Frequently Asked Questions at Marin Mixed Martial Arts
- What is the difference between Brazilian Jiu Jitsu vs. other Martial Arts?
- How old do kids need to be to start at MarinMMA?
- Do I need to be in shape for this?
- Am I too old to train?
- Do I have to compete?
- Do I need to have prior experience?
- I want to lose weight, can your program help me?
- What are some of the benefits of Mixed Martial Arts?
- What sort of equipment do I need?
- Why train with a Gi?
- How do I get promoted in the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu system?
- Does kickboxing have a belt system?
- Do you offer family discounts?
- What types of programs do you offer?
- What is the cost of a membership?
- How do I get started?
What is the difference between Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu vs. other Martial Arts?
All Martial Arts have their redeeming qualities, it is simply the underlying principle that makes each different. Most martial arts have choking techniques or joint locks, it is how they are taught, practiced and applied that makes them different. Jiu-jitsu is supposed to be practiced as a martial art where you can use little to no strength to subdue a much larger opponent without causing them harm. It is important to find the art that suits your needs and never-mind what others are doing. It is equally important to recognize that people train for different reasons and part of being a good martial artist is respecting that.
If your goal is to become a fighter or to be able to defend yourself completely, Brazilian Jiu-jitsu has significant advantages over most other martial arts. It remains the only single style that addresses all areas of fighting completely without the need for cross-training. Brazilian Jiu-jitsu was designed as a fighting style to defeat other martial arts, where styles like Boxing, Karate, Kung Fu and Tae Kwon Do all specialize in striking someone, none of them present solutions for someone who is pinned on the ground; conversely, Jiu-jitsu offers solutions for defending against striking attacks while standing and on the ground in addition to all methods of grappling attacks. With the popularity of contests like the Ultimate Fighting Championship, you will see people naming their styles as Wrestling or Kickboxing, but they all (and must) supplement their training with Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. To this day, there are still fighters entering the cage with Brazilian Jiu-jitsu as their only method of training to ensure their victorie.
Do you offer classes for kids and what age do you start them at?
Kids can start training at the age of 4 in the Little Lions class.
Do I need to be in shape for this?
No, you do not need to be in shape when you start, because each person advances through the program at their own pace. However over time you will become physically conditioned because Mixed Martial Arts is a vigorous workout including aerobic, plyometric and isometric exercises which will develop your strength and stamina.
Is there an age that is too old to train?
No, there is no age limit for training at MarinMMA. Every person is welcome at the studio and we respect and encourage every student to go at their own pace. It isn't a competition, it is a life time practice that allows each student to reach their full potential.
Do I have to compete?
No. Competition is not for everyone. In fact, the term "Sport Martial Arts" is a sort of oxymoron. Competition is an excellent way to promote a particular martial art and help it to gain popularity with the public. Additionally, competitive martial arts allows a practitioner a way to balance realistic practice with safe everyday training. This competitive practice can be done in the school or in public at large competitions. Although competitive practice has many benefits, they are sometimes overshadowed by ego and a typical sports-fan type behavior that is contrary to a good Martial Artist's conduct; newcomers to the martial arts can often be confused by this or turned in the wrong direction quickly.
Do I need to have prior Martial Arts experience?
No, we have beginning classes that introduce students with no experience to the fundamentals of Mixed Martial Arts. However, before you train, you should consult your physician to make sure you are fit for Martial Arts practice.
I want to lose weight, can your program help me?
Absolutely. Mixed Martial Arts is a total body workout including cardio which will burn many calories and plyometrics which will improve strength and muscle tone.
What are some of the benefits of Mixed Martial Arts?
Mixed Martial Arts is a life changing experience. A few of the benefits are: self defense, weight loss, feeling connected to a sense of community, building friendships, mental focus, and increasing confidence.
What sort of equipment do I need?
Training in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu requires a Gi and a belt. The official uniform of Jiu-jitsu in which you will be training is called a "Kimono" or "Gi". This uniform consists of 3 pieces: a jacket or top, a pair of drawstring pants (usually padded at the knees) and a belt. The uniform is made out of a specially weaved cotton material that will be able to withstand the rigorous practice of Jiu-jitsu without immediately tearing. Your gi should be kept as clean as possible and treated as your armor.
In Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, other protective gear can also be worn. For kickboxing, you need gloves, a mouth piece and shin guards.
Why train with a Gi?
As you practice Jiu-jitsu, you will find it useful as both an offensive and defensive tool; you will also realize its value as a common uniform to promote safe and technical practice of Jiu-jitsu. Everything that can be done with a gi can be done without it, making it a more complex game. Additionally, taking away the gi allows physical attributes such as size strength and slipperiness to come to play with greater effect due to the lack of levers and friction. Working with the gi is generally considered more of a 'thinking man's' game. Not that no-gi isn't, it's just that the gi removes many physical advantages and ads more techniques.
For now, you should view your gi as a set of training wheels. As you develop a higher level of proficiency, you will learn to perform Jiu-jitsu techniques both with and without a gi. For now, the gi will add a level of sophistication to your game that will result in you as a student becoming a more advanced and technical fighter.
How do you get promoted in the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu system?
MarinMMA has three different belt orders, depending on what class you are in. To understand the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu belt promotion guidelines, click here.
Does kickboxing have a belt system?
No, traditionally kickboxing does not have a belt system. Therefore, we do not offer a belt system at MarinMMA for kickboxing.
Do you offer family discounts?
MarinMMA is committed to making Martial Arts available to everyone. We offer reasonable and competitive prices and packages and welcome the opportunity to discuss family discounts with you.
What types of programs do you offer?
We offer programs for kids and adults as well. We also train competitive Mixed Martial Artists and help to support and promote their endeavors.We offer classes in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai Kickboxing, Mixed Martial Arts, and Yoga.
What is the cost of a membership?
We offer reasonable and competitive prices and packages and welcome the opportunity to discuss the cost of membership with you. Please call or email us for rate information and details about our four week free martial arts training program.
How do I get started?
Please call, email info@marinmma.com or fill out our web form to set up an appointment to introduce you to the studio and a FREE four week introductory session. | 
