Frequently Asked Questions.
Jump to First Timers attending Jiu Jitsu
Jump to General Questions
Jump to Jiu Jitsu Class Questions
Jump to Kids Jiu Jitsu Class Questions
Jump to Fitness Class Questions
For First Timers attending Jiu Jitsu
Do I have to be ‘fit’ to start training?
No! You can start at any age, size, and physical level. Don’t try to get in shape in order to prepare you to get in shape.
The best way to get started is to take the first step. There can be a lot of anxiety when starting out but we will be here to support you along your training path.
I’m a male, what should I wear/do for the first day?
What to bring/do:
- Bring a water bottle, 24oz or higher suggested.
- Bring your driver license or any other forms of identification.
- Sandals that allow you to quickly put on and off is highly suggested.
- Complete the waiver form here before visiting to speed up the initial process.
Please follow these rules at all times:
- Maintain good hygiene. Make sure you and your clothes are odorless.
- Clean, clip and file finger nails and toe nails (help prevent scratches/infections).
- If you are attending a No-Gi class, please wear clothes that have no pockets or the pockets are closable with zippers. Avoid clothes that are too baggy. Some good examples are: t-shirts, rash guards, fitness shirts, tank-tops, leggings, board shorts, or fight shorts. (See image above for examples)
- If you are attending a Gi class, we can provide you a loaner Gi if we have one available in your size. You are required to wear underwear below your Gi uniform. If you have your own Gi uniform, please make sure they are odorless. White and black Gis only — no other colored Gis allowed.
- Please remove any jewelry that could be snagged before training: rings, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and visible piercings that could snag or fall out.
- For long hair, please consider braided hair, bun, or 2 rubber bands for long hair (one at the top of the ponytail and one about half-way down). No hair pins or clips.
- Avoid make-up as it can and will stain the mats and your partner’s clothes.
- Any remaining etiquette will be addressed on the first day of class.
I’m a female, what should I wear/do for the first day?
What to bring/do:
- Bring a water bottle, 24oz or higher suggested.
- Bring your driver license or any other forms of identification.
- Sandals that allow you to quickly put on and off is highly suggested.
- Complete the waiver form here before visiting to speed up the initial process.
Please follow these rules:
- Maintain good hygiene. Make sure you and your clothes are odorless.
- Clean, clip and file finger nails and toe nails (help prevent scratches/infections).
- For long hair, please consider a french braided hair, bun, or 2 rubber bands for long hair (one at the top of the ponytail and one about half-way down). No hair pins or clips.
- If you are attending a No-Gi class, please wear clothes that have no pockets or the pockets are closable with zippers. Avoid clothes that are too baggy. Some good examples are: t-shirts, rash guards, fitness shirts, tank-tops, leggings, board shorts, or fight shorts. (See image above for examples)
- If you are attending a Gi class, we can provide you a loaner Gi if we have one available in your size. You are required to wear a sports bra, shirt, or rash guard under your Gi top. Underwear is also required under the Gi pants. If you have your own Gi uniform, please make sure they are odorless. White and black Gis only — no other colored Gis allowed.
- Please remove any jewelry that could be snagged in training: rings (silicone rings okay), bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and visible piercings that could snag or fall out.
- Avoid make-up as it can and will stain the mats and your partner’s clothes.
- Any remaining etiquette will be addressed on the first day of class.
What is the class structure like?
Most of our Jiujitsu classes are structured like so:
- 10-20 minutes of warm-ups (Jogging, Jiujitsu movements, aerobic movements, etc.)
- 20-40 minutes of drilling techniques and movements with a partner
- 20-30 minutes of live sparring/rolls
Sometimes changes will be made to focus on specific techniques.
What is the gym etiquette?
- Be respectful to everyone.
- Listen to the instructions.
- Be on time.
- Be clean: shower, use deodorant, trim nails, and don’t use strong fragrances.
- Wear clean odorless clothes.
- Don’t try and prove yourself — we are all here to learn and respect each other.
- Most importantly, have fun.
General Questions
Do I have to be ‘fit’ to start training?
No! You can start at any age, size, and physical level. Don’t try to get in shape in order to prepare you to get in shape.
The best way to get started is to take the first step. There can be a lot of anxiety when starting out but we will be here to support you along your training path.
