JC Project​s

Is JC Projects the right place for me?

 

If you are looking to just lift weights or you are attend a gym infrequently then we might not be the right place for you.

BUT, if you are looking for a workout that improves your body and sharpens your mind,  burns calories, increases your core strength and flexibility, and on top of everything else also teaches you practical self-defense then we are probably worth checking out.  If you like a fun, friendly community where members respect each other and try to make each other better then you should definitely do a trial.  We are confident that if you come to train regularly, work with our coaching staff on recommended diets outside of the gym, we can get you to a fitter, healthier lifestyle.

 

What is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) ?

 

BJJ promotes the concept that a smaller, weaker person can successfully defend against a bigger, stronger assailant by using proper technique, leverage, and most notably, taking the fight to the ground, and then applying joint-locks and chokeholds to defeat the opponent. BJJ training can be used for sport grappling tournaments (gi and no-gi) and mixed martial arts (MMA) competition or self-defense.[2] Sparring (commonly referred to as "rolling") and live drilling play a major role in training, and a premium is placed on performance, especially in competition, in relation to progress and ascension through its ranking system.   To understand the essence of BJJ, please watch the first 3 videos at the top of the page.

 

What percentages of street altercations go to the ground?

Based on an article by police instructor Chris Leblanc which sites a 1997 study done by the Los Angeles Police Department and a report done by Calibre Press which studied the frequency in which officers were forced to the ground, the report cited that suspects had attempted to take them down 52.3% and that the suspects accomplished this 60.4% of the time. Of that number, the overwhelming majority stayed on the ground grappling with the officer (77.2%).  Keep in mind these are armed and trained police officers that are being attacked.  You can only imagine that the statistics are higher for unarmed civilians when put into a confrontational situation.  See this real life video of a BJJ purple belt defending himself with BJJ and watch how quickly the fight goes to the ground.

 

Who can learn Jiu-Jitsu?

 

Practically anyone can utilize the techniques created by Carlos Gracie. Carlos Gracie, when he created his revolutionary system, weighed no more than 135 lbs. The core principle of Gracie Jiu-jitsu is to provide a method for smaller, weaker individuals to protect themselves from bigger, stronger attackers.

 

What if I’m an older person?

 

No problem.  We have both old and young students. The founder of BJJ practiced until shortly before his death at the age of 95.  Anthony Bourdain started BJJ at the age of 58.  See Anthony Bourdain's interview on Charlie Rose.

 

 

What if I’m not athletic?

 

BJJ is for everybody.  BJJ was developed as a self-defense system for the non-athlete and the smaller person.  Studying BJJ will help you become more athletic.  We have people of all skill levels and body types in class and we match our students according to skill and ability.   There is an aspect of self-defense that everybody can learn and take away from.  We don’t expect every student that walks through our doors to be world champions, but we treat you with the same respect and attention as if you were.  Furthermore, we work with you to motivate you to accomplish “your” goals.

 

 

What sets you apart from other martial arts studios and gym/fitness spaces?

 

Other forms of fitness may distract your mind away from the problems of life.  Our philosophy is to focus your mind positively towards personal growth and to face and overcome your problems which will unlock your personal potential.  The difference for us is that we are building a community and a culture of F.I.R.S.T=FUN through FITNESS, INTELLIGENT INSTRUCTION by professionals, RESPECT for yourself and the community, SELF-DEFENSE and SAFETY for our members, and TRAINING to achieve our goals.  I use the word “our” rather than “your” which is an important distinction.  We will sit down with you to discuss your goals to see if they are achievable and we will implement a mutually agreed upon plan and strategy to achieve your goals in a timeframe that makes sense.  Think of us as not only your coach in the gym but outside as well.  We like to think of our members as part of the team and as the old saying goes T.ogether E.verybody A.chieves M.ore.

 

 

Can women participate in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?

 

Absolutely.  In fact, the sport has more and more women joining.  We advocate that all women should have some rudimentary knowledge of self-defense and especially as it pertains to ground work.  BJJ is one of the best martial arts bases to learn self-defense on the ground.  We have periodic seminars for women only on self-defense using BJJ and other techniques. In these classes you will gain confidence and learn self-defense. You will gain satisfaction by improving your athletic abilities. Finally, you willl feel better just because you know you are doing something good for body, mind and spirit.

