Here at Revolution BJJ, we have developed a simple but powerful system of development that uses Levels to let you know which classes to attend. All students begin at Level 1. Level 1 BJJ classes include limited, situational sparring, ideal for the jiu jitsu novice, and strong emphasis on extremely important fundamental techniques. This is where you develop your framework for the rest of your jiu jitsu career- the foundation of a house you are about to build. Level 1 Muay Thai classes feature lots of repetitions on footwork drills and basic movement, along with truly fundamental strikes such as the jab, cross, foot jab, and Thai kick.
Our tried and true 8 week intro class uses a simple and effective format. It’s catered towards those who are first starting BJJ, with little or no previous experience, and there are at least 12 intro students with each cycle of the program, so the instruction is brisk and minimal, with just enough information given out so that the student can sketch out an idea and grasp the overall concept of the position. This unique blend of fast pace and concise instruction gives the novice student exactly what they need in order to move forward to Level 2 at Revolution BJJ, and doesn’t bog anyone down with unnecessary extra details. This program has proven extremely successful in preparing students for the next step. However, students are welcome- and encouraged- to attend Level 1 classes for as long as they’d like. Advanced students will often attend both to brush up on the basics, and to help out newer students by partnering with them.
Once you pass a test demonstrating your understanding of certain fundamental concepts, you’ll be invited to move on to Level 2. Level 2 classes pick up the intensity slightly, dealing with combining fundamental movements, and integrating more rolling (for BJJ) and sparring (for Muay Thai). Students are expected to have a basic understanding- think of it as a “foot in the door”- of their chosen martial art, and the format of the class reflects this. For jiu jitsu, this means 20 minutes of takedowns, 20 minutes of ground instruction, and 20 minutes of rolling from the knees. For judo, this means basic judo, which means being able to take a fall and execute fundamental movements covered in the Level 1 BJJ classes. For Muay Thai, this means putting together footwork naturally with combinations, and being able to survive light sparring rounds.
Level 3 classes allow for a very high degree of efficiency in training. BJJ classes include 30 minute nonstop drilling classes, half and half drilling and rolling classes (one hour), and competition-specific classes (situational sparring and game planning). Judo classes are more intense, featuring more complicated throw combinations and counters. Level 3 Muay Thai classes feature a fast paced workout with high level instruction and frequent sparring.
Level 4 classes require a minimum of blue belt in BJJ to attend. The format dictates this strict need for control over who trains. There is currently only a Level 4 class for BJJ, although there are plans for the future to add classes.
Our 7:30 PM BJJ class, for example, starts with a warm up of rolling for about an hour. This is ideal for the students there, because the belt level average is about purple, or somewhere in between blue and purple, depending on which random day you sample. Because of the presence of so many upper belts, the class format means that they get in a lot of rolling, no unnecessary warm ups, and fast paced, advanced technique after the warm up.
2 PM on Wednesday is appropriately named our “nonstop rolling class.” That’s the entire class, and it’s extremely beneficial to anyone who has been training for five or more years. It’s also an excellent supplement for the more athletic, less experienced grapplers who are already meeting their technical needs with other classes.