So you’ve decided to take up BJJ, but there are a few schools in your local area that you could do it at but you don’t know which one is the best fit for you. The influence and style of your instructor is ultimately going to shape your own BJJ style so making the right choice is a major part of your trainer. Your school should fit your needs like a glove, so we’ve highlighted a few things you should look out for before giving anyone any of your hard earned bucks.
Hygiene…
BJJ is full contact, in very close proximity to other people and of course, the floor. Skin infections and ailments are fairly common in places and you could find yourself on the receiving end of some nasty ones if you pick the wrong gym. Make sure you ask about how often the mats are cleaned and the general upkeep of the place.
Also, have a look at the standard of cleanliness among what could be your fellow students. Be on the look out for whether their uniforms are clean, and they are well groomed. The last thing you want in a roll is an untrimmed finger nail to the eye or foot fungus to the face. One of the key tips to look for are if students ever wear shoes on the mats. If they do, it’s a no go, they’ll be traipsing in dirt from the street and from the bathroom and spreading where your going to spending the majority of your training time!
Teaching Quality…
This is the big one. Numero uno. If you’ve got a poor instructor, you’re going to be a poor fighter. Sure you may become one of the better members of the school, but you’re only going to be the best of a bad bunch. Ask a friend who may partake in the sport or someone who does about their opinion on the instructor before you dive right in and sign up.
Also, there are many teachers who claim to have Helio Gracie or Gracie Family links. Unless they can prove that with a proper Affiliated Instructor Certificate from the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu academy they are trying to pull the wool over your eyes and the money out of your wallet! Take care, and be sure to ask plenty of questions.
Camaraderie…
The final choice is the people that are there! You want to train with people who you are going to get along with, who are going to push your limits and have a laugh about it afterwards. Your fellow students can make or break your experience and your training when it comes down to it. See if they welcome you when you enter, or ask questions about why you want to train. If they hit you with the stink eye as soon as you walk into the gym then chances are, they aren’t keen on a newbie, and you should continue your search for the school that fits you.
Come down to Arashi Do Edmonton and try out one of our great Brazilian programs like Fundamental BJJ, Women’s Only BJJ or Children’s BJJ for ages 4-7 and 8-14.
All those and you get a 30 DAY FREE TRIAL!
Arashi Do North has been open since Jan 2004 (since 1985 in Alberta). We offer Karate, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai classes to Children 4-7, 8-12, 14-16 and adults (16+). Come try out a class with use and check out our other social media for neat videos and photos.
BJJ in North Edmonton 
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