FAQ

Jiu Jitsu or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a dynamic martial art and combat sport that focuses on grappling, ground fighting, and submission holds. Unlike many other martial arts that emphasize striking, BJJ teaches practitioners how to control and neutralize opponents using leverage, technique, and position. This makes it an excellent choice for self-defense, as it allows a smaller person to defend against a larger, stronger opponent.

In a typical BJJ class, you’ll learn various techniques such as takedowns, reversals, submissions, and control positions which are designed to safely and effectively incapacitate an opponent. The training also includes sparring sessions, known as "rolling," where you can practice these techniques in a controlled environment.

BJJ is not just about physical strength; it's often referred to as "the gentle art" because it prioritizes technique over brute force. This makes it accessible to people of all ages, sizes, and fitness levels. Whether you're looking to get in shape, learn self-defense, or simply enjoy a new hobby, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu offers a welcoming and supportive community where you can grow and challenge yourself.

For more advanced practitioners, or those looking for a challenge, jiu jitsu can evolve beyond a hobby or self defense practice, to a sport, which involves deeper technical focus, training, and strategy. At HLPFC we are proud to emphasize both competitive sport jiu jitsu and self defense effectiveness.

For your first class try to arrive 15 minutes early so that you can meet us, sign a waiver if you haven’t already, and get situated.

It's a good idea to bring flip flops or sandals. No shoes are permitted on the mats and you can't go barefoot off the mats. Flip-flops make for a seamless transition. 

If you have a gi of your own, bring it! If you don’t have a gi… worry not, we have rental gis available as well as gis for purchase.

For a no-gi class, a rashguard or tshirt and shorts should be worn. If you can find shorts with no pockets, that's the best. Please nothing with zippers or metal clasps.

And of course, a water bottle is highly recommended. We have water bottles for sale if you forget.

Looking for an inexpensive gi before committing? Try this.

Well, first - the uniform! In gi classes you wear a gi. In no-gi, you wear shorts and a shirt or "rashguard."

In gi jiu jitsu, the uniform is a fundamental piece of most techniques and movements. You can grab or grip the collar and sleeves of the gi. No-gi jiu jitsu, on the other hand, more closely resembles wrestling. It's often faster paced and there tends to be more movement.

In no-gi classes, you can wear rash guards or t-shirt and board shorts or leggings. While each style has advantages and disadvantages (technically speaking), they share a remarkably similar conceptual foundation and are absolutely complementary to one another in training jiu jitsu overall.

For more info on our kids classes and ages check out the info and FAQ section here.

There is no upper age limit to practicing jiu jitsu. Many practitioners practice and compete into their 70s. As with any exercise, we do recommend for those who question their physical capacity to get clearance from their health care provider.

Jiu jitsu is a sport that has something to offer everyone- regardless of age, gender, body, etc. Whether you're small and gentle or big and "tough", there will be partners to train and learn with that can help challenge you in a safe way. At the competitive level, jiu jitsu can look aggressive and dangerous - it is a martial art- but in the gym you can choose your own speed. At HLPFC we are proud to have members of all shapes and sizes.

In short, both.

Want the long version? Our gym comes from a lineage of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu masters, namely UFC legend Demian Maia, that placed an emphasis on mastering both sport jiu jitsu (he is a multiple time IBJJF world champion) and effectiveness in a self-defense, or even MMA, setting. Especially in the kids classes, we put a focus on bully prevention and self-defense, however our Friendship Club coach, Claw, is also an active competitor and has lots to offer in that respect.

Your membership gets you access to unlimited classes. Come once a week or to multiple classes every day. We're glad you're here!

We welcome drop ins and visitors. Day passes are $30.

Open mats are free with a door pass from an active member or $30 for visitors.

Visiting from out of town? Want to train with us while you're here for work or on an extended visit? Come by the gym or call ahead and ask about a limited membership. More visitor info here.

There is free parking in the lot in front of HLPFC. If that is full there is metered lot parking on the backside of our block that is $1 for 2 hours. There is also metered street parking on Figueroa and on both sides of Ave 58.