FAQ's

You don’t need to be fit or ‘in shape’ to start training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. In fact, BJJ is an excellent full-body workout and a great way to improve your health and fitness. At Melbourne Jiu-Jitsu Academy everybody is welcome regardless of their level of fitness, age, ability, or experience. We focus on technique, and this is something absolutely anyone can do.

Not at all. If you have already trained in a different martial art that’s great but you don’t need any previous martial arts experience. Regardless of whether you’re just starting out on your BJJ journey, or an old timer, you will always be welcome. Our Fundamentals Class focus on the basic principles and positions and is the perfect place to start.

No such thing. It’s never too late to start training BJJ. Our Jiu-Jitsu and self-defence programs are designed to cater to everyone. All students are encouraged to train to their own limits and can push as hard as they want.

Jiu-Jitsu is technicalartsofirst and foremostyou need to putinthe time. You also needtofind therightacademy thatoffersa structuredcurriculum, andbeginners(fundamentals)class,witha supportiveenvironmentto learn.

Yes,technically you could but you need at a minimum a training partner,resources, and ahigh level of commitment. Youcan’tput a price on the knowledge you gain fromfrequenttraining partners,andexperiencedinstructors giving you tailored feedback.

The beautiful thing about BJJ is the fundamental principle that a weaker and smaller person can defeat a stronger and heavier opponent using leverage and technique. Anybody with an open mind and a willingness to learn can train Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Not at the moment but we have a growing number of women and girls who train with us. Many of these are white belt beginners but we also have higher belts training too. Absolutely anyone, of any gender should feel comfortable and welcome to come and train at MJJA.

Every child is different. However, we believe that 5 years is a perfect age to start a martial art such as BJJ. Our Kids & Juniors programs cater for 6-14 year olds, and focus on making self-defence and physical education fun. We use conditioning and skill-oriented games to engage and challenge kids. We also offer a Pre-schoolers class twice a week which is designed for 3-5 year olds to develop their motor skills and a love for physical activity. It’s the perfect introduction to martial arts and sets them up for more structured BJJ classes when they’re a little bit older.

Depending on the nature of your injury there is a chance you can train around it. Have a chat with our team to discuss your options first. Even if you need to sit out a few classes we still strongly encourage coming along to watch and learn.

The primary focus of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is learning self-defence. We will teach you the fundamentals of self-defence, as well as the modern evolution of the martial art. You will practice a range of techniques from many different positions. You’ll also learn how to control resisting opponents on the ground, as well as how to apply submissions effectively.

Some students choose to wear a mouth guard when rolling. However, it’s entirely up to you.

We stock sell our own Academy branded Gi’s and gear. These don’t need to be pre-ordered or shipped.

Please note, our preference is that our members use white Gi’s. If competing for the academy, students are required to wear a branded Gi.

We give students a two-month grace period to remove old patches. You can purchase MJJA patches to replace other club patches if you don’t want to buy a branded Gi.

100%. We’re focused on community, not competition. So, everyone is welcome at Melbourne Jiu-Jitsu Academy. We just ask that visitors adhere by our strict health & safety guidelines.

This is really dependent on your lifestyle and your goals. You can train as little or as often as you like but to get the most benefit, we recommend a minimum of twice a week. We have membership options to suit everyone’s needs.

They can but they will struggle to retain a lot of what they learn. For maximum benefits we recommend twice a week.

No. Unlike many other academies we don’t close during school holidays. We may offer a reduced (Saturday) timetable on public holidays, and close for the occasional one. However we aim to operate 6 days a week, year round. 

This depends on a few different things. We pride ourselves on living the Jiu-Jitsu lifestyle. Grading comes from the effort you put in on and off the mats.

Please note we do not charge for belt grading, just the belt.

When participating on a regular basis a blue belt generally takes 1 year to achieve. Again, this is really dependent on how committed you are, and how often you train.

A black belt can take 10 years or more of hard work and consistent training to achieve.

Complete the 7 Day Free Trial Form and we’ll be in contact to organise a time and date that works for you.

Our Toddler, Kids and Juniors Classes are suitable for beginners right through to experienced students.

Our Fundamentals Class is the best place to start for absolute beginners, 15 years and above. For beginners we recommend completing a minimum of 60 Fundamental Classes before attending an ‘All Levels’ Class. We do this for many reasons; to keep you safe and injury free, to help you learn correct movement and positions, and to equip you with a solid understanding of the basics before you begin to spar.

We also provide all of our members complimentary access to our digital curriculum. With almost 5 hours of video content and more than 80 techniques, this Masterclass summarizes just about all the techniques you’ll come across in your first few years of BJJ. Ivan breaks down the most frequently taught White Belt moves so you won’t just be more confident about coming to class, you’ll also build the strong foundations to make the move to the All Levels Class, and in the lead up to grading.

We offer a couple of different membership options. We have month to month, and minimum 6 month contract membership options, offering either unlimited class access, or 3 classes p/week.

Members also have the ability to freeze their membership for up to 12 weeks p/calendar year for $5.00 p/week.

The payment frequency default is weekly, but this can be tailored to meet your preferences.

You can find out more about our membership options or sign up directly on our membership page.

Membership prices range from $30-$45 p/week for children, and $40-$50 p/week for adults. We don’t charge a sign-up fee. So once you purchase a Gi and belt there really are no other hidden costs or ongoing fees. We don’t charge exorbitant fees for grading. You just pay for your belt.

You can find out more about our membership options or sign up directly on our membership page.