FAQs Archive - Team Torres Derry

Q: What is the belt promotion system?

Belt promotion is hard and a commitment in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu unlike some other martial arts. But the grading up is a great achievement and should be celebrated. We have a curriculum that must be followed and when members show competency in their technical ability, sparring ability and sportsmanship a belt or stripe promotion is on the cards. For adults the jiu jitsu belt system goes white, blue, purple, brown and black, with a very few excelling to coral and red belt For children the jiu jitsu belt system (for under 16s) goes white, grey-white, grey, grey-black, yellow-white, yellow, yellow-black, orange-white, orange, orange-black, green-white, green and green-black.

Q: How often am I expected to train to gain benefits?

The more you train the better you get at it so to the extent of the benefits you wish to see will be dependent on you and the hard work you are willing to put in.

Q: Is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu a suitable martial art for children?

BJJ is an excellent martial art for children to help them improve confidence and discipline in a safe and fun environment. Our instructors have won many titles at world and national level. At Team Torres we run multiple classes for kids per week.

Q: What should I wear to my first class?

At Team Torres we have a mix of gi and no-gi classes, the gi is a traditional uniform used by many martial arts, but a BJJ gi is a much thicker and heavier garment than a karate or Japanese Jiu Jitsu gi. You do not need to buy a gi for your first class. In the No-gi classes people usually wear shorts and rash guards although again if you don't have these initially don't worry. For your first class, we recommend you wear shorts or tracksuit bottoms and a t-shirt. The garments you wear may be grabbed and pulled on, so choose something sturdy and that you don’t mind being tugged at. For safety reasons, do not wear anything with zips, pockets or buttons. If you have long hair, please tie it back with a soft hair tie.

Q: Do I need to be fit to do a martial art?

At Team Torres we run a Fundamentals program designed to help you improve as a martial artist, we don't expect you to be a world champion from day one and our structured program will allow you to develop as a student whilst improving flexibility, strength and stamina.

Q: Why train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?

There are many reasons why people choose to train BJJ. Some people are motivated by a desire to learn to defend themselves, while some people are interested in the sporting side of the art, or train it alongside other martial arts so that they can compete in mixed martial arts competitions. Other people choose to train because they enjoy the exercise, and see it as a good way to get fit. All of those reasons are valid. At Team Torres we teach both Gi (wear a uniform) and No-Gi Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for adults and children, and cover self defence techniques as well as sports-focused techniques. Our classes are attended by a broad range of age and ability levels, including competitive BJJ players, mixed martial artists, fitness enthusiasts and those who are training for self defence.