Submission Concepts Jiu Jitsu Student Handbook
Lead Black Belt: Coach Jonathan Ramirez
Black Belt: Coach William (Bill) Roberts
Kids and Fundamentals Coach: Mr. Sammy Sandoval (Purple Belt)
Kids, Fundamentals, and Women’s Coach: Ms. Krystle Kruizenga (Purple Belt)
Welcome to Submission Concepts Jiu Jitsu!
We are so excited that you have decided to join our Jiu Jitsu family! We aim to provide a supportive and welcoming environment here at Submission Concepts. Our hope is that what you experience and learn from the Gentle Art of Jiu Jitsu, will not only create success for you on the mats, but off the mats as well. Change is inevitable, and we believe Jiu Jitsu will prepare you for the ebb and flow of life’s experiences.
What is the Gentle Art of Jiu Jitsu?
There are some who claim Jiu Jitsu was originally created by the Buddhist Monks 4,000 years ago in order to subdue those who would choose to do harm unto them, without force. Jū in Japanese means ‘gentleness,’ and jutsu means ‘art’ or ‘technique,’ literally translating to “gentle art.” Although we cannot trace the lineage directly back to the monks, we can see how the way of the monks can be reflected when studying the art of Jiu Jitsu. Focus and attention of the Self must be present to be able to subdue or overcome any obstacle or challenge presented to us, internally or externally. Samurai in Japan knew that discipline of the mind and body was necessary when studying the arts. It is in Japan that we can trace back the lineage of the gentle art.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art that is derived from Japanese Jiu-Jitsu and Judo. BJJ uses timing, leverage, torsion and pressure in order to take one’s opponent to the ground and subdue them with joint manipulations and/or chokes. In 1915 Japanese judoka, Mitsuyo Maeda began teaching Jiu-Jitsu and Judo in Brazil. Amongst his very first students were Master Helio Gracie, and his brother Master Carlos Gracie. These men came to develop the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu that was brought to the United States in the early 1970s. In the early 1990s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was made popular by the Gracie family during some of the first UFC events. Since then, it has grown to be one of the most popular martial arts seeked out and learned today. It has more recently been modernized by sport BJJ competitions, but is still taught and used for combative and self defense situations. Organizations such as the military, and police, are taught the more traditional self defense and combat form of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Our Lineage
Jigoro Kano
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Mitsuyo “Count Konde” Maeda
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Carlos & Helio Gracie
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Royler Gracie
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Jason Izaguirre
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Dave Siller
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Jonathan Ramirez & William “Bill” Roberts
Rules and Etiquette
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Always greet the Professor/instructor leading the class upon entering the mats, and bow as you come on and off the mats
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Students will show respect to all school property, instructors, and other students
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Students (kids) will ask an instructor to be excused before stepping off the training mats
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Instructors will be addressed as “Coach”, “Mr.” or “Ms.” followed by their name
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No shoes allowed on the training mats, and shoes/sandals must be worn in the restroom
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Personal hygiene is of extreme importance. Please keep fingernails and toenails trimmed, keep hands and feet clean, and stay home if you feel sick or have any type of skin infection
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For the safety of your training partners and yourself, please refrain from wearing jewelry while training
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No food or drinks on the training mats
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Students must be attentive while instruction is being given
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During drilling time, students must continue drilling until otherwise instructed
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Profane language or negative talk will NOT be accepted
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Proper attire will be worn at all times, and a complete uniform must be worn during training unless otherwise instructed (please get with sales representative to purchase full uniform (gi and belt) and school patches)
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All students will take responsibility for themselves, and learn to tie their own belts without the assistance of parents/guardians
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As a sign of respect to our lineage, students will tie their belts facing away from instructors and Helio Gracie portraits.
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It is customary that students ask instructors to help clean up and return equipment to respective places
FAQ
What ages can my child start?
We suggest that your child be 5 years old to start class, but if they have displayed attentiveness and an interest in jiu-jitsu at 4 years of age, they are welcome to try class. Children must be potty trained.
Do I have to be in shape to participate?
Jiu-jitsu can be practiced by individuals of all levels of fitness. All fitness levels are welcome.
Am I too old to train?
Helio Gracie was in his 90s as he continued to train and teach jiu-jitsu. We do not believe age is a limitation to the vast amount of knowledge jiu-jitsu has to offer.
What is Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and what is a typical class like?
Typically we begin class by lining up facing the Helio Gracie portrait, meditating, and bowing in. We then begin warmups that include fundamental movements, and/or drills associated with the lesson(s) being taught that day. After warmups we gather around the instructors and begin our lesson(s) for the day. In kids class we may have frequent chats about the Character focus for that 2 month period. Once we have reviewed our lesson(s) we drill them until the instructors regather the group. At the end of class may have live rolls (BJJ sparring), or do games/activities specific to the lesson(s) of the day. At the end of class we will line up, meditate, and bow out.
Do I have to train with the gi?
We uphold the tradition of jiu-jitsu by training with the full gi. We also offer no-gi and self defense classes that do not require the full uniform. It is our belief that training with the full gi gives you a deeper understanding of leverage, and can enhance your no-gi skills.
How much are the monthly dues?
Please get with a staff member to inquire about current prices.
How do the promotions work?
Instructors are constantly evaluating each student’s growth and development. Promotions are individualized, and based on consistency and technical competencies. Kids’ promotions are mainly determined based on our 6 Pillars of Character Development, behavioral conduct improvements, and whether or not the student is proficient in criteria covered. We want the best for everyone, and we appreciate your faith and trust in the process we have created. If you or your child is about to receive a new belt promotion, a small fee of $10 is needed in order to purchase the new belt.
Character Development Program
As part of the Submission Concepts Kid’s Program we will incorporate a process of Character Development. Promotional eligibility is based on; competency of the Character Focus, behavioral conduct, and proficiency of the technical materials covered for their belt rank.
6 Pillars of Character Development
Perseverance (Jan-Feb)
Keep working hard towards your goals, even when it’s difficult
Positive Mental Attitude/PMA (March-April)
Look on the bright side of things
Humility (May-June)
Think about & consider what others are feeling before you speak and act
Respect (July-Aug)
Act in ways that show you are mindful about others and the outside world
Integrity (Sept-Oct)
Be honest and do the right thing, even when no one is watching
Community (Nov-Dec)
Work together with people and places around you
Belt Ranking System
Kids 4-15 years of age
Senior Ranks 16+ years of age
