Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - fundamental gi classes are open to all ranks and skill levels.
Thomas Williams Jiu Jitsu has been coaching Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Tulsa for over a decade, and has built a reputation for providing technical instruction applicable to sport and self defense. The fundamentals classes help students develop confidence to perform takedowns, maintaining dominant position, and correctly and effectively applying submissions from chokes to joint locks.
What is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - Gi Fundamentals class?
At Balanced Bodies, our BJJ Gi Fundamental classes are the basis for all other jiu jitsu instruction. With technical detail and an emphasis on positional stability and control, these classes are a great place to start your journey for sport or self defense.
Classes consist of several stages:
- Class start / Warm up
This includes a formal bow in, a yoga-based stretch, brief cardio, and line drills - Instruction / Drilling
Coaches will teach a series of techniques, generally either related or becoming more complex. Throughout the instruction, coaches allow time for partner drilling of each sequence to ensure a good understanding and correct application of the techniques - Sparring / Resistance Drilling
After all techniques have been shown, coaches will pair students up for sparring or resistance drilling starting from a specific position.
What you need to know.
Like other martial arts including Judo and Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a full-contact combat sport. As such, participating in class carries some risk of injury. However, our coaches are trained to provide a fun and safe environment for practicing skills, even with resistance.
One of the key features that makes BJJ so effective is the ability to train with near or even at 100% resistance, knowing that at any point, one can "tap out" to a submission and avoid injury. Tap early and tap often,
# What to wear
If you don't have a gi, that's OK! We have several available for you to borrow, or if you're coming as a guest of one of our members, they will probably let you borrow one.
Either way, make sure to wear a t-shirt or a rashguard (compression shirt) and some athletic/compression shorts to keep on under your gi. Our female students are also required to wear a sports bra under their gi for comfort and safety.
# Pro tips
Make sure to trim your fingernails and toenails, as well as take other measures to ensure good hygiene.
Be prepared to sweat! Even in the winter, the gym stays warm and humid thanks to the work ethic of our students.
If you're unsure about something, just ask! Our coaches and upper belts are here to help you make the best of your time on the mat
# Benefits of BJJ Fundamentals
Learn and practice the basics of an effective martial art in a fun, safe environment
Enjoy a physically and mentally demanding form of exercise