 

 

Is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu good for children?

 

Absolutely.  BJJ builds balance and coordination.  It increases confidence and self-esteem.  Kids learn good social and bonding skills with other children.  Martial arts teaches kids focus and discipline. BJJ keeps kids active, in shape, and focused on positive things and out of trouble.  BJJ is a lifestyle and a fun one at that where kids can meet great friends.

We accept children as young as 5 years of age and depending on maturity level of the child. BJJ not only teaches children practical self-defense techniques against bullies but also gives them the self confidence and emotional maturity to avoid conflict.  We never advocate violence, but if a person is attacked we definitely advocate protecting yourself and you can do this best not by starting fights but finishing them.  Last but not least, we will teach your children how to protect themselves and control aggressors.

 

For the youth classes are parents allowed to watch?

 

By all means we encourage parents to stay and watch.  In fact we love it when parents participate with their children in class.  You will be able to see and practice first hand what your children are learning and have an opportunity to reinforce it at home.

 

What makes BJJ different from other martial arts?

 

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu relies on superior technique and leverage.  While we don’t claim that BJJ is better or worse than other martial arts, we do know for a fact that whether you want to be an MMA fighter or just want to be able to defend yourself better, learning to fight on the ground is an important part of the equation.  In fact, we recommend learning a stand-up/striking skill such as boxing or kick boxing, a take down skill such as wrestling or judo, and a ground based skill such as BJJ or Sambo, etc.  We will offer some form of all three of these disciplines eventually at our space.

 

I’m thinking about joining a gym but I want to wait until I’m in better shape.

 

There is no better time to join a gym than now.  Whether it’s our gym or another. Naturally we think our space is the best location for this to happen, but either way, waiting to get into better shape is not going to happen magically overnight.  We can think of no better way and more fun than to start learning BJJ to get in shape.  BJJ which is similar to wrestling has been estimated to burn from 750 to 1000 calories an hour depending on body size, intensity, and environmental conditions (i.e. temp of room)

 

 

I’ve joined gyms before but I always seem to quit or lose motivation, and I fear your gym will be the same.

 

The secret to getting in shape is fun. Why do you think 99% of people who join a gym or begin an exercise program end up quitting within a few weeks? Because once the heady rush of motivation disappears, the reality of getting in shape reveals itself - working out is arduous, boring, and repetitive. Without high levels of motivation to keep you going, it's all too easy to drop out. Which is why we endorse a method that exercises your creativity, that reaches habitual levels of addictiveness, and is above all else, fun - so that it's like your fitness comes along as a natural consequence of your participation.

 

What is a Gi?

 

A Gi (sometimes referred to as Kimono) is the uniform that is typically worn when training Jiu-Jitsu. It consists of 3 pieces: a jacket (or top), pants, and a belt. The material in which the three pieces are made is specially reinforced to withstand the rigors of daily practice. Many Jiu-Jitsu players regard their Gi in the same way a knight would their armor. Most practitioners of Jiu-Jitsu who advocate the usage of the Gi cite the more technical aspect of grappling with a Gi.

 

What are the Belt Rankings in Jiu-Jitsu?

 

As with other martial arts, the progress of a student is marked with a series of colored belts. Unlike other martial arts where Black Belt marks a person’s proficiency in a style, in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu the rank of Black Belt is conferred to individuals who have mastered the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The belts in order are: White, Blue, Purple, Brown and Black. Often schools award four stripes for White through Brown belts. Black Belts are typically awarded one stripe every three years up to ten stripes. There are special classifications for Black Belts fighter and instructors. Instructors have Black Belts with Red bands and Black Belt fighters have White Bands. Typically, Black Belt instructors are not allowed to promote others up to Black Belt rank until they receive their first stripe. The ranks for children are different. Blue belt and higher ranks have age requirements so children have the following ranks beginning with White, Yellow, Orange and Green. Each belt has 4 stripes. These belts are utilized until age 16.

