Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get started?
2. How is your gym different than other martial arts schools?
3. Why should I train here?
4. I'm new, what classes should I take?
5. I've trained a little, what classes should I take?
6. I hear that you guys don't have belts / a ranking system. Is this true?
7. How fast will I progress through the Impact curriculum?
8. What is the difference between self-defense training and no-holds-barred (NHB) / Vale Tudo training?
9. When will I get to spar?
10. Do you guys do competitions? If so, what must one do to compete?
11. How much does it cost to train at Impact Jiu Jitsu?
12. What is "EFT"? Why is the rate for EFT less than for cash?
13. If I am a member at the Beaverton gym can I train at other Impact gyms?
14. How can I try it out?
     

Q: How is your gym different than other martial arts schools?

A: Impact Jiu Jitsu is more like a boxing or wrestling gym than a traditional martial arts school. We are concerned with what works in a real self-defense situation. We don't bow, salute, use titles, do forms or kata, or other things of that nature.

Instead, we focus on functional martial arts.

See also common myths about training in MA

Q: Why should I train here?

A: Impact Jiu Jitsu is the right place for you if you are interested in functional self-defense, fitness conditioning, or competing in mixed martial arts / NHB / Vale Tudo. If you are looking for a "traditional" martial arts experience such as bowing upon entering the mat or getting a black belt in 18 months, then we are not for you.

Q: I'm new, what classes should I take?

A: We have a general fitness conditioning class and youth program. Outside of those classes, we have an introductory class, MMA 1, designed to bring everyone - from the newest beginner to an athlete with some experience - up to speed with the gym's core concepts, philosophies, and techniques in mixed martial arts. This is a 24 class series of structured lessons designed to expose athletes to the fundamentals of the entire Impact Jiu Jitsu curriculum. The lessons run in a continuous loop, so you may begin classes at any time. Upon completion of the 24 classes (within a 3 month period), athletes will be eligible to attend any of the following classes:
 

• MMA 2
• BJJ 2
• Accelerated Training Program (ATP)
• Coaching University (CU)

Q: I've trained a little, what classes should I take?

A: If you've trained before but it has been a while or your a little out of shape, then a great place to start is the MMA 1 class - the gym's foundation class. If you would like us to assess your skills and more you directly into our core curriculum, we can set-up a private consultation to inventory your game. Upon evaluation, we will determine the best option for you as an athlete in context with your goals.

Q: I hear that you guys don't have belts / a ranking system. Is this true?

A: We don't have a traditional belt or ranking system when it comes to MMA. There are no "tests" set up for you to recite required moves. Our criteria is straight forward: proven PERFORMANCE over time.

We definitely have a sense of what we believe an athlete's progressions and development should look like and have a sequence of classes in our curriculum designed to help athletes grow. Our classes are broken down into introductory, beginners, intermediates, and advanced levels for training by aptitude. Athletes move from class to class based on mastery of the techniques on our floor shown within the class of peers (i.e. uncooperative opponents).

We honor the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu ranking system (white, blue, purple, brown, and black), have a curriculum and progression that athletes follow, and give rank accordingly.

Q: How fast will I progress through the IMPACT curriculum?

A: Your rate of progress is dependent on 4 key variables:
 1. The amount of time you commit to training
 2. The amount of energy you commit to training
 3. How thoughtful you are about your training
 4. The level of natural skill and athleticism you possess

We supply the coaching, the curriculum, and the environment of quality athletes to train with.

We do not have a time-line connected to an athlete's growth and development.

Q: What is the difference between self-defense training and no-holds-barred (NHB) / Vale Tudo?

A: Self-defense training is focused particularly on street altercations and real-life situations. There are no rules. The objective is to protect the ones you love and to survive. Our goal is to give you an increased awareness of danger situations, strategies to get out of bad situations, and physical techniques to defend yourself. Eye strikes, groin shots, elbows, knees, headbutts, hair pulling, and biting are all parts of the arsenal of techniques.

Training for competition - Sports Jiu Jitsu, Submission Wrestling, NHB / Vale Tudo - are athletic events with a set of rules competitors must follow. There typically is a much higher level of skill and strategy employed. We strive to develop well-rounded athletes that have good skills standing, in the clinch, and on the ground. Many of our athletes compete in gym events, tournaments, and in organized competitions. Check out the gym's competition team for more info.

Q: When will I get to spar?

A: Sparring is a vital component of training at Impact Jiu Jitsu. Upon completion of the introductory class, MMA 1, members begin to ease into sparring in stages. In MMA 2 / Vale Tudo 1 athletes will train what is called "position sparring" - where athletes isolate a specific technique or range. Once comfort and ability increase, athletes will add more variables to their sparring. In the MMA 3, Vale Tudo 2, ATP, and CU classes, athletes will move it to more comprehensive, full contact sparring. The degree of contact and the techniques available will be determined by the coaching staff and athletes.

Q: Do you guys do competitions? If so, what must one do to compete?

A: See the competition team page.

Q: How much does it cost to train at Impact Jiu Jitsu?

A: See the rates.

Q: What is "EFT"? Why is the rate for EFT less than for cash?

A: "EFT" stands for "electronic funds transfer". Our goal is to automate payments as much as possible so we can do what we are most concerned with: teach and train. 

By committing to an EFT payment plan, you are simply allowing us to withdraw your monthly dues from you checking or savings account. This occurs on the 15th of every month. The EFT plan is structured with a 90 day commitment meaning that you must give us 90 days written notice prior to discontinuing training.

Automated EFT allow us as coaches to commit more coaching to you rather than wasting time collecting membership fees.

Q: Is there an initiation fee?

A: Yes. Initiation is $199 and covers the cost of the gear you need to be successful in either MMA 1 (16 oz. boxing gloves, wrist wraps, mouth piece, t-shirt) or BJJ 1 (gi, belt, mouth piece, t-shirt), and gets your membership account established.

Q: If I am a member at the Beaverton gym, can I train at other Impact gyms?

A: Yes. As a courtesy, we ask that gym members make sure that they are in good standing with their primary gym.

Q: How do I get started? How can I try it out?

A: What to give it a try? Click here to find out how!