Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a form of submission grappling. The term Brazilian indicates a style brought to the United States by the Gracie family in the 1990s. The term jiu-jitsu has been around for over 1,000 years. It is important to note that there is no striking in BJJ.

The short answer is no. There is being in shape, and there is being in jiu-jitsu or wrestling shape. Anyone can meet the criteria but must commit to regular training (no less than two times a week is a good rule of thumb).

In the first class, a student comes to class on time, steps on the mat, warms up, and learns fundamental positions and techniques of the sport. As you progress, you will begin to include positional sparring (called rolling), rolling from a neutral position (starting on a knee), and then warming down and asking questions after.

Comfortable athletic clothing without zippers, pockets, or excessive string is required to train on the mats. Zippers can scratch the mats, while pockets and excessive string can lead to unnecessary finger snags.

Yes! A student must be at least 7 years old to participate. The head kids instructor is Gaby, Brown Belt. Click here to learn more about Coach Gaby and the program here.

The different belt colors represent varying degrees of experience and skill. When a student has striped tape on a belt, that indicates progression related to that belt; for instance, if you see two stripes on a student's belt, that means they are halfway through the belt. Students can have up to four stripes on their belts before graduating to the next belt.

A gi class indicates a traditional kimono, or gi uniform with a belt, must be worn. In no-gi, the uniform consists of board shorts and a t-shirt or rashguard. Traditionally gi practice is in the cooler and colder months, and no-gi in the summer. With the explosion of the sport in the United States, schools emerged, training one or the other. At Sonoran, we teach both regularly, as many of the instructors have experience in both venues, and our instructor Marcelo Garcia. We follow his methods as a multiple IBJJF world champion and ADCC competitor (both the highest standard for gi and no-gi jiu-jitsu).

There is general mat etiquette posted around Sonoran. Mat etiquette ensures a positive and creative community and culture at Sonoran. It is helpful to become acquainted with practices on the mat as a jiu-Jitsu student.