What is the gym etiquette?
- Be respectful to everyone.
- Listen to the instructions.
- Be on time.
- Be clean: shower, use deodorant, trim nails, and don’t use strong fragrances.
- Wear clean odorless clothes.
- Don’t try and prove yourself — we are all here to learn and respect each other.
- Most importantly, have fun.
I’m a guy. How do I roll/spar with women?
The same way you would approach someone of the same sex who is her size and has her level of experience. If the woman is much smaller than you, then you roll with her the same way you would roll with a guy of her size and experience. Don’t adjust your game for any other reason than your partner’s size and experience. Based on the feedback that we’ve seen from women, handling them too delicately is patronizing. They are there to learn how to defend against a larger opponent just like everyone else; help them reach their goal.
What if you touch a boob? Or their butt? It happens. The first couple of times might be awkward for you, but realize that they know this is going to happen. It isn’t sexual in nature. It isn’t anything other than incidental contact which is simply part of the process. Don’t make an issue of it and just keep rolling. Want to grab her collar near her chest? Do it. Want to grab the pants at the hip for control? Do it. This all falls into the category of “treat them like a guy of their size”. She is your training partner and the faster she improves, the faster you improve as a result.
How do I roll/spar with someone much smaller than me?
The usual answer to this question is “just use technique”. Ultimately, using pure technique is impossible: you need to use some strength to move yourself and that means you are moving your weight at a certain speed which creates momentum and pressure which is ultimately not using pure technique. Technique requires the use of strength, speed, and weight to a certain degree.
So what is the answer? The answer is usually you try not to rely on your attributes. Do you normally use your weight to pressure into people? Do you use your gumby-like flexibility to reguard? Do you use your construction-worker-of-20-years grips to break and hold posture down? When rolling with smaller people whose attributes put them at an inherent disadvantage to yours, try to not rely on your attributes like you do against people of your own size or more experience. Maybe you move a bit more instead of smashing down and hugging tight. Maybe you focus only on moving yourself through transitions instead of throwing them around.
But it isn’t just about doing this on offense. If they are doing a sweep correctly and the only thing holding you up is your 4 foot tree-trunk of an arm, maybe you don’t fight tooth and nail to preserve top position, let them earn the sweep, and work your defense while they work their offense. There is a fine line between being patronizing and being a good partner in this regard. That line is usually that you are active partner throughout the entire drill/roll, but not an overbearing one. If the round ends and both of you have been in top position at least once during the round and you’re both exhausted, you can consider it a successful roll.
Should I wear a mouthguard?
In Jiu Jitsu, a mouthguard is not necessary but we sometimes have striking classes so having one on-hand would be a good idea. Otherwise, you are free to wear a mouthguard whenever you want.
In Muay Thai, you are required to have one.
I’m a man, should I wear groin protection?
If you are training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, it is advised that you do NOT wear groin protection. Wearing a cup could injure your training partners since the hard cup could be used to thrust into your training partner’s body. Additionally, groin hits are rare in Jiu Jitsu.
If you are training Muay Thai, you should wear a cup.
What should I do if I feel uncomfortable?
If it is a live sparring/rolling session and you think you feel like you might pass out or something will get injured then immediately tap on your partner, on the mats, or loudly say “TAP!” so your partner can hear. Tap early and tap often.
If it is anything unrelated to sparring/rolling, please contact an instructor immediately.
I don’t have the right equipment, can I buy them from REV?
Yes! If you are unable to purchase equipment on your own, you can buy equipment directly from REV. Please contact directly to inquire.
Where are you located?
In Fountain Valley, California.
18947 Magnolia St
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
Are showers available at your location?
No, we do not have showers.
Are restrooms available at your location?
Yes, we have gender neutral restrooms.
Is parking available?
Yes, and we share a parking lot with other businesses so parking may sometimes be limited.
Are MMA classes available?
Yes! We will focus on MMA strikes and movements in our Jiujitsu program when it is something that needs focus.
