Translated as Gentle Art/Soft Art, rather than resisting force with force, the idea is to yield to force and then use an opponent’s strength against him or her using an efficient technique in an intelligent fashion to overcome raw strength and aggression. This is the philosophical core of Jiu-Jitsu.

Before Class: Make sure you've showered, brushed your teeth, cut your nails, and applied deodorant. BJJ is a full-contact sport, so good hygiene is crucial. During Class: Wear tight-fitting athletic clothing. Avoid loose clothing, pockets, zippers, or Velcro to prevent injuries. Bring a fresh change of clothes if you sweat a lot or have a long drive home. Food and Drink: Avoid eating during class. A light snack 30-60 minutes before class can help if you feel lightheaded. Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated. Safety Gear: While not required, consider wearing cups, mouth guards, and wrestling-style headgear for added safety. After Class: Bring a towel if you plan to shower or want to protect your car seats from sweat. Use a separate bag for sweaty gear to avoid bacteria buildup.

You don’t need to be super fit to start training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. In fact, you do jiu-jitsu to get fit. As long as you don't have a dibilitating injury, at Vaughan Jiu-Jitsu Academy everybody is welcome on the mats regardless of their level of fitness. We focus on technique and this is something absolutely anyone can do.

There is no age limit to start jiu-jitsu. Our programs cater to everyone, encouraging students to train at their own pace. The average age of a jiu-jitsu practitioner is 32, but many receive their black belts well into their 60s or 70s. It's never too late to start your jiu-jitsu journey.

Your child will gain numerous benefits from joining our BJJ program, including improved self-defense skills, boosted self-confidence, and enhanced self-esteem. The focus on leverage makes it ideal for smaller individuals and females. Our training incorporates Judo, Wrestling, Yoga, Plyometrics, and Pilates, promoting physical fitness and body awareness. Plus, BJJ is a lifelong sport with participants ranging from 8 to 90 years old.

At Vaughan Jiu-Jitsu Academy we believe in the “student code,” a list of rules we find that are of great benefit to running the program. To some it may seem rigorous since in most cases Jiu-Jitsu is practiced in an informal manner. Even so, we feel that a great part of our success is based on the code listed below.

A. During class, strict attention is given to the Professor at ALL times. Talking, laughing, loss of temper, profanity or a display of lack of discipline will NOT be tolerated.

B. All students will bow when entering or leaving training area.

C. All students must wear clean gi’s and t-shirts

D. No footwear, other than socks and wrestling shoes allowed on the mats.

E. No students may leave the mats for any reason without asking for and receiving permission from the Professor or Instructor.

F. No leaning against the wall during class.

G. Willingness to try new things regardless of personal feelings is required. (ex. Getting over the “I feel awkward” phase.)

H. 110% effort is expected at all times.

I. Abuse of knowledge outside of the Dojo is strictly forbidden

J. “Patience, Persistence, and a Positive Attitude will always Produce Results,” is our Vaughan Jiu-jitsu Academy motto.

Communication is vital. The academic and athletic progression of your child is a team effort; student, parent, instructor, teacher and school. For the Lil'Ninjas BJJ Program, we provide a quarterly Progress Report where we list and highlight what your children have covered in class. Your e-mail address will be requested when you sign up and join our programs.

You can easily get in touch with us through various channels. We provide schedules and program information via email announcements, our website blog, and social media. Our staff and instructors will keep you informed about seminars, gradings, and competitions. You can also contact us by phone at 647-828-0185 or email us at vaughan.bjj@gmail.com.

The average cost of a BJJ membership monthly is about $150 per month.

BJJ classes tend to be more expensive than other martial arts such as Judo and Karate. This is because the head coach is often a full time gym owner and BJJ schools tend to offer a lot more classes. In general, the bigger the gym, the higher the cost of membership.

Some of the factors that can impact BJJ pricing includes:

• How many classes does the gym offer per week?

• Is listed price include full or limited membership?

• What are the teacher’s qualification?

• Gym location?

• Does the academy or have multiple locations/affiliates where you can train?

• Quality of the facilities?

• Do you pay monthly, yearly, weekly, or by class?

Speak with our staff about our memberships, schedules and our affiliate schools where you can train.

There are additional costs with memebership that you have to take into consideration.

• BJJ Uniform (Gi or Kimono) - These range from $70 to $250 depending on brand. Average cost is about $100 to $150.

• Competitions/Tournaments

• Seminars