FAQs about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and NBJJA
FAQS ABOUT THE NORTHERN BEACHES JIU-JITSU ACADEMY
Where is the Northern Beaches Jiu-Jitsu Academy located? Is there any parking?
NBJJA is located at 6/21 Orlando Rd Cromer on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, on the corner of Inman and Orlando Road (entrance via Orlando Rd). There is no valid parking within the complex but if you have kids, you can drop them right out the front in our 2 minute drop off zone, then park on one of nearby streets. Just walk up the short ramp and follow the signs to our Academy, half way down the complex.
What facilities do you have?
Our Academy is a big warehouse with two separate training zones - upstairs and downstairs. It is nice and bright with high ceilings and plenty of bench seating around for spectators. We have a vending machine with a variety of healthy snacks (and a few treats), Zebra mats, toilet, shower, kitchen facilities, reception area and more. Drop in to say hi and check it out for yourself! You can also check out what’s going on day to day via the Northern Beaches Jiu-Jitsu Academy on Instagram and Facebook.
How much does a jiu-jitsu class cost, and when do you run classes?
You’ll find all our prices on the pricing + sign up online page, which may also include some of our latest mixed martial arts offers. We are open 6 days a week, with classes in the morning, lunch time and afternoon/evening. Check the jiu-jitsu timetable for current kids, adults and open mat class times, which we’re always adding to.
What type of programs do you run?
We have kids and adults group jiu-jitsu classes, and private coaching too. Our programs include:
Little Nippers (age 4 + 5): This 30 minute class is for preschoolers only, and is held on the upstairs mats at 4pm every Mon, Wed, Thurs and Fri. Little Nippers can join our regular Nippers class on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Nippers (age 5 + 6): This 30 minute class is for school aged kids, and held on the downstairs mats at 4pm every Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs and Fri and 8.30am Saturday.
Junior Grommets (age 7 to 10): This class is held upstairs on Mon/Wed/Fri at the same time as our Grommets class, and is designed for our newer and/or younger Grommets to build skills and confidence before joining the group downstairs.
Grommets (age 7 to 10): This 45 minute class is held at 4.30pm every Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs and Fri and 9am Saturday.
Titans: (age 11 to 15): This 45 minute class is held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 5.15pm and Saturday at 9.45am.
Adults: (age 16+): Classes are held 6 days a week, and include structured tuition and open mat. See our timetable for class times.
Adults 6 Week Intro to Jiu-Jitsu Program: The perfect way to get started with Jiu-Jitsu. See the program page for details.
We will determine which is the most appropriate class for your child depending on their size, maturity, experience etc. The best way to start out is to book a free trial class to see which program works best.
How do I join the Northern Beaches Jiu-Jitsu Academy?
You can join online via by choosing your preferred membership type here. If you come down for a free trial class, we will also send all the information you need about our Academy after the class, including the links to join.
Do I need to tell you which days I am coming?
Yes, for kids classes. To help us control class numbers and ensure we have the right coach to member ratio on the mats, you must nominate a set day each week to attend class. If you miss a class due to holidays, illness etc. then you will have a make up class to use. Make-ups can be taken whenever there is a free spot in another class - it is usually not a problem to fit in make up classes, especially during school holidays when many of our regulars are away. To arrange, just email us with your preferred date.
Do I need to book in?
No. Kids are already booked into a set day each week, and we mark attendance for kids and adults at every class. Attendance is important to track, as it counts towards your progression to earning your next stripe or coloured belt.
Do you follow a curriculum?
We do, through our affiliation with the highly respected global Pedro Sauer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Association. Few BJJ academies follow a set curriculum, however those who do (like us) have a much more thorough and structured approach to teaching. This ensures that you’re not learning the same techniques over and over, and you’re always progressing in your skills and growing as individuals. Read more about our curriculum-based learning here.
Do you have a members referral program?
We sure do! If a new member has been referred by a current NBJJA member, we’ll thank them with a free large coffee or hot chocolate at Drip Coffee Traders at Collaroy Plateau. It’s a very small way to show our appreciation for spreading the word!
What is your commitment to cleanliness and hygiene?
With a background in the cleaning industry, Jack has always focused on providing a clean and hygienic gym that he is extremely proud of. When you walk into NBJJA, you can be confident that the following safety measures and cleanliness standards will be practised:
Hand sanitiser will be available at all times and must be used by anyone who enters the gym.
Mats are disinfected with a commercial-grade solution that kills 99.9% of bacteria and household germs.
Colour-coded mops and buckets are used exclusively for different areas of the gym to ensure there is no cross-contamination.
It is strictly enforced that anyone who displays signs of illness including fever, cough, tiredness, muscle soreness, headaches, rashes, sinus infection or sore throat must NOT enter the gym. Anyone with these symptoms will be sent home and unable to return until they are clear of symptoms.
Do you have any lock in contracts or sign up fees?
