Marcelo Alonso Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Frequently Asked Questions

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What is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)?

Brazilian, or “Sport” Jiu-Jitsu can be described as both a martial art and combat sport that focuses on grappling and especially ground fighting. Both Judo and BJJ share the basic principle that by using leverage and proper technique a smaller, weaker person can successfully defend against a larger, more powerful assailant—in particular by applying joint-locks and chokeholds to defeat the aggressor. BJJ also  includes many self-defense applications.

When taught by a good teacher and in the right environment, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu---like its parent art Judo---can be a fun and healthy activity, and a great way to meet new people and create lasting friendships.

Are there kids classes?

Yes, kids classes are available at both the Seattle and Fife academies.

Marcelo and all of the other Children’s Class instructors are great with kids. We have an excellent Kids Program (Ages 8+) where the children are taught fundamental movements, perform drills, and learn some basic self-defense skills appropriately selected for their age; all the while being done in a nurturing, non-competitive environment. See Kid’s Classes under Training on the Classes tab.

When is the beginners' class?

Classes for Beginners meet Monday and Wednesday evenings 6-7:00 pm. Beginners may also attend the Tuesday and Thursday morning classes 9:30-11:00 am. After three (3) months of introduction to the basic skills---24 sessions---students may attend any other classes offered at the Academy. (Click Schedule under the Classes tab.)

What do I need to bring to my first class?

Sweatpants (preferably) or shorts, t-shirt, and water bottle is all you need to begin training.  If you decide to continue with classes, you'll be required to buy a Jiu-Jitsu uniform (“Gi”).  For more information on purchasing a Gi, see Where can I purchase training apparel?

Do I need to be “in good shape”?

No, absolutely not! One of the primary objectives of BJJ training is to condition your body to perform the techniques.  Don't put off beginning your training "until you're in shape". Training is adapted for each student's fitness level and is designed to optimize their ability to perform the techniques.  If have any particular medical conditions, it is always wise to consult with your doctor first to see if it's OK.

Will I be required to compete?

No.  There are many students who have no intention of ever competing and that is perfectly OK.  That said, the Academy has a strong competition team and competing is encouraged for those motivated students.  The reason for this is that competition is an excellent forum for pressure testing your skills in a safe environment.  If you do choose to compete, it will greatly accelerate your progress in BJJ.

Are injuries common?

Not really. Although to our knowledge there have been no formal studies on the rate and types of injury in BJJ. However, from practical experience it appears that the injury rate and severity is far less that that expected from other contact sports such as football, basketball, and even tennis or jogging. Because the majority of the grappling techniques taught are done on a padded surface while prone, without the constant violent throws of, for example Judo, the chance of knee injury is significantly lessened.

Where can I purchase training apparel?

The academy has Gi’s for sale directly to students (please ask your instructor). Alternatively, many quality Gi’s can be purchased online; ask your instructor for brand and size recommendations. A few examples of reputable companies that provide quality uniforms are: Ouano, Atama, Mizuno, Koral, and Adidas, among others. Additionally, besides Gi’s, the Academy sells Tee and sweat shirts, shorts, and rashguards, etc. Click Shop Now for our ONLINE Store.

What are the belt ranks?

The adult BJJ belt rank progression is White, Blue, Purple, Brown, and Black.  Under 16 years of age, it is White, Yellow, Orange, and Green.  At 16, an advanced student typically goes straight to Blue belt.  Between the time of belt promotions, stripes from one to four are awarded to demonstrate progression within the rank.

How long does it take to get a black belt?

Unlike many other martial sports where a student can, for example earn promotion of black belt status within a couple of years---this is regrettably not the case in BJJ. Because of the exceptionally high standards for competency, Black belts in BJJ are genuinely earned. However, more than anything this depends on the individual's commitment level to training.  Generally speaking 6-10 years is a realistic average.  Black belts in BJJ are not given lightly and are earned only through hard work, dedication, and the skill to back it up. On the plus side, earning a Purple Belt in BJJ (which can be done within two to three years) is a major step toward obtaining and achieving the next two belt levels of Brown, then Black.

What is the cost?

We offer a special beginner’s package which includes a quality new Ouano “gi” (with belt), Academy tee-shirt, and three (3) months dues payments for a total of $400.00. A savings of $125.00 off the regular prices.

There are no contract or lengthy time commitment documents at our Academy.

Regular Charges are as follows:

Payment Tuition
Monthly Direct Debit $120 /month (adult unlimited classes)  $80 (Kids)
Monthly Cash/Check $145 /month (due by 5th day of month)
Pre-Pay One Year $108 /month ($144 savings)
Judo Classes $35 /month with BJJ   -   $95 /month without BJJ
Weekly / Daily rates $75 /week - $30 /day  (paid in advance)
Registration Fee $50 (one time charge)
Insurance Annual premium: $25

Do women train BJJ too?

Yes.  While most BJJ practitioners are men, there are many women who train in BJJ. The art is equally effective for both men and women and the training techniques and methodologies are identical. Actually, the Self-Defense applications are especially functional and appropriate for women and young girls having to defend themselves from a larger and more powerful aggressor.

