Frequently Asked Questions
Questions Specific to Summit
What are the membership options and prices?
We have the following membership options available:
Monthly Membership: unlimited classes for one flat monthly rate. No activation or cancellation fees.
6 Month Membership: if you pay-in-full for 6 months you receive a discounted membership & a Free Gi.
Pay-Per-Class: no commitments, just pay each time you train.
We offer family, active-military, veteran, and first-responder discounts as well as various promotions throughout the year.
Please contact us to get the most current rates.
What is your uniform requirement?
For normal classes, Summit has the following uniform requirements:
Gi Class: Summit Black or White Gis
NoGi Class: Summit Rashguard with any black shorts or spats/leggings.
Wrestling Class: Any black tshirt or rashguard; no wrestling shoes.
For open mat and competition class- any uniform/brand/academy patch is welcome.
We have gi and rashguard uniforms available for rent for $5 per class.
Do you accept visitors?
Yes. If you'd like to visit our academy please contact us ahead of time.
There is a $30 drop-in-fee for visitors. and we have uniform rentals available for $5.
Please stop by the front desk to pay and sign your waiver before class.
Open mat: must have grappling experience to attend. Please check in at the front desk to pay and sign your waiver.
What are your gym rules?
These rules are in place to ensure a safe, respectful, and productive training environment for everyone. Thank you for your cooperation!
Never walk on the mat with shoes on.
Always wear shoes when off the mat. This includes the bathroom; NEVER walk in the bathroom barefoot and then return to the mat without washing your feet.
Never wear unwashed clothes/uniforms to class.
Try to shower, clean yourself up, and brush your teeth before class. Poor personal hygiene can make others uncomfortable and less willing to train with you.
DO NOT train if you have any skin infection even if it is covered/bandaged. Do not return to training until it is no longer contagious.
Keep your fingernails and toenails neatly trimmed to avoid scratching your training partners.
Men: wear a rashguard or t-shirt underneath your gi and if you train with leggings please wear shorts/pants over them.
Remove all jewelry, piercings, and watches before training.
Only get changed inside the changing rooms. Please wear appropriate clothing when outside of the changing room.
All personal belongings should be left in the appropriate storage areas provided. We are not responsible for any lost or stolen personal items.
Food and drinks are not allowed on the mat.
Let the instructor know if you need to leave class early.
Do not record pictures or videos of anyone in the gym and post them on social media without their consent.
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 rent, 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, shower 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 great for self-defense because it allows a smaller person to effectively handle a larger opponent using technique rather than strength. BJJ also involves live sparring (called "rolling"), which helps practitioners develop real-world skills in a controlled environment.
Do I need prior experience to start BJJ?
No prior experience is necessary to start BJJ. Our classes are structured to accommodate beginners, and our instructors will guide you through the basics, making sure you feel comfortable and confident as you learn.
Do I need to be in good shape before I start jiujitsu?
No. Classes are designed to help you build fitness over time, so you can begin at any level. Our instructors are experienced in working with people of all fitness levels and will help you progress at your own pace.
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 athletic wear such as rash guards and shorts/leggings for No-Gi classes. The class uniforms are available for rent or purchase at our front desk.
What is Gi and NoGi class?
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.
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 proficiency, sparring ability, time spent training, and overall contribution to the gym community.
