FAQ

What is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?                                                                                                       

Jiu-Jitsu, which literally means “the gentle art,” is the most effective form of self-defense that does not rely on physical strength and power. http://jobitel.com/ Using techniques of strikes, holds, locks, chokes, throws, and evasions, it employs mechanics through leverage and knowledge of human anatomy to overcome any attacker with minimal effort and strength. Jiu-Jitsu teaches self-confidence, improves self-esteem, relieves stress, and increases the ability to focus.

What makes Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu different from other martial arts?                                  

While other martial arts rely heavily on strength and speed, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu relies on superior technique and leverage.  Go to History for more information on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Is BJJ good exercise?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can provide you with far more extensive results than typical aerobic exercise. The resistance encountered while rolling provides you with a good base to improve your core strength through intense abdominal workout, increase your muscle tone https://xjobs.org/ and reduce you body fat while improving your balance, bodily coordination, cardio vascular capacity, and muscular endurance.

How can I benefit from Silva Jiu-Jitsu?                                                                            

Including Silva Jiu-Jitsu to your routine can help you get in shape, gain confidence, and release stress, all while forming a network of like-minded people sure to motivate and inspire you. The Silva Academy not only excel in this great martial art, but we offer a safe, friendly, and family-style atmosphere that many of our students consider their second home.

What kind of classes do you teach?
Our primary class is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) With Gi (Kimono) and No Gi (Without Kimono/With rash guard and short) extending into Mixed Martial Arts. Several other disciplines are offered depending on the location. Please go to Locations and find a program

What is Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)?
MMA is a combination of martial arts or fighting styles that focus both in ground and stand up tactics for xjobs.org/ a more complete fighter.

What is the learning environment like?                                                                                      

In the Silva Academy we aim to teach you the tools of Jiu-Jitsu so that you can make it your own.  That being said our classes are designed to be fun and stress-free while cultivating a positive learning experience and atmosphere of mutual respect and tolerance towards one another.  We have found that this atmosphere allows individuals to be themselves on the mat and build friendships with their teammates, therefore allowing individuals to perfect the art.

What’s a typical class like?                                                                                                        

Since Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a discipline that utilizes the full body, we believe that getting your body ready is crucial, that is the reason that Master Aloisio Silva adapted knowledge from several martial arts to create the Silva Warm Ups that start with your calisthenics and basic stretches and progress to ply metrics mixed with animal movements.  Following our warm-up we then begin drilling techniques.  The purpose of drilling techniques is so that the repetitiveness helps form muscle memory and allows students to make the techniques feel natural to their own body.  After our drilling is completed then we begin to spar (or roll). Rolling is when students are able to put their techniques to the test with training partners who can resist and counter just as they would in an actual fight. While sparring you are able to tap (to physically tap your opponent with your hand or foot or to vocalize the word tap which leads to your opponent knowing to immediately stop) when it hurts so that you can avoid injury while maximizing mat time.

Do I have to be in shape to participate?
As with any exercise program, you should consult with a physician before beginning. Many people have started “out of shape” but they got into better shape through regular training. We emphasize that are classes are hard but you are welcome to start at your own pace and slowly build up to a full training session. Through application you will achieve your fitness goals.  Some people have lost in excess of fifty pounds through BJJ training.

Am I too old to train?                                                                                                                  

We have students of all ages, each with different goals in mind. Whether you are 5 or 65, our classes and programs are designed to provide results at any age and are enjoyed by both younger and older students. We do recommend that you consult a physician prior to beginning and consider private classes as an introduction to our group classes if you have no prior experience with BJJ.

Can women train?                                                                                                                

Women are welcome to train in any of the classes provided at the Silva Academies.  Although historically, BJJ has been a male dominated discipline it is growing in popularity with women due to the fact that it is the most effective method of self-defense that a woman could have. In most scenarios in which a women may have to defend herself, punching or kicking would not be the most effective method because a male counterpart could do much more damage with their punch or kick.  Having the knowledge to use leverage and technique against a stronger opponent and losing the fear of contact as you train with male teammates in a safe environment in the most beneficial knowledge a women could have. We believe that women can benefit greatly from knowing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and allow them to be confident as individuals and in their ability to defend themselves. Not mentioning that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is an amazing work out that will get you in shape!

What is the Gi?                                                                                                                              

A Gi (sometimes referred to as Kimono) is the uniform that is typically worn when training Jiu-Jitsu. It consists of 3 pieces: a jacket (or top), pants, and a belt. The material in which the three pieces are made is specially reinforced to withstand the rigors of daily practice. Many Jiu-Jitsu players regard their Gi in the same way a knight would their armor. Most practitioners of Jiu-Jitsu who advocate the usage of the Gi cite the more technical aspect of grappling with a Gi.

