Ultimate Fitness Centre 11 Penlline St, Cardiff
Monday to Saturday

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

GENERAL

WHAT IS BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU?

Brazilian jiu-jitsu also abbreviated as BJJ is a self-defence martial art and combat sport based on grappling, ground fighting, and submission holds. BJJ is primarily a ground-based fighting style and focuses on taking one’s opponent down to the ground, gaining a dominant position, and using a number of techniques to force them into submission via joint locks, chokeholds, or compression locks.

WHAT IS SUBMISSION GRAPPLING?

Submission grappling is a fighting style and combat sport that focuses on ground fighting and submission techniques. It is a hybrid discipline that incorporates elements of various martial arts such as wrestling, judo, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Submission wrestling is practiced both as a competitive sport and as a training method for self-defence and mixed martial arts (MMA).

CLASSES

DO I NEED A PRIOR LEVEL OF FITNESS, FLEXIBILITY ETC. BEFORE JOINING?

No. Following the principle of specificity, the best way to get fit for BJJ, is by doing BJJ. This way you will not only improve your fitness but also your BJJ techniques.

IS IT OKAY TO START BJJ LATER IN LIFE OR IS BJJ FOR YOUNGER ATHLETES?

BJJ is great for people of all ages. We have many students who started BJJ in their 40s and 50s. The key to being successful in BJJ at a later age is to take the training at your own pace and be careful of expecting too much of yourself.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR TO MY FIRST CLASS?

Sports clothing such as short/joggers and a t shirt with no zips or metal pieces and if possible, with no pockets.

DO I NEED TO PURCHASE A GI BEFORE JOINING?

No. We sell club Gis, rashguards and shorts at the gym.

DO I NEED TO BRING ANYTHING TO MY FIRST CLASS?

No, however water and a small towel are advisable.

I AM NEW TO BJJ, AM I RESTRICTED TO ONLY ATTENDING THE BEGINNER’S CLASSES?

No. The beginner’s classes are tailored specifically to beginners, however if they don’t fit with your schedule or you would really like to challenge yourself, you can attend the regular classes.

HOW DO BELT PROMOTIONS WORK? (GI ONLY)

Promotions are given at the discretion of the head coach. These are given based on ability and correct execution of multiple techniques. For adults there are 5 belt colours: White, Blue, Purple, Brown, Black. It typically takes an average of 2 years to obtain each belt when consistently training multiple times per week.

DO I HAVE TO COMPETE TO BE PROMOTED?

No. See above.

KIDS CLASSES

AGE MISMATCHES - THE AGE RANGE FOR CLASSES IS BROAD E.G., 4 YEARS OLD TO 10 YEARS OLD. WILL MY CHILD BE PAIRED WITH SOMEONE MUCH OLDER, BIGGER, MORE EXPERIENCED?

No, children are paired appropriately based on age, size and ability. Classes are always conducted with safety and enjoyment as the main priorities.

PAYMENT

HOW DO I PAY FOR CLASS?

Card payments and cash are accepted for individual classes. Monthly memberships are done via direct debit.

WHAT ARE YOUR PRICES?

To discuss the package that will best suit you and your training needs, please contact us directly.

FACILITIES

DO I NEED TO BOOK A PLACE IN THE CLASS PRIOR TO ATTENDING?

No. Currently we have enough space to accommodate the typical sized class. If class numbers become too big, a booking system may be installed.

DOES THE CLUB HAVE PARKING?

Yes, parking is on the roof of the gym. Drive around the back of the gym and up the ramp on the left-hand side to access the roof. You can also enter the gym through the door on the roof.

You must enter your car registration number into the tablet at the reception of the gym each time you attend to avoid parking fine.

DOES THE GYM HAVE CHANGING ROOMS, LOCKERS AND SHOWERS?

Yes.

DOES THE MEMBERSHIP INCLUDE USE OF THE GYM/WEIGHTS EQUIPMENT?

No. This would require a separate payment to the UFC gym.