the mats and at the gym!

While it is not required, it is highly RECOMMENDED that you own, and bring with you to class, a well-fitted mouth guard and a roll of athletic tape. Protective cups are not required and also are not recommended, as they are generally prohibited in grappling sport competition. If you feel more comfortable wearing one, you are welcome to do so, especially on self-defense Fundamentals classes. Head gear is also disallowed in most BJJ competition formats; although it is not uncommon to see headgear, for the purpose of protecting the ears, in wrestling and Jiu Jitsu rooms, and you are welcome to wear it for comfort and protection, as needed.

• Always practice good hygiene, including (but not limited to): keeping trimmed finger and toe nails; a fresh / clean Gi; and staying home if you are feeling ill
• Greet and shake hands with your instructor(s) and fellow athletes
• Bow onto and off-of the mats, every time
• Line up by rank, facing toward the red/white striped wall (white belts in the back row, closest to the door)
• Talking down to yourself or other athletes is disallowed
• Be intentional, be reverent, and always participate to the best of your capacity

Spring Hill Jiu Jitsu is located on a rural/residential property, in a stand-alone metal building that shares a driveway entrance with the main house. You may park your vehicle anywhere on top of gravel; however, please fill any open parking spots behind the SH BJJ building first, in order to maximize traffic flow in/out of the property. When the ground is dry, you may also drive on the grass in front of the SH BJJ building., if necessary, to get around other vehicles. Please be prepared for class – there is a small changing room next to the training space and personal belongings may be stored beneath the seating benches. Remove your shoes upon entry!

If you would like additional time to stretch or warm-up before your class, arrive 5-10 minutes before your scheduled start time and hop onto the mats as soon as any earlier class ends.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu was derived from Judo in the early 20th century, with an emphasis and specialty in ground grappling, submission grappling, and self defense in a mixed fight competition format. Today, BJJ is a well-represented, global sport with amateur and professional competition opportunities! BJJ is notably a fundamentally important element in mixed martial arts competition and a great outlet for wrestlers, judokas, and other martial artists to continue involvement in the robust grappling competition scene, for many decades! BJJ offers personal growth and community development opportunities for individuals from all walks of life, regardless of physical capabilities and martial arts experience. BJJ is commonly referred to as the “chess” of martial arts because of the unique, intellectual challenges that submission grappling affords to athletes…It is not uncommon to see an assuming character be among the most respected competitors at any BJJ dojo!

There are 5 basic Adult BJJ belts: White, Blue, Purple, Brown, and Black. There are also 10 progressive variations (“Degrees”) within the black belt, including combinations of Black and Coral (red). For most adults, it can take 10-14 years of consistent training (2-3 times per week) to achieve a BJJ Black Belt. Earning each belt has different requirements and is typically subject to a qualified BJJ first degree (or greater) Black Belt’s assessment on knowledge and skill application. While it takes many years to progress between each different belt color, each BJJ belt earns up to 4 “stripes” representing milestones like time, experience, and competitive accomplishments. Kids and Youth can achieve as many as 12 different belt variations, with graduation also assessed upon time, experience, and competitive accomplishments. Kids can progress through the belt system more rapidly, typically becoming eligible for graduation within 12 months of each belt. Kids also earn up to 4 stripes between each belt graduation. This rapid reinforcement schedule ensures that kids are routinely motivated to earn achievements!