15 Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many days a week can I attend class?
Gracie Barra Santa Rosa has training available 6 days a week for adults (Monday through Saturday), and 5 days of training for kids (no classes, for right now, on Sundays and Fridays)
2. How many days a week should I train?
We suggest as many as you’re comfortable with! The more classes the quicker you’ll get better! But we’d suggest at least two classes a week.
3. Do I have to pay for promotions?
NEVER! At Gracie Barra Santa Rosa we believe stripe and belt promotions are earned through hard work and dedication!
4. Is Gracie Barra Santa Rosa more focused on competition or recreational BJJ?
Yes to both! Both Coach Natalie and Professor Connor have a passion for competition and have been able to obtain medals at the most prestigious BJJ competitions, but they still realize the most important part of BJJ is to have fun! We embrace those that compete and support them when they are getting ready for a competition, but do not expect all our students to be competitors.
5. How long is a typical adult’s class?
A typical adult’s class is 1 hour long. However, competition class is an hour and half long.
6. When can I start sparring or live training?
Sparring and live training sessions are for white belts with three stirps and up. But if you have prior grappling, judo, or wrestling knowledge exceptions can be made!
7. What is the difference between gi and no gi Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is tradition done in the gi, also known as a kimono, and is usually made out of 100% cotton and is tied together by a belt and is colored according to the individuals’ rank. No gi is when the kimono is not worn during practice, and instead, a pair of zipper-less and buttonless board shorts are worn along with a tight-fitting sport shirt called a rash guard.
8. Where are you located?
Gracie Barra Santa Rosa is located at 3501 Industrial Drive, Unit D, Santa Rosa, CA 95403
9. How many years have Professor Connor and Coach Natalie been training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
Both Coach Natalie and Professor Connor started training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2012, so they’ve been doing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for around 8 years (as of October of 2020). Both were able to climb the rank up to brown and black belt so quickly because they often attend class 7 days a week and twice a day at times.
10. What if I only want to train no gi?
Although we suggest mixing both gi and no gi training to become more well rounded in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, you can still attend no gi training 6 days a week during our live training sessions and our Friday no gi class.
11. Is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu a safe and effective way to get fit and get in shape?
YES! Under proper supervision and guidance Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a great, unique, and effective way to become fit!
12. Is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu useful in a self-defense situation on the streets?
Yes! Both gi and no gi have great applications in real world scenarios! Not only can Brazilian Jiu Jitsu help you physically respond to a self-defense situation, it can also help you mentally prepare too!
13. Am I too old to train?
We believe in the Gracie Barra saying, “Jiu Jitsu For Everyone!” If you want to train, we’ll make sure you are able to in the safest manner possible!
14. Do I need to be in shape to train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
Nope! One of the best parts about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is the customizable aspect to training. Coaches and Professors will make sure you train and workout to break through walls and achieve personal goals without pushing yourself too hard.
15. How long does it take to get to black belt?
This is always a hard question to answer because it is very much dependent on the individual, and how much they train, their personal growth while training, and other important factors. But a good rule of thumb is if you attend 2-3 classes a week, you could see a black belt around your waist in about 10 years. Of course, the more classes you attend, and the more consistent you are in your long term training the quicker the journey is to black belt!