Summit JiuJitsu FAQ | Answers to Common BJJ Questions

Frequently asked questions

Questions Specific to Summit

What are the membership options and prices?

It depends. We offer various pricing options based on training frequency. We also frequently run promotions and offer discounts for military, multi-member families, first responders, and more.
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None of our memberships have activation fees, cancellation fees or contracts.
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Because our pricing and promotions change regularly, the best way to get accurate rates is to contact us directly.
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Call (203) 984-8891

What are your uniform requirments?

For normal classes, we have the following uniform requirements:
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- Gi Class: Summit Black or White Gis
- NoGi Class: Summit Rashguard with any black shorts or spats/leggings.
‍- Open Mat and Competition Class: any uniform/brand/academy patch is welcome.
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We have gi and rashguard uniforms available for rent for $7 per class.

Do you accept visitors?

Yes. If you'd like to visit our academy please contact us ahead of time. There is a $35 drop-in-fee for visitors, and we have uniform rentals available.

The open mat drop in fee is $20.

Open mat: must have grappling experience to attend. Please check in at the front desk to pay and sign your waiver for training.

Do you have age requirements?

The minimum age to start kids classes is 4 years old. From there, we have people of all ages from 4 years old to 60+.

What should I bring to my first class?

Clothing: stop by the front desk to buy or borrow the class uniform you need. For no-gi class, wear any athletic shorts/leggings that you are comfortable in.

Sandals: we recommend bringing sandals/flipflops to use when you're not on the mat. You cannot walk barefoot off the mat.

Water: we have a free water fountain and bottled drinks available for purchase, but feel free to bring your own water bottle.

Can I cross-train at other gyms?

Yes, we have an open policy when it comes to cross training. We don't restrict our members from training at any other academy and we accept visitors from any academy as well.

If you are a member of our gym and plan on visiting another academy, please be mindful of their rules as they may be different than ours.

Does your gym have parking?

We share a parking lot with Half Full Brewery next door. If you follow the path between our buildings it will lead you to a parking lot in the back.

Does your gym have showers?

Yes, our men's locker room has two showers and the women's bathroom has one. We also have a private, unisex single stall bathroom with a shower available as well.

Please bring your own towels, body wash, shampoo, etc

General Questions About BJJ

How does Brazilian JiuJitsu (BJJ) compare to other martial arts?

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) focuses on ground fighting and submissions, making it different from striking martial arts like karate, taekwondo or boxing, which emphasize punches and kicks. Unlike other grappling arts like judo or wrestling, BJJ is centered on controlling your opponent and using leverage to apply submissions.

It's different from most martial arts because you can train it at full intensity. You’ll do live sparring (“rolling”) where both people are genuinely trying, but submissions can be stopped instantly with a tap. That means you get real, practical experience without needing to hurt your training partner.

What is the difference between Gi and No-Gi?

In a Gi class, you wear a traditional martial arts uniform called a gi (or kimono), which allows for grips and techniques using the uniform itself.

In NoGi class, you train in athletic clothing like rash guards and shorts, with techniques adjusted for the lack of grips on clothing.

The core techniques are very similar in both styles, but the grip options create different strategies in each.

Most of our members train both styles while some prefer one over the other.

Do I need any special equipment?

The only special equipment you need is your uniform. You'll need a gi (a kimono) for gi classes, and a rashguard with shorts/leggings for No-Gi classes.

The class uniforms are available for rent or purchase at our front desk

How does the belt/ranking system work?

Summit JiuJitsu follows the traditional ranking requirements of the International Brazilian JiuJitsu Federation (IBJJF).

Belts are acquired in the following order:

Adults: white, blue, purple, brown, black.

Kids: white, grey, yellow, orange, green.

Promotions are based on a combination of factors including technical skills, sparring ability, time spent training, and overall contribution to the gym community.

How long does it take to get a black belt?

For most people, earning a black belt in BJJ is a long-term journey. If someone trains consistently with no major breaks, it usually takes around 10 years.

For the average person, life happens: work, family, injuries, schedule changes, and time away from training can all stretch that timeline. Because of that, it’s not uncommon for people to take 15–20 years to reach black belt.