Am I too old?
No! Because ASMA focuses on teaching proper techniques to their students for self-defense application first. Only about 2% of our students want to compete. The other 98% just want to learn great self defense and get in shape. You are never too old to learn how to defend yourself. We recently had a couple in their late 60’s sign up, and our oldest student just turned 80, and he loves our classes. We can tailor any move to work around any obstacle such as past injuries or flexibility issues…..we modify to suit your needs!
Can I compete in MMA or MuayThai Kick Boxing or Grappling matches?
Yes! Competition is healthy if you are properly trained. If you are interested in competing, talk to the staff for proper guidance. There are many fighters and competitors at ASMA and we look forward to training you.
Can I jump right in to MMA class?
Yes you can. The only classes you can’t attend are the competition team classes. You need to qualify for that training. But we have classes 7 days a week for you. Whether you want Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai Kickboxing or MMA. We have you covered.
Do you have family classes where parents can learn with their children?
No we do not. The reason we don’t have family classes is because adults and children learn at different rates and have a much different learning curve. We do not feel that you can effectively and legitimately teach self-defense to people with that much of a learning differential. Parents and kids don’t receive a classroom education at the same time for math, science and more, so how can they receive a self-defense education at the same time? There are techniques that are kid friendly and techniques that are applicable for adults. This is why ASMA does not mix the families. Also coinciding with our youth classes, we have a character development program where they learn the lost arts of handshaking, looking you in the eyes, sitting still, paying attention, taking responsibility for your actions etc…. Adults receive a whole different set of benefits, and it doesn’t work well when classes are mixed with children and adults.
How does your belt testing work?
Promotions are given out during normal classes or seminars when they are earned. There isn’t a monetary cost. This keeps the advancement integrity at a very high quality and students progress according to class attendance and attitude. It guarantees you have earned it and not because you paid for it.
How long does it take to get a black belt?
A long long time, haha. If you are just starting out don’t worry about that. Just train to get martial skills and the rest will fall into place.
How young do you start children at your school?
At ASMA, the youngest age that we allow someone to start training with us is 3 years old. But some at 3 are ready, some are not. “Come in and see” is what we always say if they are 3. 4 to 5 is the age where it seems we can guarantee they can do a class but we do have a 3 and 4 yo class.
I hear the word “sparring” all the time. What does it mean?
‘Sparring’ is when two students train against each other in a resistance based environment. Both are trying to defend and execute the techniques to make the other one submit or tap out (quit). In ‘sparring,’ neither student is allowing the other one to practice or win, they are testing themselves, their knowledge of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and their ability to apply the techniques with a resisting partner. Sparring in Thai Boxing or MMA is for advanced students only, it is contact with punches, kicks, knees and elbows. You must be seriously conditioned and you cannot do this without instructor permission.
I want to learn Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and Thai Boxing, but I don’t want to spar a lot on the mat because I don’t know if my body can handle it or I just don’t want to get injured on accident. Do I have to spar?
At ASMA, we never make anyone spar who does not wish to, but sparring is an important part of the learning process because it exploits your weaknesses and strengths so you and your instructor can track your progress. What we will do is have you spar with an instructor first or some of the advanced students who are knowledgeable and will help guide you. We find that most people, once they get the taste of sparring, realize that it is fun and great exercise and want to then spar more. But you never have to if it makes you uncomfortable. It takes a while before we allow you to spar. And if we say its ok, then you have been training a lot, and are ready and will probably want to.
Is Gracie Jiu-Jitsu ONLY a ground fighting martial art?
No! Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, when taught properly, was designed to be the most complete system of self-defense. The system has techniques for all forms of stand up aggression; grabs, strikes, throws, tackles, hugs, weapons, and trips. It also has a complete system of ground fighting once the fight goes to the ground, which it is most famous for. Many schools do not teach the stand up self-defense portion of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu because they only want to focus on the ground. We at ASMA do not deny the fact that the fight starts on the feet with some form of aggression, which is why we teach the stand up self-defense designed by the Gracie family.
Is there a difference between Gracie Jiu-Jitsu sport competition and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu for self-defense?
Yes! When training to enter sport competitions, you prepare differently then you would if you were training to defend yourself on the street. In sport competitions there are rules, time limits, judges, points, weight classes and fan/team support. Because of this, students must train to learn how to play according to those rules and how to use those rules to their advantage. None of that exists on the street so you had better be prepared for no rules, no time, no weight class, no judges, no fans and no teammates cheering you on.
But we also find a great benefit to the sportive aspect, as competition strengthens your will and puts you under stress which assimilates self defense. Plus when you train to compete, you will get in great shape. We aren’t that school that says self defense only as a lot of our members compete. We like to train both, as jiu jitsu is constantly evolving and todays athletes are absolutely amazing to watch.
What do I get out of training at ASMA?
You will not only receive the best self-defense techniques to defend yourself on your feet and the ground, but you will receive so much more; camaraderie, discipline, sense of belonging, increased self-esteem, improved physical condition, friends, business contacts, social events, friendly competition and more….
What is MMA?
MMA stands for Mixed Martial Arts. It is a combination of striking arts, like kickboxing, Muay Thai and boxing and grappling arts like Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling.
What is Thai Boxing?
Thai Boxing or Muay Thai is a Martial Art from Thailand that utilizes punches, kicks, knees and elbows, and is great for close range fighting because it stresses what to do in the clinch. At ASMA it’s called Thai Boxing instead of Muay Thai because we don’t teach bowing, traditions or religious overtones of traditional Muay Thai. We teach all the moves without the culture. Thai Boxing is battle tested in ring competitions throughout the world and if you are considering fighting MMA, this is a required class.
What’s the difference between Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and other martial arts?
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, like some other martial arts, is based on leverage and technique, not size, strength, speed or power. It was designed for the smaller, weaker opponent against the stronger, heavier opponent. Many of the other martial arts promote striking as their means of defending themselves, where Gracie Jiu-Jitsu promotes submission techniques. When you depend upon punching, kicking and other strikes, you must be able to out strike your opponent. Let’s face it, on the street, a bully is not weaker and smaller then you so you are almost rolling the dice when you depend upon out striking a bigger opponent because they can strike back, and they will. Statistics show that 95% of all altercations go to the ground no matter what. This is where the advantage comes to play for the jiu jitsu practitioner. Most strikers or regular people have no idea what to do, and almost always guarantees that jiu jitsu will come out ahead.
Why should I sign my child up here at ASMA?
Your child will receive the most complete and effective system of self-defense and improved physical conditioning. Mentally your child will show major improvements in the areas of; confidence, self-esteem, better grades at school, more disciplined, more focused, more friends, improved social and motor skills and much more…
Will I get in better shape by training at ASMA?
Absolutely! We have many students here that have lost weight with remarkable results. Here you will increase your flexibility, improve your cardiovascular conditioning; strengthen your core muscles and more, all while having fun.