Frequently Asked Questions

What Do I Need to Bring With Me to Training?

  1. Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated.

  2. Bring a pair of slides or flip flops to wear when off the mats.

  3. Wear or bring athletic clothes to change into for No Gi classes and Beginner Trials. Make sure clothes fit well and are not oversized or baggy.

  4. Wear or bring a Gi (Jiu Jitsu uniform) for Gi classes. Gentle Arts Dojo keeps some in stock for purchase and are happy to order one for you if we don’t have your size in stock.

What Are Gentle Arts Dojo’s Health and Safety Procedures?

  1. Do not come to class if you are ill or have any skin infections, rashes, or open wounds.

  2. Always wear a clean gi and rash guard to class.

  3. Remove your shoes at the front door and wear flip flops to the washroom and change room. Only be barefoot on the mats.

  4. Remove all jewelry and piercings. If piercings cannot be removed, they must be covered with athletic tape.

  5. Trim your finger and toenails short.

  6. Bring a water bottle to class and make sure to stay hydrated. Sit out and alert an instructor if you feel lightheaded or dizzy.

  7. Alert an instructor if you are bleeding or require a first aid kit.

Do I Need Previous Experience or a Certain Fitness Level to Start Jiu Jitsu?

  1. Jiu Jitsu is a sport for anyone, regardless of your current experience or fitness level.

  2. Instructors make sure to tailor instruction to each student’s individual level and are happy to support beginners in all class formats.

  3. Our gym offers Fundamentals classes Tuesdays and Thursdays which are geared towards developing the foundational skills of the sport and we offer a cohort-style Beginner Accelerated program on a regular basis.

  4. There is no better way to get in shape for Jiu Jitsu than by practicing Jiu Jitsu itself. Training Jiu Jitsu will improving your general fitness by building strength, flexibility and stamina.

Is Jiu Jitsu Safe?

  1. Jiu Jitsu is a combat sport, which naturally carries a certain level of risk, but Jiu Jitsu can be incredibly safe if practiced in an environment that prioritizes the safety and well-being of the practitioners. We work hard every day to maintain such an environment at Gentle Arts Dojo.

  2. Gentle Arts Dojo takes great care to ensure all students make the safety of their training partners their number one priority in any grappling engagement.

  3. Instructors take specific care to communicate safety rules and procedures to all new students and guests.

Am I Too Old to Start Jiu Jitsu?

  1. Jiu Jitsu has no age limit. Our instructors tailor classes based both on experience level and functional ability of our students.

  2. Our classes are set up so that you are able to work at own pace and scale the level of intensity.

  3. If you have specific health concerns check with your doctor before starting Jiu Jitsu.

“Completely new to brazilian jiu jitsu, or any martial art for that matter. Been learning at the dojo for a few weeks now— instructors are great and seem competent. The learning atmosphere is very respectful and constructive. There are fit, unfit, young, old, light, and heavy players, they all seem to have found a pace to match themselves with and make good use of their time.

I’ve seen a couple of visitors come in from different cities and training a session there and having a great time. They also have a free introductory class you can book to get a feel for what the sport is like, no strings attached.

Personally, I’m enjoying this so far per my three weeks of trying it out. It just feels great, and as a person with subpar fitness I’ve never sweat this much in my life, yet I am enjoying this loads. Hope I can build my way up and learn as much as I can.”

- Gentle Arts Dojo Member