About Ground Control

	What is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
	Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art that is based on leverage and superior technique. BJJ is a grappling art and fundamentally different from most other fighting arts because speed and strength take a back seat to technique. The art originated with Mitsuyo Maeda, a Japanese Jiu-Jitsu master and member of the Kodokan. Upon moving to Brazil in the early twentieth century a businessman named Gastão Gracie helped him get established. In exchange for his assistance, Maeda taught the fighting art to Gastão's son Carlos Gracie. Carlos taught Jiu-Jutsu to his brothers and children. The art was modified and refined by the Gracie family. In the 1990s Royce Gracie demonstrated the arts effectiveness against other fighting arts and styles in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

	What is Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)?
	MMA is the combination all of the most effective techniques of multiple different disciplines of martial arts. It combines Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Western Boxing, Wrestling, Karate, and many other styles.

	Why train in MMA and BJJ at Ground Control?
	There are many reasons why Ground Control Martial Arts training is advantageous. First, the Martial Arts require dedication and discipline. This is something that regular fitness centers, gyms and training facilities can not offer. Members are part of a team and art they are encouraged to improve and strive to achieve their goals. Second, mental and physical fitness are emphasized here. Members are getting in top physical shape while learning an effective fighting style that could one day protect them and their families. Finally, its great exercise! Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts can provide you with much better results than typical aerobic exercise. The training will build you core strength through intense workouts while enhancing your muscle tone, reducing your body fat, improving your balance and coordination, increasing your cardio vascular fitness, and enhancing your muscular endurance.

	Do I have to fight or compeate?
	No. Members can train for years for fitness and to learn the art without competing. Ground Control encourages competition in grappling tournaments in order to refine the techniques learned at the academy, but it is not required. In order to represent the team in a grappling event members must tryout for the competition team and be approved by the Head Instructor. Ground Control has an amateur and professional MMA fight team, but members interested in trying our must also seek approval of the Head Instructor.

	Am I too young or old to start training?
	Children as young as five can start their training at Ground Control. There are many programs available that will teach the fundamentals of martial arts and fitness to children. This will help them respect and discipline that will last a lifetime. Members can start at any age. However, we recommend that students check with a health care professional and inform the head instructor of any health problems that may be an issue before training.

	What are the belt rankings?
	At Ground Control we teach many different disciplines. However, the belt rankings are based on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The ranks are white, blue, purple, brown and black. The rank of blue belt has an age requirement of 16. Therefore, the belts for kids are white, yellow, orange and green each of which has four stripes.

	How long will it take to earn a black belt?
	It will take 8 – 15 years to earn a black belt in BJJ and any academy that claims it can get a student there sooner is not being honest with the student or true to the art.

	Is the training safe?
	Absolutely! Statistically, it is one of the safest sports. Safety comes first at Ground Control, but training requires physical contact and injuries can happen. However, all instructors are trained to notice unsafe activity and excuse students that refuse to change their behavior.