REV’s Mixed Martial Arts program is led by a rotation of instructors that focus on combining Brazilian Jiujitsu, Muay Thai, Judo and wrestling into one effective system. The 60 years of combined experience of the three instructors includes coaching and training along side multiple world champions in UFC, Pride, Bellator and several amateur promotions. We have experienced the rigors of training at every level and provide insight into the journey of developing an MMA skill-set valuable to students from any background. You will learn to effectively mix Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiujitsu, wrestling, Judo and boxing skill-sets to help you dominate your opponents.
Please contact an instructor if you would like to inquire about training MMA at REV.
I’m sick, should I still train?
If you are contagious and could infect others, stay home.
Get rest, heal up, and then come train. The gym will always be ready for you.
I’m hurt, should I still train?
It depends if your pain is something that can be nursed through careful technique and forethought. If you think another class session could potentially send you the hospital because of your current pain — seek medical help right away.
Jiu Jitsu Class Questions
For the Gi classes, can I wear any Gi?
White and black Gis only — no other colored Gis allowed.
If you are a first timer, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Gis are highly recommended. Karate, Aikido, and Tae Kwon Do Gis are not recommended as they are not constructed for the wear and tear of Jiu Jitsu.
If you do not have a Gi on the first day, we can provide a loaner Gi if we have one available in your size. You are required to wear clothes and undergarments under the Gi uniform.
If you have your own Gi uniform, please make sure they are odorless.
Should I get private lessons?
While REV is known for the quality of its group classes, some people prefer to start with private training. Private classes enable the instructor to teach the lessons in the order that will optimize learning and to adapt techniques to suit an individual’s strengths and weaknesses. Each private lesson begins with a review of previously learned techniques, followed by the introduction of 2-3 new techniques. Once you fully understand the new techniques, the instructor will show you how to combine them with previously learned techniques in a series. This process continues until you have mastered all the techniques in the module.
If you’re eager to learn Brazilian Jiujitsu with maximum efficiency, private training is for you!
LOCATION & SCHEDULING FLEXIBILITY
Private lessons offer maximum flexibility with training available daytime, evenings, weekdays, and weekends… if it’s convenient for you, it works for us. Moreover, if you can’t come to the REV training center, we’ll come to you!
LINEAR LEARNING
The order in which you learn the techniques greatly affects the time it takes you to master the art. In private lessons, your instructor will present the techniques in a carefully pre-determined sequence that will most efficiently develop your skills and build your confidence.
REACH MASTERY FASTER
The only way to reduce the amount of time it takes to master Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is to set specific training/technical goals in each phase of the journey based on your strengths and weaknesses. Private training enables your instructor to help you assess your ability and develop a personalized plan to take you efficiently to the next level!
PERSONAL PROGRESS PACING
Due to the pace of group instruction, it’s possible to miss technical details during the presentation. Moreover, two weeks or more could pass before the class recycles and you get a second chance to learn the technique. In private lessons, your personal instructor will pace the instruction according to your skills and needs, so you will never feel confused or overwhelmed.
INSTANT FEEDBACK
In a group class, it’s simply impossible for the instructor to focus totally on one student, so you must rely on your training partners to help you learn the techniques. In private lessons, your instructor is your partner for every technique, so they can physically feel all of your movements and provide instant feedback on every detail.
DISCOVER YOUR “GAME”
While Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is the one martial art that anyone can learn, many techniques still require some modification to fit the abilities of each student. In private lessons, your instructor will help you discover your “game” – the specific style of jiu-jitsu that best suits you – so that you can maximize your proficiency based on your age, weight, height, and athletic abilities (or lack thereof).
LEARN SECRET TECHNIQUES
Your instructor has a unique style developed and refined over many years of teaching and training. In private lessons, you may learn your instructor’s secret techniques as well as key strategies that are often overlooked, undiscovered, or simply too complex to teach in a group class.
Bowing?
At REV, we have traditions that involve bowing to to show respect to the mats, instructors, and training partners.
As soon as you step on the mats, face the wall and bow to the mats.
If anyone on the mats is a higher belt, approach them in order of ranking and bow to them. Coral first, Black second, Brown third, Purple fourth, and Blue last.
What are fundamentals?