 

How long until I get my Black Belt?

 

On average most people take between 8 and 12 years to get a Black Belt.  However, at JC Projects we emphasize that your speed of progression has a high correlation with the amount of time spent on the mat.  Furthermore, we also want to emphasize that training in BJJ is a marathon and not a sprint.  In fact, we like to think of it as a life long journey.  Once you get your Black Belt that is only the beginning of your training.  Most people who get their Black Belt continue to train well past their first day as a black belt. The beauty of BJJ is that the sport continues to evolve even among the highest level participants.  Furthermore, there are so many combinations and variations that it takes a lifetime to master.  While progression and belt advancement is nice, we emphasize that it’s not the color of your belt that matters but your skill level that is important.  There is a nice quote that sums up our philosophy and to paraphrase,  "The real question is NOT how good your jiu-jitsu is, but rather how good jiu-jitu is for you."

 

Is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu dangerous?

 

Our culture and number one emphasis at JC Projects is on safety.  While BJJ is a full contact sport, it is known as the “gentle” martial art.   You can practice BJJ at full speed and technique and yet not harm your training partner.  This is something very few other “full contact” martial arts can claim.  BJJ when taught in the proper environment is definitely safe and for everybody from young to old.  However, make no mistake that once you learn proper techniques BJJ would definitely be dangerous for anybody who tried to attack you.

 

Is BJJ good exercise?

 

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can provide you with far more extensive results than typical aerobic exercise. The resistance encountered while rolling provides you with a good base to improve your core strength through intense abdominal workout, increase your muscle tone, and reduce you body fat while improving your balance, bodily coordination, cardio vascular capacity, and muscular endurance.

 

I don’t have a lot of time to workout.  How much time is required?

 

We won’t lie to you and say you will get better or learn a lot by coming only periodically to class.  We expect and want our members to come regularly for class.  We realize that there are other priorities in life and sometimes scheduling conflicts do happen.  That is why our classes are recorded and the videos are placed in a members only section of our website for those who missed class but still don’t want to fall behind in what was covered in class.  In general, classes are one hour a day but we offer multiple classes each day for those wanting an additional workout.  Any time spent training, will naturally be better for your body and your technique.

 

I am not flexible.  Do I need to be flexible to do BJJ?

 

While it may help with certain techniques,You do not have to be flexible to do BJJ.  In fact, most people find that as they continue to study BJJ, their flexibility improves as a natural consequence of the training.  But the fundamental study of BJJ is accessible to people of all levels of flexibility.

 

Does your space only provide BJJ?

 

Currently, we provide the highest level of professional BJJ instruction in Jersey City, and we plan to roll out other services as we expand such as cardio kickboxing, yoga/aerial yoga, and massage therapy.

 

What do I wear my first time to class?

 

We do require all members and guests to wear some sort of sandals or flipflops when walking around off the mat.  For BJJ we suggest you bring workout shorts or pants and a t-shirt or rashguard. We also have rash guards and shorts for sale if you need them. For yoga, comfortable workout clothes and a mat if you want.  For Cardio Kickboxing, shorts and a t-shirt will do.  If you have hand rolls and your own gloves feel free to bring although we also have gloves for you.  For any of the three programs we suggest a water bottle and towel.  We also have showers with shampoo so if you would like to shower bring a towel and a change of clothes. A mouthpiece is also recommended and although it’s not required it is recommended that guys wear an athletic support.

 

What’s a typical class like?

 

We begin class with some light calisthenics and stretching. Following our warm-up we then begin drilling technique. These drills when done over and over help form muscle memory and help our students retain technique. After our drilling is completed then we begin to spar (or roll). Rolling is when students are able to put their techniques to the test with training partners who can resist and counter just as they would in an actual fight, providing valuable real-world experience should the techniques ever need to be applied in an actual fight.

 

How do I get started ?

 

We invite you to sign up for a trial class series. To set up your trial, please contact us at the email or phone below.  Alternatively, you can fill out our contact form and one of our professionals will contact you.