FAQ

No former experience is necessary and all ages and levels of fitness can enjoy learning BJJ. We train together as a team and all levels are welcome to train with Leixlip Flow BJJ. Our coaches are going to help you to learn new skills and we also encourage all our students to help develop other students, so we get better as a whole.

Belt progression in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is based on a combination of skill, experience, time on the mat, and personal growth. Unlike some martial arts, BJJ promotions are not based on testing or just attendance — they're earned through consistent training, technical improvement, and application of technique. Adult belt ranks are: White (beginner) Blue Purple Brown Black We also award stripes on belts to indicate progress between belts. The belt system for children in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is different from the adult system and is designed to help young students stay motivated, track their progress, and build confidence as they grow in the art. Children under the age of 16 follow a colored belt progression that includes the following ranks: White Grey (with white, solid, and black variations) Yellow (with white, solid, and black variations) Orange (with white, solid, and black variations) Green (with white, solid, and black variations) Each belt color has up to three stages: white stripe, solid color, and black stripe. These represent increasing skill levels within each color. Stripes are also awarded between belts to mark progress and reward consistency, effort, and improvement. Once a child turns 16, they may begin transitioning into the adult belt system, typically starting at blue belt, depending on their experience and instructor’s evaluation. Your instructors will track your progress during your classes and when they think you are ready they will invite you to your graduation and belt progression!

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a very safe sport however it is essential that you take care of your training partners: - Always respect the "tap"! Any person that holds a submission or choke past their partner's tap will be banned from the academy. - Fingers and toenails must be kept trimmed. - Refrain from wearing watches, rings, bracelets and other items of jewelry while training. - We advise you to wear a mouthguard, but this is not mandatory. - We have a zero tolerance policy for any bulling or harassing fellow training partners or instructors.

1. Fingernails and toenails must be trimmed to a reasonable length so as not to injury your training partners. 2. Absolutely no shoes on the mats, only clean bare feet. Footwear must be stored in the areas provided. Please bring your flipflops to wear as you come on and off the mat. 3. Appropriate clothing must be worn during the session. In our gym we wear a rashguard and Gi. In a "No Gi" class you must wear a full length sleeve rashguard and leggings and you must wear over the leggings grappling/MMA shorts, please without zippers or pockets. 4. Your body must be free from jewelry including watches, bracelets and piercings during the session. ​5. We reserve the right to remove any persons in the academy who is deemed under the influence of intoxicating substances. 6. Foodstuffs are not to be eaten inside the academy at anytime. But please bring water to all classes. 7. Zero tolerance policy of bulling and harassment. 8. Keep yourself, your rashguard and kimono clean at all times.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu without the Kimono or Gi is formally known as 'No Gi' and is an ever increasingly popular sport that uses all the basic takedown and submission techniques of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Wrestling and Judo, and incorporates them into a singular type of grappling. While we love to train in the kimono; which is largely regarded as the foundation of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, No Gi training is an essential part of a fully rounded grappling game. In a "No Gi" class you must wear a full length sleeve shirt and leggings and you must wear over the leggings grappling/MMA shorts, please without zippers or pockets.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a submission based martial art and combat sport. It's central focus is the skill of taking an opponent to the ground, controlling that opponent and using techniques to force them into submission via joint locks or chokeholds.

You will need a Kimono, also known as a Gi, and a rashguard underneath - this is the standard uniform that BJJ practitioners wear when undertaking a journey to learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. We sell the Kimonos/Gi's and rashguards in our academy, but you can also buy your own as long as it is white and you have JSBJJ and Leixlip Flow BJJ patches sewed onto your Kimono (we sell those patches also). You will also need flipflops to keep your feet clean as you come on and off the mats. You will also need a water bottle to keep you hydrated. Gumshield is advised, but not mandatory. We ask that you refrain from wearing watches, earrings, rings, bracelets and keep your nails short to avoid injuring your training partners.

We know its a cliche to say "You're never too old!" but you really never are! Jiu-jitsu is truly a martial art for everyone and there is a thriving community of senior practitioners all round the world. Although classes are in group we tailor our teaching to the individual, so you can take each class at your own pace.

Definitely! JSBJJ have a thriving Juniors program that is well supervised and safe for children from 5+ to train, and we are bringing this same program to Leixlip Flow BJJ. Our kids program focuses on the core values of discipline, respect and hard work that prepares children for adult life, helping them to overcome modern problems including mental health issues, low self esteem and bulling.