The focal point of the REV Fundamentals program is to help beginners learn and apply basic Brazilian Jiujitsu techniques, movements and self defense. Students practice various techniques using a traditional Gi, also known as a kimono. Students learn and practice submissions, escapes, positioning and self defense. The REV Fundamentals program is directed not only for the beginner but also for the more advanced students to sharpen basic techniques. When a student joins this program they are monitored by the instructors and informed when ready to advance. We require this because there are core techniques that are essential to learn before more advanced progress in Brazilian Jiujitsu is possible. We want to assure that our students learn in the safest and most effective environment in their journey.
Specifically, the REV Fundamentals program covers more than a dozen essential self defense techniques, several control positions, key sweeps/reversals, a wide variety of joint submissions and chokes, a handful of take downs and basic escapes from control positions. This dynamic curriculum is taught and trained year-round during numerous classes throughout each week so that a beginner may start training at any time without skipping a beat. This helps our new students advance quickly and safely while improving their fitness.
This part of our program generally requires 4-6 months to complete and provides students with a strong base and general understanding of Brazilian Jiujitsu. Most students earn a stripe upon completing the fundamentals program. However, the journey of learning Brazilian Jiujitsu is barely beginning upon completing the fundamentals class. They will begin to learn more advanced techniques with our other students along with physiological and psychological insights for how to maximize their efforts in executing the concepts and techniques taught during each training session. Our typical new student will spend 1-2 years as a white belt before earning a blue belt. Earning a blue belt from REV comes with an understanding that we believe you will be able to successfully defend yourself from an assailant that is an untrained fighter utilizing Brazilian Jiujitsu techniques. To truly be prepared and receive our approval requires not only time and effort in training but the development of your character. A champion’s heart. An undying will to finish the fight. This is what we cultivate in our teammates.
Joining our team means that you are also becoming a family member whom we will support and push to achieve your goals. All of our teammates undergo significant changes over the first two years of training – physically, mentally, socially and emotionally. These changes are built upon a foundation laid during the REV Fundamentals program. This program was planned and is executed with your success in mind!
Should I train in a Gi?
REV’s gi classes are for men and women that want to follow a proven system of learning highly effective Brazilian Jiujitsu techniques. Each class includes cardio training, stretching, new techniques and live sparring in a safe environment. Our instruction develops champions that win on and off the mats. We push each other to grow and not give up. Our students bodies change as they experience weight loss and develop muscle tone. Their minds change as they achieve new heights of mental toughness. Their personas exude confidence and security. They achieve goals… They jump higher… They run faster… They become stronger… They become the person they always wanted to be. They discover the Jiujitsu Lifestyle as they balance their physical and spiritual life and give back more than they receive. Our students are not signing up for a typical gym experience – they are engaging in a positive life changing experience while learning the world’s most effective martial art. We welcome new students into our family with open arms.
We recommend every student to try both Gi and No-Gi classes to find what they enjoy most.
Should I train No-Gi?
No gi training occurs in group classes for men and women and follows a proven system of learning highly effective Brazilian Jiujitsu techniques. Since the traditional gi (kimono) is not used in these classes students wear rash guards, t-shirts, spats, leggings, fight shorts or board shorts. We believe it is important to learn how to execute our techniques with and without a gi so that we are prepared for all circumstances all the time.
Each class includes cardio training, stretching, new techniques and live sparring in a safe environment. Our instruction develops champions that win on and off the mats. We push each other to grow and not give up. Our students bodies change as they experience weight loss and develop muscle tone. Their minds change as they achieve new heights of mental toughness. Their personas exude confidence and security. They achieve goals… They jump higher… They run faster… They become stronger… They become the person they always wanted to be. They discover the Jiujitsu Lifestyle as they balance their physical and spiritual life and give back more than they receive. Our students are not signing up for a typical gym experience – they are engaging in a positive life changing experience while learning the world’s most effective martial art. We welcome new students into our family with open arms.
We recommend every student to try both Gi and No-Gi classes to find what they enjoy most.
How do belt rankings work?
For juveniles (aged 16 and older) and adults, all beginning students start as a white belt. It takes approximately 2-3 years of consistent training to move to the next belt ranking. The full ranking is:
- White Belt
- Blue Belt
- Purple Belt
- Brown Belt
- Black Belt
- Coral Belt (Must be training for over 30+ years)
All students will earn up to four stripes through each belt level to indicate their current progress in that belt level.
