Frequently Asked Questions
Here we have summarized the most important points for you.
Monthly Schedule
Where can I find out what is being taught when during the current month?
Here we publish our monthly training schedule at the beginning of each month.
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Fundamentals (Adults)
What is the Jiu-Jitsu Fundamentals program at Jiu-Jitsu Academy Zuerich and how is it structured?
Our Fundamentals program includes techniques which can beused both in self-defense and in everyday Jiu-Jitsu training (and, of course, also in sports Jiu-Jitsu). We have combined thes techniques into a program of 25 classes, As a rule, we teach one standing and one ground fighting technique per class.
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Advanced (Adults)
What is the Jiu-Jitsu Advanced program at Jiu-Jitsu Academy Zuerich and how is it structured?
Our advanced program includes a variety of techniques for both self-defense and sports Jiu-Jitsu. Often these are variations of techniques from the Fundamentals or an advanced version thereof. However, some classes also teach entirely new techniques. White belts are allowed to attend our advanced classes, but we recommend to begin only after the third or fourth stripe on the student's white belt, as the instructors will not cover fundamental principles or answer questions in that regard here.
Jr. Fundamentals (Kids)
What is the Jiu-Jitsu Jr. Fundamentals program at Jiu-Jitsu Academy Zuerich and how is it structured?
Our Jr. Fundamentals program comprises techniques that largely correspond to the Fundamentals for adults in terms of content, but is taught in a child-friendly manner, e.g. with the help of games.
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Academy Rules
What is the Academy doing to make training as safe as possible and to offer everyone a pleasant experience?
Jiu-Jitsu is physically and mentally demanding. Although, as with any physical activity, injuries can never be completely ruled out, we do everything to minimize that risk. We have put together a number of Academy rules that must be followed without exception. Should anyone have questions concerning our rules, all instructors are available to answer them.
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Rules of Engagement for Kids
What are the Rules of Engagement for Jiu-Jitsu for Kids at our Academy?
With great power comes great responsibility. Jiu-Jitsu can give us all the ability to defend ourselves against attackers of all sizes and strength. In order to ensure that these skills are never abused, we also teach appropriate basic rules of conduct that must be observed inside and outside the Academy. This applies to adults as well as to our children.
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Belts
What do the belts stand for, and what are the criteria for promotion? Do I have to beat all lower belts in randori or win tournaments?
The belts stand primarily for technical skills and knowledge of Jiu-Jitsu. We use the rough guidelines of the IBJJF (International Brazilian Jitu-Jitsu Federation) regarding time that should be spent at a certain degree/belt.
We also use an attendance check. On one hand, this shows the instructors who is training sufficiently and regularly, on the other hand, it should also serve as motivation for the Jiu-Jiteiros to monitor their own progress. Within every belt from white to brown there are so-called "stripes" showing progress, as it may take a few years of training to advance to the next higher belt.
The head instructors ultimately decide all promotions. The attendance check is only one aspect, since the most important criteria are the technical skills shown on the mat. You do not have to win tournaments, but you must show your skills in daily randori at the Academy.
Since, in addition to technique, size, weight and age also play a role in a direct comparison, it is not a question of dominating every lower belt in sparring. If a fifty-year-old brown belt weighing seventy kilos can defend him- or herself well against a twenty-year-old blue belt weighing a hundred kilos, that is a good indication of a high technical level. "Leave your ego at the door" holds true for us. Click on the question mark above to get the answer directly from the source - Helio Gracie himself. Just turn on the subtitles.
Self-Defense and Sports Jiu-Jitsu
What is the difference between self-defense based and sports Jiu-Jitsu?
When Gracie/Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu first started attracting attention outside Brazil (after the first UFC events in the US in the 1990s) there was no difference between self-defense based and sports Jiu-Jitsu; it was simply «Jiu-Jitsu». Those who wanted to test their skills often participated in Value Tudo fights (what has become Mixed Martial Arts), as well as pure Jiu-Jitsu competitions (only grappling allowed).
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As Jiu-Jitsu grew in popularity, the number of Jiu-Jitsu competitions rose. As a result, more people began focusing on techniques allowed in competition, and some self-defense aspects of Jiu-Jitsu like striking/kicking, and striking defense fell by the wayside, leading to what we today refer to as sports Jiu-Jitsu. Many Jiu-Jitsu academies now mostly teach Jiu-Jitsu with a focus on winning matches against other Jiu-Jitsu practicioners. To make matches fairer, competitors ususally compete by level (belt), weight and age, and there are time limits to make competitions practicable.
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However, the initial idea of Gracie/Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was to enable people to defend themselves against a bigger, stronger, attacker in everyday life, where there are no weight, age, or time limits. Most attackers will probably not be trained martial artists, either. This scenario requires a different approach and strategy compared to a competition. Beating the oppenent (by submission or points) is not the main focus as winning simply means getting out of the confrontation with everyone involved unharmed.
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In our opinion there is no right or wrong way to train. Jiu-Jitsu is great for physical and mental health, whether you train for sports or self-defense. Also, focusing training on competitions does not automatically mean people will not be able to defend themselves, just like training for self-defense does not mean one cannot or should not compete. In fact, competitions are a great experience and will only improve one's Jiu-Jitsu. At Jiu-Jitsu Academy Zuerich, however, our main focus will always be to teach our members to defend themselves.
GT&C
Are there general terms and conditions (GT&C) at the Jiu-Jitsu Academy Zuerich?
Yes, the General Terms and Conditions are part of the membership contract and are posted in the Academy. The General Terms and Conditions are also available online or, on request, in paper form.
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Data Protection Declaration
Where can I find the Data Protection Declaration?
You can find the Data Protection Declaration under this section.
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