Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is Camarillo Jiu-Jitsu?
- Is this the right school for me?
- Is there a difference between Camarillo Jiu-Jitsu,
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? - Is Camarillo Jiu-Jitsu effective against multiple opponents?
- Is training safe?
- How should I learn the art?
- Can anyone learn Camarillo Jiu-Jitsu?
- Will I get a good workout?
- What if I’m not flexible?
- Is it a cardiovascular workout? Can I lose weight?
1. What is Camarillo Jiu-Jitsu?
Camarillo Jiu-Jitsu is a complete self-defense system emphasizing simple movements, practical techniques and realistic scenarios. Camarillo Jiu-Jitsu is utilized by United States Military personal and law enforcement as their main form of hand-to-hand combat.
2. Is this the right school for me?
Before joining any school ask yourself what are your goals and objectives? Today many Martial Arts have developed competitive sport organizations, Gracie/Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is no different. If your goal is learning self-defense make sure you find a school that focuses on realistic street scenarios rather than a club that prepares athletes for point tournaments. As David Camarillo states so passionately, “Jiu-Jitsu was NOT created for points”. Jiu-Jitsu is first and foremost an art of combat and defense. Our goal is to provide the most effective self-defense instruction possible, giving students the elements to defend themselves in any real life situations. If you are looking for a family oriented, clean, respectful and professional environment where you will learn simple straightforward Jiu-Jitsu at its most technical level, Camarillo Jiu-Jitsu is the right school for you.
3. Is there a difference between Camarillo Jiu-Jitsu, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
Yes and No. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. The Gracie family is the Brazilian family responsible for the creation of the Martial Art named Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. The late Carlos Gracie Sr. learned Japanese Jiu-Jitsu and opened the first Gracie Academy. His younger brother Hélio Gracie adapted those ancient Asian techniques, creating what is known as Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. David Camarillo is a blackbelt in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu under Ralph Gracie. He is also an Olympic caliber Judo competitor and trainer to world class Mixed Martial Arts fighters. This mix of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, Judo and combat training experience is what makes Camarillo Jiu-Jitsu different!! Camarillo Jiu-Jitsu Minnesota is lead by Damian Hirtz, a blackbelt in Camarillo. Damian follows David’s philosophies on technique and teaching, while adding his own training and competition experiences to the mix. As a student, make sure to verify the experience, credentials, lineage, and background of your possible instructors.
4. Is Camarillo Jiu-Jitsu effective against multiple opponents?
Camarillo Jiu-Jitsu gives students the best possible chance when facing an attack by one or more opponents. Camarillo Jiu-Jitsu is a complete fighting system and not an exclusively ground grappling art. A Camarillo Jiu-Jitsu practitioner learns strikes, which include techniques with the elbows, hands, feet, head, and knees. Students learn that the optimum self-defense strategy is to maintain a safe distance from the attacker. This battle tested method teaches defenses against the most common street attacks, the majority standing, which quickly neutralize aggressors. The practice of Jiu-Jitsu clarifies a long lasting myth; real life fights are not like scenes from Martial Arts movies where protagonists KO dozens of “bad guys” one after the other. Consequently, a Camarillo Jiu-Jitsu practitioner possesses the most realistic chances of safely overcoming a multiple opponents attack.
5. Is training safe?
Student safety is a primary concern during all classes. The completion of the “Jiu-Jitsu 101” curriculum reduces the possibility of injury to a minimal level. David and Damian’s years of competition training have taught them the optimal teaching methods constantly emphasizing the importance of keeping students out of harm’s way. Accidents may happen however. Lack of seriousness during training and the resultant careless application of technique or counter-technique contribute greatly to injury. Careless practice is disrespectful to the spirit of Jiu-Jitsu. Constant instructor supervision is given to reduce any neglect of technique.
6. How should I learn the art?
You can not build anything strong without a good foundation. This is very true in respect of Camarillo Jiu-Jitsu. The fundamental “Jiu-Jitsu 101” techniques of Camarillo Jiu-Jitsu are of the highest importance since they indicate the principles on which the whole of the art is based. When the fundamentals are neglected the learner gets nowhere.
All practitioners should realize that it is better to learn the basic techniques and principles well than to over saturate the mind with hundreds of subsidiary techniques that cannot possibly be mastered in one lifetime.
Frequent practice is essential if efficiency is to be gained. The key to learning Jiu-Jitsu is repetition. The ultimate goal is to condition your body and mind to make Jiu-Jitsu second nature.
7. Can anyone learn Camarillo Jiu-Jitsu?
Men, women, teens and kids will all benefit from learning Jiu-Jitsu even though they have little or no previous experience with any vigorous or antagonist activity.
8. Will I get a good workout?
As a means of physical exercises it has no superior. Every single muscle from the neck to the toes is called into active use, and certain sets of muscle are not unduly exercised to the neglect of others, as happens with so many other activities. Students also learn how to exercise their brains. Patience and strategic thinking are also a very big added benefit.
9. What if I’m not flexible?
Jiu-Jitsu works with your body as it is. The techniques stretch and flex, taking your body to new physical limits. Every student will gain in flexibility while being able to adapt the techniques to their individual body type.
10. Is it a cardiovascular workout? Can I lose weight?
With persistence and dedication, you can lose inches while developing muscle tone over the entire body as well as increasing endurance of the heart and lungs. Jiu-Jitsu is a very rare mix of both anaerobic and aerobic activity. Your body will become lean and strong. Your cardiovascular capacity will increase. Overall, you will just become a healthier happier person.
