Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a martial art and combat sport system that focuses on grappling with particular emphasis on ground fighting. Brazilian jiu-jitsu was developed from Kodokan judo ground fighting (newaza) fundamentals taught by several Japanese individuals, including Takeo Yano, Mitsuyo Maeda, Soshihiro Satake, and Isao Okano. Brazilian jiu-jitsu became a defined combat sport through judo innovations, practices, and adaptation.
BJJ is founded on the concept that a smaller, weaker person can successfully defend themselves against a bigger, stronger, heavier opponent by using technique, leverage, and, most notably, taking the fight to the ground and then applying joint locks and chokeholds to defeat the opponent. BJJ training can be used for sport grappling tournaments and in self-defense situations. Sparring (commonly referred to as “rolling” within the BJJ community) and live drilling play a major role in training and the practitioner’s development. BJJ is considered a martial art, a sport, a way of promoting physical fitness and building character, and a way of life.
Bando is a comprehensive system which contains many aspects of martial arts. Animal systems, weapons systems, internal arts, longevity arts, and sport combat, called Lethwei. Lethwei consists of 9 usable weapons. 2 fists, 2 elbows, 2 knees, 2 feet, and 1 noggin. For more information on the other Bando systems please visit the American Bando Association website https://americanbandoassociation.com/
1. It is one of the most potent, real-life fighting systems on the planet
Contrary to popular belief, studies show that 95% of street fights end on the ground. The techniques you learn in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, which focuses on taking your opponent down to the ground and keeping them there, enable you to attack or get into a more dominant position. This gives you the upper hand in a real-life self-defense situation.
2. Anyone can practice Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Anyone: women, men, and even children as young as four years old can practice Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Because it is an art designed for a smaller, weaker practitioner to subdue much larger and stronger opponents, virtually anyone of any size, age or sex can practice Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
3. It is a martial art that sharpens the mind
Also known as the “game of human chess”, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners utilize many strategies and techniques to beat their opponents. A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu student will probably encounter hundreds of techniques and concepts in just a few years of training!
4. It is a great workout
One of the greatest benefits of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is how your body changes without you realizing it. Constant drilling sessions and sparring will certainly affect your body! Because you’ve become so focused on learning new techniques, you don’t realize how much weight you’ve lost or how much flexibility you’ve gained in the process. Any workout that doesn’t seem like one is a plus.
5. It builds character
There are days when you feel like you’re at the top of the world, and then there are some days when you wonder why you even bothered to attend class. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu exposes you to a roller coaster of emotions that makes you stronger physically, mentally, and emotionally. You must be ready to accept failure, learn from it, and move on. Doing so determines how far you’ll succeed in martial arts.
6. It promotes continuous self-improvement
Whether you are a black belt or a white belt, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu teaches you to accept that you will never fully become a master of your martial art of choice. There are hundreds of techniques out there, and new ones are being discovered every day. You then realize that the only way to improve is to continuously work on it daily and remind yourself that you have much to learn. By taking it one step at a time and acknowledging your achievements, who knows how far you’ll go?
7. The lessons you learn on the mat can be applied to your daily life
The more you train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the more focused you become on the bigger picture, an important lesson you learn on the mats. Now, nothing can faze you. Whether it’s stress from work or being dumped by a boyfriend or girlfriend, you realize that some things aren’t worth beating yourself up over, giving you an edge over those who aren’t used to experiencing duress regularly.
Whether it’s to learn self-defense, start a new hobby, or wish to further your martial arts repertoire, there’s no doubt that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a beautiful art accessible to anyone. From its countless lessons to its physical benefits, it becomes clear: the more you train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the more you realize that it is more than a martial art – it’s a lifestyle.
At 132 Weeks Way in Sebastopol, CA. We are right on the plaza next to Ramen Gaijin.
Our most current class schedule is always here
Unlimited Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes are $145/month for adults and $115/month for kids.
One Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class per week for adults is $80/month.
Unlimited Lethwei Striking/Bando Kickboxing classes are $100/month.
Unlimited classes for both programs are $195/month.
We also offer discounts for multiple family members.
We bill once per month, and you can cancel at any time and not be billed for the next month. No long-term commitment is required.
Drop-in classes are $25/class for adults and $30/class for kids.
Click here to fill out a registration form and waiver and then just come to a class.
Definitely! You are welcome to try a free class before you decide if our gym is right for you.
Nope, nothing to bring or buy other than a water bottle. Wear comfortable athletic clothing (a bandana and tank top are recommended for kickboxing classes). We have loaner gi’s available to borrow.
Yes! We have Brazilian Jiu Jitsu kids’ classes for kids ages five and up. See our schedule here. Around age 12-14, children will be better served by adults class. Kids attending adults classes continue to pay kids rates. Please discuss any questions with the instructors.
Kids age 12 and up are welcome to attend Bando Kickboxing class.
No. If you can read this FAQ, you can learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or Bando Kickboxing. People train in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Bando Kickboxing into their 90’s. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a great way to get in shape if you are out of shape now. Don’t feel you have to be in better shape. Just start!
A regular class will consist of a 10-20 min warm-up, followed by around 1 hour of technique and drilling, and finishing with positional and live sparring.
Classes will consist of a 30 minute calisthenic warm up, followed by drills and sparring (depending on skill level). Philosophy will be interwoven with an emphasis on physical and psychological conditioning.
Yes, you or your child will need a gi. You will also need a rash guard, spats and shorts if you are going to train nogi.
Students will need to wear gi pants (or other comfortable athletic wear). They are also responsible for purchasing their own sparring gear (hand wraps, boxing/mma gloves, shin guards, mouth guard)
West County Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was founded in 2010 by Mitch Kotok. Mitch has been training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since 2000 and received his black belt from Clovis Silva. Clovis received his black belt from Carlson Gracie Senior.
We have classes both in gi and no-gi. Please see our schedule for exact details.
We are extremely fortunate to have four Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belts and one Bando black belt teaching at our school. For details about all our teachers click here.
Contact us here. You can also call and leave a message or text us at (707) 861-8050.