FAQ

BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU

WHAT IS BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU?

Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a predominantly ground-based martial art, using the principals of leverage, angles, pressure and timing, as well as knowledge of the human anatomy, in order to achieve a non-violent submission of one’s opponent. Jiu-jitsu focuses on close-contact “grappling” holds and techniques, and the application of chokes and joint-manipulations. If you are completely new to the sport, here is a relatively good guide.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GI AND NOGI?

Brazilian jiu-jitsu can be practiced in two forms: gi and nogi. In the former, we wear a gi which is a type of kimono uniform used in a variety of martial arts (including judo, karate, and sambo). A gi consists of 3 pieces: a jacket, a pair of pants, and belt. Different parts of a gi are strategically utilised for grips, chokes, guards, and other techniques during training. Typically, it is heavily stitched and usually made of cotton to withstand the rigours of daily practice.

In nogi, we wear tight-fitting sports clothes (a rashguard, shorts, and leggings). Nogi jiu jitsu more closely resembles wrestling as it is often faster paced and places emphasis on speed rather than leverage. While each style has advantages and disadvantages (technically speaking), they share a remarkably similar conceptual foundation and are absolutely complementary to one another in training jiu-jitsu overall.

IS JIU-JITSU GOOD EXERCISE?

Yes! In addition to being immensely fun, training will increase your muscle tone, bodily coordination, cardiovascular capacity, muscular endurance, and balance.

IS IT TOO LATE FOR ME TO START JIU-JITSU?

As long as you are able to move your body on the ground, it is never too late.

CLASSES

DO I HAVE TO PAY FOR MY FIRST CLASS?

No—the first week here at Stark is for free.

WHAT DO I BRING TO MY FIRST CLASS?

Try to arrive 10-15 minutes early so that you can meet the instructors, familiarise yourself with our facilities, and sign our waiver. Please bring a pair of flipflops/sandals (no shoes are permitted on the mats) and a bottle of water. Our Foundation classes are taught in gi or nogi so if you don’t have a gi, please wear tight-fitting sports clothes (without pockets and zippers).

WHICH CLASS SHOULD I GO TO AS A BEGINNER?

As a beginner we recommend to attend both our Positions and our Foundations classes.

WHAT LANGUAGE ARE THE CLASSES TAUGHT IN?

Our classes are taught in English, with instructors also proficient in German.

CAN I WEAR MY OWN GI EVEN IF IT HAS ANOTHER ACADEMY’S LOGOS ON IT?

Of course! Please wear whatever patches and logos that you want. The purpose of Stark is to be as accessible, welcoming, and judgment-free as possible. Just come train—we’re happy to have you.

I'M A WOMAN—IS JIU-JITSU RIGHT FOR ME?

Absolutely (and we have many female members and coaches to back that up)! Jiu-jitsu is an excellent choice of sport for women not least for how it contributes to one’s self-defensive ability, sense of community and belonging, and of course, mental and physical fitness.

AM I ALLOWED TO COME TO AN OPEN MAT EVEN THOUGH I TRAIN IN A DIFFERENT GYM?

Of course—we love to have visitors!

HOW DO I GET BETTER AT JIU-JITSU?

Train consistently, understand what you need to work on, and above all else—have fun.

HOW DO I GET PROMOTED AT STARK?

At Stark, there are three ways to get promoted:
1. Make it to a competition podium
2. Take a test with techniques from our curriculum
3. Get assessed by our head coach

WHAT IS A SEMINAR?

A seminar is similar to a regular class, with the difference being that it is taught by a guest coach (often a skilled competitor or a renowned coach) and being slightly longer (often around 2-3 hours). At Stark we host seminars on a regular basis and have had the pleasure of being visited by Max Lindblad, Elina Moestam, Tommy Langaker, and others.

ETIQUETTE

AM I ALLOWED TO ASK A HIGHER BELT TO ROLL?

Yes.

DO I HAVE TO BOW BEFORE GETTING ONTO THE MAT?

No.

FACILITIES

WHERE IS STARK LOCATED?

Stark Jiu-Jitsu is located at the ground floor of Bederstrasse 77, 8002 Zurich. If you are coming by public transport, take the tram to Bahnhof Enge or Waffenplatzstrasse.

HOW OFTEN ARE THE MATS CLEANED AT STARK?

We clean our mats thoroughly after every training block (lunch and evening).

MEMBERSHIP

I’M GOING AWAY FOR X MONTHS—CAN I PUT MY MEMBERSHIP ON HOLD?

Of course! Please get in touch with us before you are leaving. Every training absence that is longer than 3 weeks can be paused.