There are women's divisions in the local, national, and international competitions. 

Is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu like Judo? How are they similar? How are they different?

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu shares a common lineage with modern Kodokan Judo.  They both directly trace their roots back to Jigoro Kano (the founder of Judo). Both arts incorporate many of the same throws, joint locks, and chokes.  The primary difference between the two arts has to do with the training and competition focus. In Judo, the goal and focus is on throwing your opponent cleanly and decisively (“nage waza”). Most of the training is focused on this form of grappling while standing. In BJJ, most of the training is focused on grappling once one or both players have gone down to the ground. The competition scoring and rules for each sport encourage these differences in training. Generally speaking, modern Judo has developed a more sophisticated throwing system (with the Gi) while BJJ has developed a more sophisticated ground grappling system including joint locks and chokes. Many students choose to cross-train in both arts.  In addition to his vast BJJ experience, Marcelo Alonso also holds a black belt in Judo.
The Academy also offers Judo classes to interested students during the week, taught by an experienced Judo Black Belt. See Schedule under Classes.

How is BJJ different from other martial arts, like Aikido, or Taekwondo, Karate, or Kung-Fu? 

BJJ differs from other martial arts in a few key ways.  Firstly, it focuses exclusively on grappling training with no strikes (punching, kicking, etc.,) involved.  Training will incorporate defending against striking, but the student will learn to counter these strikes with grappling and not strikes of their own.  The second and key distinction between BJJ and many other traditional martial arts is the training methodology.  While nearly all arts involve practicing techniques against a non-resisting partner, BJJ also includes full intensity sparring as an essential part of student training.  Sparring like this, each opponent tries to submit their opponent using any legal technique.  It is practiced against an opponent using full intensity and resistance.  This is where the techniques and skill of BJJ comes alive.  There is no guesswork and theory when it comes to whether a technique will work or not.  Every student trains the techniques against fully resistant opponents until they are able to execute them effectively.  This builds a true level of applicable skill and the confidence that comes with it.  Matt Thornton from Straight Blast Gym has an excellent video illustrating this key distinction using the term "Aliveness".  It can be viewed <a href="http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2068450760833041053#">here.

Is BJJ really practical for self-defense? I’ve heard that more than 50% of fights end up on the ground; but don’t 100% start standing up? Plus, the ground is practically always concrete; wouldn’t fighting on concrete be impractical and dangerous?

BJJ is absolutely practical for self-defense.  Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) competitions are the closest thing we have to realistic fighting.  If we look at any of the top competitors, they all are experienced grapplers.  For example: BJ Penn, Mauricia Rua, Georges St. Pierre, Anderson Silva, and Cain Velasquez all have black belts in BJJ.  These champions learned BJJ because it works and is an essential piece of the fighting puzzle. They also cross-train in other combat sports such as boxing, Muay Thai, and wrestling.  At top level competition, cross training is essential.  That's a full time job and most people will only have the time to train in one martial art.  Looking back at the early MMA competitions gives us great insight into what's most effective as a single art.  These early competitions featured no weight classes and had competitors from a variety of martial arts backgrounds.  In those competitions, the BJJ representative, one of the smallest in physical stature, won every time.  An overwhelming percentage of the time a skilled grappler is able to bring the fight onto his terms against a skilled striker.  MMA competitions have demonstrated this clearly time and time again.  The only MMA competitors that can successfully force a fight to stay standing up are those that have extensively trained grappling themselves.  Additionally, BJJ is the foundation for the Modern Combatives course currently taught to US Army and other military personnel.

What makes Marcelo Alonso such a good teacher?

1) Experience and knowledge.  Marcelo has been practicing BJJ for well over 30 years and is the most experienced instructor in the region.  During that time he has trained thousands of individuals, competitors, fighters, law-enforcement and military personnel.
2) Teaching skill. Marcelo has a finely developed skill for breaking down techniques and explaining them in a way that everyone can understand. Without holding any information back, he carefully gives his students the right information at the right time to best aid their progress. Beyond teaching the essential techniques and skills to his students, he helps build their confidence and helps each individual develop their own BJJ game.
3) Passion. Marcelo brings a level of joy and intensity to training and competition that is simply unmatched.  He personally teaches most of the classes at his academies.  With his keen sense of humor, he is able to brighten up the room and bring a smile to everyone's face while keeping the training intensity level high and focused.  He is at all of the competitions coaching his students and helping them perform to the best of their ability.
4) Genuine care & concern for his students.  All of the MABJJ students are part of a family and it shows.  Marcelo has created a culture of mutual respect at his academies.  Beyond their paid time at the academy, time and time again, Marcelo has gone out of his way to help students with personal difficulties and challenges.

All of these things and many more make Marcelo Alonso an inspiring individual and a phenomenal instructor.

How would you describe the class learning environment?

The class learning environment is respectful, focused, and spirited.  The more experienced students regularly help the beginners learn and grow.  The academy is like a big family and we all help each other develop to the best of our ability.  There is always a healthy dose of competitiveness but it is in the spirit of improvement; Egos are left at the door.