Why Train with the Gi?                                                                                                             

The gi game obviously has a lot more to it. Everything that can be done without the gi can be done with it, making it a more complex game. Additionally, taking away the gi allows physical attributes such as size, strength and slipperiness to come into play with greater effect due to the lack of levers and friction. Working with the gi is generally considered more of a “thinking man’s” game. Not that no-gi isn’t, it’s just that the gi removes many physical advantages and ads more techniques. For now, you should view your kimono as a set of training wheels. As you develop a higher level of proficiency, you will learn to perform Jiu-jitsu techniques both with and without a kimono. For now, the kimono will add a level of sophistication to your game that will result in you as a student becoming a more advanced and technical fighter.

Will I be expected to compete?                                                                                                 

Silva Jiu-Jitsu is known as a competition team due to the belief that competing allows you to test your skills in a competition environment.  The Silva Team believes that experiencing jiu-jitsu in the competitive environment will also provide insight on how to apply the techniques learned in a real-life self-defense scenario because in competitions you do not know your opponent or their strengths.  That being said, the Silva Team encourages everyone to compete but it is NOT a requirement. While there are many positive reasons for competing in tournaments, you will never be forced. However, over the years we have noticed that students who compete make huge improvements in their BJJ and self-confidence.

Should I tap?                                                                                                                             

Yes. Jiu-Jitsu is an art that is based on leverage, not power.  That being said, a smaller person can submit a bigger opponent.  It is not a cowardly move to tap, but rather a humble move to acknowledge that you have lost and that you are ready to learn.  Tapping is what avoids injuries and not being hurt is what allows you to continue training and eventually know all of the submissions and escapes. 

What is the belt and promotion system?                                                                                    

Belts go as follows:  White, Blue, Purple, Brown, and Black.  One of the main differences between BJJ and other martial arts is that it is hard to get promoted. At a blue belt level, you can almost be considered a lethal force. It will take commitment because we are committed to producing students with real ability.  We do have a curriculum we go by to help you and once you exhibit competency in the techniques acquired you may qualify for a promotion.

What is the typical duration between belt ranks?

Belt Rank & Promotions depend on commitment, athleticism and character of the student and progress as follows:

a.       White to Blue: 1-2 years

b.      Blue to Purple: 1-3 years

c.       Purple to Brown: 1-3 years

d.      Brown to Black: 1-4 years

e.       Black +: First 3 degrees in Black belt are given every 3 years with active teaching and/or competing.  The 4th , 5th and 6th degree come every 5 years with active teaching and/or competing.

Time in not the only criteria or the primary criteria for belt promotion.  A student must also improve in the following areas for belt promotion:

a.       Technical Ability: Measure of how well a technique is performed.

b.      Sparring Ability: Measure of how well techniques are performed during sparring.

c.       Sportsmanship: Measure of how well carry yourself with your partners, instructor and community.  Characteristics that we look at are identified in the ASBJJ Principles

 

What if I have already trained at a BJJ school?

We always welcome practitioners of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or any other martial art.  Aloisio Silva maintains a high standard in the expectation we have of our students in self-defense and sport jiu-jitsu.  In an effort to maintain our high standards all practitioners wanting to become part of the Silva Academies will be subject to belt rank requirement test at the discretion of the instructor.  Aloisio Silva BJJ will acknowledge your belt rank but it will not be considered verified until our belt rank requirement test is given or if an instructor feels that your belt rank is reflective of our high standards.  Private classes are offered to practitioners of BJJ who may not qualify for the belt rank they hold at our academies. 

 What kind of credentials do your instructors have?
To find out more about our instructors and their qualifications, check each instructor’s web page from the main menu above.

How much does it cost?
Each person has different expectations and goals. That’s why we try to customize a plan to suit your needs. With this in mind, the cost will vary from plan to plan. We encourage you to come and try it out. If you decide you wish to continue, then you sign up. See Pricing

What kind of competitions do you participate in?
Sport Jiu-Jitsu (Gi and No-Gi), MMA, NHB, Grappling, Submission Wrestling, and Judo.

How often do I have to train?
The more you train the better you get. Train as often as you like but most people don’t see any real results unless they train three or more times a week.

When and where are your classes?
See Locations
to see the schedule at a location near you.

How do I get started ?
We invite you to take a free class. To set up your free lesson please contact us at silvastaff@yahoo.com or fill out our contact form.