Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jiu-Jitsu?
Modern grapplers (the athletes/practitioners) tend to call it Jiu-Jitsu, BJJ or submission grappling. It is essentially about getting an opponent to the ground and using physical principles such as leverage, off-balancing and weight distribution to immobilise an opponent/attacker. The main goal in this sport is to get a submission via joint lock or strangulation. With our friends on the mats, we tap our opponent to let him/her know we submit. This way, we can simply begin again without worrying about injury. For more, click here.
What do I need to bring on my first night?
In your bag: plenty of water, a sweat towel and if you’re planning on using the gym shower, a towel for that, too.
Attire: shorts (preferably without pockets) and a well-fitting T-shirt. Even better: a compression top or Jiu-Jitsu rashguard.
Is Jiu-Jitsu dangerous?
According to a 2014 study in The Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine, Jiu-Jitsu competition has a much lower injury rate than Judo, wrestling, Taekwondo and MMA.
Concussions are also extremely rare as striking is not allowed in sport Jiu-Jitsu and the athletes are taught to breakfall correctly from throws and takedowns.
The culture of the training room is key: we are here to make friends and improve each other's life. Part of this is self-control; physically and mentally. This keeps Jiu-Jitsu a safe activity to be enjoyed by everyone.
Do I need to be quite physically fit to begin training?
Generally-speaking, you do not. Some of the athletes in Jiu-Jitsu are incredibly fit, some are carrying a higher amount of fat, and most people are somewhere between. If you have any concerns due to current ill-health and/or past injuries and illnesses, please get a check-up from a licensed medical doctor and contact us here.
Which age groups do your youth programmes cover?
5-7 years old
8-12 years old
13-17 years old (18 & 19 year-olds may also train in these classes)
The youth programmes officially began in January 2024. Prior to that, we had run some free trial sessions. These have proven quite popular, so please visit our Youth page to register and give it a go! The first week is free...How much does this cost?
We believe that money should not be a significant barrier to sport, and have made our programmes affordable to reflect that belief. The fees are about half those of gyms in Kowloon and on HK Island, and for anyone receiving welfare from the government or living in public housing, we provide heavy discounts. Please click here for more details.
What is the History of Jiu-Jitsu?
Jiu-Jitsu’ roughly translates as ‘the gentle art’. Not ‘gentle’ in the sense of a light touch, but rather in the sense of yielding to get what we want. For example, a strong athlete applies strength to a weaker one. That weaker athlete will then forgo the strength battle and find another way to get what he/she wants, via angle or making the stronger athlete go further in that direction than he/she wants to go and off-balancing him/her.
Originating in medieval Japan, but with origins far earlier, there are quite a few styles of Jiu-Jitsu. The most popular is that developed by the Gracie family of Brazil in the 20th century, who learned from a practitioner of Kano Jiu-Jitsu named Maeda Mitsuyo. Kano Jiu-Jitsu was later renamed ‘Judo’, with a greater focus on standing techniques. The Gracies preferred a ground-based strategy (including fighting when you are on your back) and indeed, when Gracie Jiu-Jitsu spread out to most of Brazil and beyond, the term ‘Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu’ became popular.
The modern versions (there are multiple possible rulesets, each resulting in a different focus and hence styles of play) of Jiu-Jitsu have been growing at a rapid pace around the world and will continue to do so as organisations such as ADCC, UFC, Fight2Win and Combat Jiu-Jitsu provide exciting competition and the sport , its athletes and coaches continue their journey to professionalisation.
Where is the gi (Judo-style pyjamas)?
Due to the ‘no gi’ form of Jiu-Jitsu being more popular, less expensive and (by most of our students’ accounts) more natural and fun, Buffalo Jiu-Jitsu will remain exclusively ‘no gi’. Please click here to read more.
If it is only ‘no gi’, will there be belts?
Yes. Although we do not wear the belts while training, athletes will be promoted through the usual belt system.
Can I wear gi pants?
If you do not have shorts that day due to some mix-up, that’s fine, but you do own shorts? Right?
Who is the coach?
Wes is a purple belt under Takizawa Keisuke of Kowloon Jiu-Jitsu and has been training Jiu-Jitsu for eight years. He is passionate about helping newcomers get off to the right start in the foundations of the sport.
Can I use spinal moves, straight ankle locks, heel hooks, toeholds, Aoki locks etc. at Buffalo Jiu-Jitsu training sessions?
Yes, provided the coach (Wes) has allowed it. Ask first, as this is done on an individual basis. Athletes will only be allowed perform a particular technique after they have gone through some training in that technique, including safety training.
How about jumping/‘flying’ moves?
Yes, but as above, only in specific circumstances after the coach (Wes) has allowed it.
Do I have to sign a waiver and/or terms and conditions?
Yes. Before your first training session. Please click here to do so.