bjj

Checkmat Tacoma, our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (or BJJ) program, is the longest-running and most successful program in Tacoma, WA.  We have been serving Tacoma since 2006, over 15 years. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has many benefits both physically and mentally, and our program is perfect if you are looking to get into shape, become a competitive athlete, or both. Since the students in our BJJ program all share in the same goals our class is welcoming, helpful, and truly ego-free. Our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class is open to anyone 13 years and above (if under 13 refer to our Kid’s BJJ class). Please read some of our frequently asked questions:

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WHAT IS BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU?

Known as "the gentle art," Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art and self-defense system which teaches that leverage, body mechanics, and proper technique can be used by a smaller person successfully against a person who is bigger and stronger.   Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was derived from Kodokan Judo with a focus on grappling with the use of submission holds. It was developed, introduced, and made popular by the Gracie Family and plays a prominent role in MMA.

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WHAT can i expect from my BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU class?

We start class with a warm up followed by learning a specific technique or set of techniques. We then typically progress to positional drilling where we work the technique with a partner resisting 50-70%. After positional drilling we usually bow out of class and open up the mats for rolling. "Rolling" is sparring in BJJ. We currently have 4 black belts who teach and attend classes. Check out our "Coaches" page to to meet our many friendly and excellent coaches who look forward to helping you on the mats.

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IS BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU GOOD EXERCISE?

Absolutely!  Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a great exercise because it provides you with a complete cardiovascular workout, with an increase in muscle tone and a reduction in body fat.  You should also notice improvements in your endurance, coordination, reflexes, balance and cardiovascular capacity.   The best part is that it doesn’t matter what kind of shape you are incoming into our BJJ class, with regular classes you will notice changes in your physical appearance.

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DO I NEED TO HAVE ANY PRIOR MARTIAL ARTS OR WRESTLING EXPERIENCE?

No. The best part about our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program is that you can walk in the door and get started right away with no experience.  As mentioned earlier, our BJJ students all share in the same goals, and we understand that helping others get better is the only way we can all get better.  That mentality passes down directly to the classroom level with our students always being helpful, reassuring, and welcoming.   In our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class you will notice that we have a true ego-free environment.

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CAN I COMPETE IN BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU?

T-Town MMA has a competition team and it is open for anyone to join.  We compete in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Grappling tournaments all over the area and have historically had strong results.   We do not force you to compete at any time, we leave that decision totally up to you, and if you choose to we provide you with all the training and coaching necessary.  Just walk into our school and you can see all of our accomplishments displayed proudly on our walls, we are very proud of all of our competitors.

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IS THERE ANY GEAR I NEED TO HAVE?

The required gear for our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class is as follows:

• Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Gi and Belt for BJJ classes

• Rashguard, Spats, Shorts for No-Gi classes