For kids aged 15 years or younger, the full ranking is:
(This table is only a guide of the average — some students may achieve belts sooner or later than the average)
I love to pull guard, how can I continue pulling guard over and over again?
You can find another gym using this useful website.
Kids Jiu Jitsu Class Questions
Why should my kid learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
1. Confidence To Face Bullies
A confident kid is a Bully Buster! Although school based anti-bullying initiatives may reduce the frequency and visibility of harassment, bullies will always exist in schools and other segments of society, therefore, the only guaranteed solution is to make your child a Bully Buster with the unshakable confidence needed to take a stand and neutralize the harassment and end the torment without violence.
2. Resist Peer Pressure
By teaching your child self-defense techniques that will keep them safe, and giving them a step-by-step plan for dealing with verbally aggressive kids, you will dramatically boost their self-esteem, increasing their ability to make the right choices in all areas of life.
3. Discipline for Life
Our belt system is designed to reward children for their hard work. By engaging in the Bully Buster learning process at REV Jiu Jitsu & Fitness, your child will have the opportunity to earn a new stripe every 20 classes, and with each promotion the principles of hard work and perseverance will be reinforced in your child. Eventually, your child will realize that with discipline and dedication nothing is impossible.
4. Exercise the Mind and Body
With child obesity rates at an all-time high, it has never been more important for children to stay active. Aside from teaching your child skills that will last a lifetime, our kids program provides your child with a fun full body workout.
5. Provide a Positive Role Model
Our instructors will be a positive role model for your child and reinforce your commitment to developing strong character, confidence and good behavior in your child. By establishing strong rapport with your child they will be receptive to our influence. Once we earn the child’s respect and admiration, we qualify to begin instilling the critical character traits that will shape the rest of their lives. Never underestimate the power of a positive role model.
(Boys) What should my child do/wear for the first day?
What to bring/do:
- Bring a water bottle, 16oz or higher suggested.
- Bring your driver license or any other forms of identification.
- Sandals that allow your child to quickly put on and off is highly suggested.
- Complete the waiver form here before visiting to speed up the initial process.
For boys, please follow these rules:
- Maintain good hygiene. Make sure your child and their clothes are odorless.
- Clean, clip and file finger nails and toe nails (help prevent scratches/infections).
- If your child has long hair, please consider a french braided hair, bun, or 2 rubber bands for long hair (one at the top of the ponytail and one about half-way down). No hair pins or clips.
- If your child is attending a Gi class, we will provide your child a loaner Gi if we have one available in their size. Your child is required to wear underwear below the Gi pants. If your child has their own Gi uniform, please make sure they are odorless. White and black Gis only — no other colored Gis allowed.
- If your child is attending a No-Gi class, please make sure they wear clothes that have no pockets or the pockets are closable with zippers. Avoid clothes that are too baggy. Some good examples are: t-shirts, rash guards, fitness shirts, leggings, board shorts, or fight shorts.
- Please remove any jewelry that could be snagged in training: bracelets, earrings, and necklaces.
- Avoid make-up as it can and will stain the mats and their partner’s clothes.
- Any remaining etiquette will be addressed on the first day of class.
(Girls) What should my child do/wear for the first day?
What to bring/do:
- Bring a water bottle, 16oz or higher suggested.
- Bring your driver license or any other forms of identification.
- Sandals that allow your child to quickly put on and off is highly suggested.
- Complete the waiver form here before visiting to speed up the initial process.
For girls, please follow these rules:
- Maintain good hygiene. Make sure your child and their clothes are odorless.
- Clean, clip and file finger nails and toe nails (help prevent scratches/infections).
- If your child has long hair, please consider a french braided hair, bun, or 2 rubber bands for long hair (one at the top of the ponytail and one about half-way down). No hair pins or clips.
- If your child is attending a Gi class, we will provide your child a loaner Gi if we have one available in their size. Your child is required to wear a shirt or rash guard under the Gi top. Underwear is also required under the Gi pants. If your child has their own Gi uniform, please make sure they are odorless. White and black Gis only — no other colored Gis allowed.
- If your child is attending a No-Gi class, please make sure they wear clothes that have no pockets or the pockets are closable with zippers. Avoid clothes that are too baggy. Some good examples are: t-shirts, rash guards, fitness shirts, leggings, board shorts, or fight shorts.
