Frequently Asked Questions

 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a submission grappling based martial art that emphasizes live, full-contact sparring. It teaches smaller practitioners to subdue much larger opponents through the use of leverage, choke holds and joint locks. Jiu-Jitsu was popularized by the Gracie family of Brazil through a series of open challenges against martial artists from around the world, and from Royce Gracie’s unprecedented success in the early Ultimate Fighting Championship events. Jiu-Jitsu has since grown into a widely practiced sport with a comprehensive ruleset and scoring system and there are many opportunities to compete in a safe, fun environment through local, national, and world-tier tournaments. 

 Jiu-Jitsu is perfect for anybody interested in a hobby that promotes fitness and community and it offers sport opportunities for anyone interested in athletic achievement. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a great weight loss and personal fitness tool and the techniques we practice can be modified for any body type or level of physical ability. Most importantly, Jiu-Jitsu is very safe. Sparring is full contact, but when done correctly, practice and live sparring occurs at a careful and methodical pace which makes injury unlikely. 

 The simplest way to get started is to come down to any one of our regular classes.   Find a link to our class schedule here.  All of our classes are designed from top to bottom to help beginners get acclimated to the sport, it’s a friendly environment full of experienced individuals willing to help. Your first two classes are always free, so there won’t be any pressure to sign up or pay a drop in fee on your first day. 

 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu does have a belt ranking system that is recognized by its governing body, the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation. The belt progression is as follows: White belt, Blue Belt, Purple Belt, Brown Belt, Black Belt. Unlike other traditional martial arts, the progression to black belt is a life journey that can take even serious practitioners a decade or more to complete. This lends more importance and distinction to each belt ranking within the art. Belt promotions at Dubuque Jiu-Jitsu will not be tied to any monetary contribution. There is no fee attached to belt progression and students will be judged based on their work in class, their success in competition, and their personal contributions to our jiu-jitsu community rather than through a belt testing ceremony. 

For your first few classes only comfortable workout clothes such as shorts and a t-shirt are needed. Protective gear such as a mouth guards, athletic cups and headgear are welcome but they are not required. A jiu-jitsu Gi—a uniform specific to the art—is recommended as it will allow you to practice a wider variety of techniques and progress along the belt ranking system. Gis can be purchased online and range from less than $50 to well over $100.  Trial gis are available for your initial classes.

 -Hygiene is important; Shower before and after class and keep your fingers and toenails trimmed in order to avoid scrapes and scratches.
-Respect your fellow practitioners and training partners. Remember that sparring is a learning experience for everyone involved and approach it as a way to practice new techniques rather than as a competition that you are trying to win.
-Jiu-Jitsu promotes a much more informal environment than other traditional martial arts and while it is acceptable to show up to class a few minutes late, please ensure that your arrival does not interrupt the flow of the class. 

Yes!!  Kid's classes occur twice per week.  Please review our schedule page for specific days & times.  Children ages 7 & above are welcome to join.  The classes are typically facilitated in a gi, but your child can certainly attend class in gym shorts and a t-shirt to try out the class.  Be sure to contact us today for more information or to reserve your spot in our next class session.