No. We know that circumstances can change, which is why we do not lock you into a contract. If you need to cancel, please give us one week’s notice to ensure we cancel your membership before your weekly Friday direct debit. We do not charge any sign up fees either, however you must purchase a uniform from our online store before your first class.
Are there any other kids activities nearby?
If you have kids with different interests, there are so many nearby activities to choose from. Modbod Gym is within our complex, and a short walk away you’ll find Chocolate Box Training, Plie Groove & Shuffle, Manly Warringah Gymnastics Club and Manly Warringah Football Association. This makes it easy to drop the kids at multiple activities within the one local area.
Anywhere to relax and grab a bite to eat and coffee nearby?
Yep! You can wander over to nearby cafes such as Barrel One, Made at Lukes and Summer Salt Cafe for a bit of time out.
Do you welcome students from other Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academies?
Visitors from all over the globe are welcome at Northern Beaches Jiu-jitsu Academy. We’re focused on community, not competition, so everyone is always welcome to come along to our classes.
Can I redeem my NSW Government Active Kids voucher at the Northern Beaches Jiu-Jitsu Academy?
Yes! We are a registered Active Kids activity provider, meaning you can claim a NSW Government voucher with. Once you’ve joined up, email your voucher to info@northernbeachesjiujitsu.com.au and we will put the credit towards your weekly membership fees. Vouchers may take up to 14 days to process.
Do your instructors have their Working With Children’s Check?
Yes. All employees are required to have their WWC accreditation before coming on board with us.
Are you insured?
We are fully insured and happy to provide details if required.
FAQS ABOUT TRAINING BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU
How fit do I have to be to participate in BJJ? Do I need to be strong?
You do not have to be fit to start BJJ, but we can guarantee if you stick at it, you will get fit! We take pride in being an academy that allows people of all levels to get started with Jiu Jitsu. We customise each class lesson to the individuals in it, so come in as you are. You will be welcomed.
Regarding strength, the fundamental premise of Jiu Jitsu is that it can be used for a weaker opponent to survive against a stronger attacker. To do this, you use your skeleton. If you have a skeleton, you are welcome to Jiu Jitsu. Our David vs Goliath blog explains this further.
Am I too old for BJJ?
No! Jiu-Jitsu is all about learning and growing as an individual, with positive benefits for both your physical and mental health. If you are ready to learn, we are ready to teach you. Read the benefits of training Jiu-Jitsu in your 40s as proof!
What age should kids start doing Jiu Jitsu?
We recommend kids start training jiujitsu when they are 4 years or older, although this is not a strict rule. If they’re pre-school aged, bring them down to our Little Nippers class on Thursdays at 9.30am to see how they go. If your child can follow instructions, concentrate and have fun for 30 mins (Nippers only) or 45 minutes (Grommets and Titans), they’ll benefit from Jiu Jitsu training. Read why jiu-jitsu is a great martial art to get your kids into.
Does it matter if I haven’t trained before?
Not at all. Whether you’re a beginner to the art or a seasoned veteran, with a friendly outlook, you will always be welcome.
What do I wear for my first class?
For kids, wear shorts and a tshirt - they can choose to wear this under their gi which we’ll provide for the class, or change completely into the gi. For Adults, a fitted t-shirt or rash guard is ideal, and pocketless shorts are preferable for your first class. If you have a Jiu Jitsu kimono (called a Gi) feel free to wear that, otherwise we can lend you one for your trial classes. Both kids and adults will also need a pair of thongs or sandals to wear when you exit the mats to ensure hygiene standards are maintained.
What does a Jiu-Jitsu training session involve?
Kids Classes: Our Nippers classes (4-6 years) uses a combination of games and simple instructions to practise basic jiu-jitsu movement patterns and principles. Grommets and Titans classes are more technical, teaching the fundamentals of Jiu-Jitsu movements and putting it into practise in live sparring scenarios, when the child is ready. Read more about our Kids Jiu-Jitsu Program here.
Adults Class: A regular class begins with a general warm-up to loosen up the body, this is followed by up some Jiu-Jitsu specific movements that will prime the muscles, joints and neurological system for the position that will be covered in the session. Once the class is ready a position or technique will be taught and practised, with the intensity slowing increasing to give the students a realistic application of the current position. Some live sparring or free rolling will follow this.
Adults Open Mat: Open mat is designed for free rolling, drilling or experimenting with new positions or variations that you might like to try with your training partners. The open mat sessions are an excellent time to try out something new or refine an existing technique or position.
How does the Grading system work?
When you first start out training jiu-jitsu, you wear a white belt. Stripes are awarded over time to recognise commitment to training and skill acquisition. Once four stripes are acquired, you are eligible to grade for your coloured belt, which is different for both kids and adults. Read more about Stripes, Grading and Progression in Jiu-Jitsu here.
Have another question we haven’t covered? Contact us and we’ll be in touch with some answers.