- Please remove any jewelry that could be snagged in training: bracelets, earrings, and necklaces.
- Avoid make-up as it can and will stain the mats and their partner’s clothes.
- Any remaining etiquette will be addressed on the first day of class.
What is the class structure like?
Most of our Jiujitsu and Muay Thai are structured like so:
- 10-20 minutes of warm-ups (Jogging, Jiujitsu movements, aerobic movements, etc.)
- 20-40 minutes of drilling techniques and movements with a partner
- 20-30 minutes of live sparring/rolls
Sometimes changes will be made to focus on specific techniques.
Can my child become a BULLY BUSTER?
Bullying, encompassing physical, verbal, or psychological intimidation, is unfortunately prevalent among children, with fear being the cornerstone of a bully’s influence. Bullies thrive on inducing fear in their victims, particularly those lacking self-confidence, allowing them to exploit weaknesses and break spirits. Effectively confronting a bully is the only reliable means of stopping them. Child psychologist Dr. Susan Lipkins notes that a simple “no” can deter a bully 50 percent of the time, emphasizing the need to teach kids to protect themselves, assert boundaries, and avoid becoming victims. However, implementing these strategies is easier said than done.
Bullies have existed throughout civilization and show no signs of disappearing. The U.S. Government’s anti-bullying website offers no concrete solution for children facing persistent bullying. Tragic incidents, such as youth suicides and school shootings, underscore the inadequacy of solely entrusting a child’s safety to schools.
In recent years, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has evolved into an effective and gentle self-defense method, successfully shielding tens of thousands of children from bullying. Recognizing its efficacy, the Bully Buster program has gained acclaim as a powerful countermeasure to bullying.
BULLY BUSTER for Victims
A confident child is resilient to bullying. The Bully Buster self-defense program aims to empower your child with unwavering confidence, teaching them verbal strategies to stand up to bullies and non-violent self-defense techniques to ensure safety in physical confrontations.
BULLY BUSTER for Bullies
Bullies are shaped by learned behavior, not innate tendencies. They adopt harassment as a means to elevate their social status. The key to Bully Busting a bully is to re-educate them on the responsible use of power.
A Strategic Shift
Unlike many martial arts programs relying on strikes, the Bully Buster program adopts a purely defensive approach without incorporating violent actions. Techniques focus on defusing confrontations with words and discourage the initiation of physical aggression. If attacked, the program provides non-violent methods to neutralize threats and gain control until help arrives, teaching children to fight fire with water.
Empower Your Child
The Bully Buster kids program caters to children aged 5 to 15 and takes place weekly at our academy. You are invited to bring your child for a free, no-obligation class. Witness your child’s growing confidence, character development, and self-defense skills. Beyond handling bullies, your child will cultivate mental toughness for success in life. Share your comments or feedback; we would love to hear from you.
Fitness Class Questions
I’m a male, what should I wear/do for the first day?
Bring the following:
- Water bottle (24oz or higher suggested)
- Enrollment forms and waiver form (You can also fill them out at the gym)
- Driver license or identification documents
Maintain good hygiene. Make sure you and your clothes are odorless.
Some examples of clothes you can wear: t-shirts, rash guards, fitness shirts, tank-tops, leggings, board shorts, or fight shorts.
Good shoes to lift and run in is highly suggested.
Any remaining etiquette will be addressed on the first day of class.
I’m a female, what should I wear/do for the first day?
Bring the following:
- Water bottle (24oz or higher suggested)
- Enrollment forms and waiver form (You can also fill them out at the gym)
- Driver license or identification documents
Maintain good hygiene. Make sure you and your clothes are odorless.
Some examples of clothes you can wear: t-shirts, sports bra, rash guards, fitness shirts, tank-tops, leggings, board shorts, or fight shorts.
Good shoes to lift and run in is highly suggested.
Any remaining etiquette will be addressed on the first day of class.
What is the class structure like?
Most of our fitness classes are structured like so:
- 10-20 minutes of warm-ups
- 20-30 minutes of higher intensity workouts with straps, weights, kettle bells, and other equipment.
- 10-15 minutes of cooling down with dynamic stretches
Sometimes changes will be made to focus on specific exercises.