FAQs
- Getting Started
- How do I get started?
- Can I join at anytime?
- Do you accept anyone?
- What kind of shape do I have to be in? (Minimum physical requirements)
- Does one have to be strong or big?
- What should I wear to class?
- Are the classes rough?
- I am looking for a good workout. Is this a good workout?
- I want to compete. Can I?
- What do you expect from students?
- How much does it cost for classes?
- Instructor Interview
- What style of Jiu Jitsu do you teach?
- What is your teaching style like?
- What do you think of the other martial arts?
- Are you affiliated with any groups or organizations?
- Have you actually had to use any of your martial arts training?
- About the Art
- What is Kodokan Judo?
- What is the English translation or the meaning of the word Judo?
- What are the other main principles in learning Judo?
- Is it JiuJitsu or JuJutsu or Jiu Jitsu?
- Are there belts in Jiu Jitsu?
- What is nogi grappling?
- What is reality defense?
- Yeah, but what if . . .
- About the Dojo
- General Questions
Give us a call (870-577-3679) or drop us an email. We are more than happy to answer any questions you might have. Come on by and observe a class. After that, try a free class. If everything works out, become a part of the family!
Yes. Beginners can start at anytime. If you'd like to check out a class, please drop us a line and speak with Si-Jo Troy Holton.
No. I interview each new student to make sure we are a right fit. Please call to come in and observe a class. I will not train someone to become a bully, street fighter, or criminal. Those persons who are mentally unstable or pose a risk to the existing student base will be barred from joining. Don't waste my time, your time, and the time of your fellow students in this endeavor. I am not looking to add every single person who walks through my door either. Quality is better that quantity and my training method makes that very clear.
**We reserve the right to refuse clients or participants
What kind of shape do I have to be in? (Minimum Physical Requirements)
Judo and Jiu Jitsu is a contact sport/art. Any major injuries, chronic conditions, heart problems or such will prevent you from participating in class. This is to ensure that you won't do something to aggravate the existing problem. Please let the instructors know of any injuries or medical conditions that you might have before class so we can assess your particular situation. As a general rule, if you have trouble getting to your feet from a seated position or doing about 20 push ups as a minimum ...this might not be for you.
Does one have to be strong or big?
No. Black Dragon Jiu Jitsu and Judo uses human bio-mechanics, physics, and proper positioning to achieve its objective. Anyone can be thrown or manipulated, regardless of size or strength. And anyone can throw or manipulate, in spite of those principles.
If you are new, come to your first class with track pants/shorts and a tee shirt that you don't mind getting stretched (or ripped). Proper hygiene is required, you must be clean and odor free and nails are to be cut short. No shorts, tank tops or zippers on the mat.
In Kodokan Judo, you will be required to buy a gi (training uniform) for classes.
This is not for the lazy at heart, so expect a physical workout. Bumps and bruises and injuries do occur from time to time.
I am looking for a good workout. Is this a good workout?
Oh Yeah! Our classes can be intensive workouts. If you like getting the heart pumping and the adrenaline going, come check us out!
Yes. We have a competition team and we will sharpen your skills for nogi and gi competitions.
What do you expect from students?
I don't expect people to break boards, ice blocks, or baseball bats. I don't expect people to kick the ceiling, do back flips, or 2 hours kata demonstrations in my classes.
I do expect people to learn practical and realistic methods of defending themselves. I also expect my students to be dedicated to the art.
How much does it cost for classes?
Beware of schools that are not up front with you about their prices or want to lock you into very long contracts. We have the best practice-to-cost-ratios in the city. We charge $55/month for unlimited adult training and $10/extra to take both classes. Family rates are available as well. Our drop in’s are $10 per class. Come in and try a free class to see what we are about!
What style of jiu jitsu do you teach?
We use the Gracie System to build the foundation of our Jiu-Jitsu. We also incorporate 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu, and a sport based nogi style of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ).
What is your teaching style like?
My strategy to teaching mirrors my philosophy in life. I am always willing to listen and learn from those around me. I do not believe in violence for violence sake, nor do I impart that on my students. Teaching and learning should be an exciting and enjoyable atmosphere free of fear and intimidation.
I am constantly learning and researching new innovations. I don't believe in mastery of technique, but rather constant refinement! My teaching style is described as: easy going, realistic, with a touch of tradition. Feel free to drop in and try a free class!
What do you think of the other martial arts?
I love the martial arts. The best martial art is the one that you feel is right for you. Some arts focus on sport, some on exercise, some on inner peace, and some on pure combat effectiveness.
I started my first martial arts class over 25 years ago and it has lead me to dozens of instructors and many different styles. I am thankful to have learned some amazing things from some amazing people along the way.
Are you affiliated with any groups or organizations?
Yes, as an active member and in good standing with the United States Judo Association and the North Central Arkansas Judo Club, Midwest Association of Sport Karate, and Recognized Gracie Garage.
Have you actually had to use any of your martial art training?
Yes. Having been a Police Officer for over 20 years, I've seen my fair share of conflict. Don't confuse ring competition and self defense as one and the same. A ring or mat competitor may do poorly in self defense and/or vice versa. There is a time and place for everything.
Judo is many things to different people. It is a fun sport, an art, a discipline, a recreational or social activity, a fitness program, a means of self-defense or combat, and a way of life. It is all of these and more.
Kodokan Judo comes to us from the fighting system of feudal Japan. Founded in 1882 by Dr. Jigoro Kano, Judo is a refinement of the ancient martial art of Jujutsu. Dr. Kano, President of the University of Education, Tokyo, studied these ancient forms and integrated what he considered to be the best of their techniques into what is now the modern sport of Judo.
What is the English translation or the meaning of the word Judo?
Gentle Way
What are the other main principles in learning Judo?
The principle of cooperation (jita kyoei), working for mutual welfare and benefit. The principle of maximum efficiency (seiryoku zenyo), using the least amount of effort to achieve the greatest results.
Is it JuJitsu or JuJutsu or Jiu Jitsu?
Depends on who you ask. It means the same thing (the gentle fighting art or the ability to use your opponent’s energy and leverage against them using joint locks, chokes and throws). Typically, old Japanese styles use "Jujutsu" (JJJ), and more modern/mixed styles use "jujitsu". In Brazil, it is called Jiu Jitsu (BJJ).
Yes. The ranking system in our Black Dragon Jiu Jitsu uses a colored belt system: white, gold, orange, purple, blue, green, brown, red, and black.
Kodokan Judo has white, yellow, orange, green, brown, and black. We rank in both!
Nogi grappling means submission grappling without a GI. We use rash guards and GI pants for our nogi classes. It is quicker than GI grappling because you don't have anything to hold onto.
Nothing upsets me more when instructors pass their styles off as "street effective". Don't confuse sport styles for self defense styles. Many instructors have brained washed themselves into believing their style is an "ultimate combat system" and then teach BAD HABITS to GOOD PEOPLE.
Reality defense must be flexible in the wake of a real attack. I refuse to build self confidence on a shaky foundation. Not all moves or techniques will work on all people or situations all the time. Its is very important to adapt ones moves accordingly. I train people to defend themselves against common attack scenarios found out in the real world.
As I say: "KYSS. Keep your system simple."
There are a lot of what if scenarios. I am not taking away from the importance of striking arts (such as karate), but my experience (through training, researching, studying, and real encounters) leads me to believe that Black Dragon Jiu Jitsu incorporated with Judo is an art that everyone could benefit from.
Our class not only teaches beginners, but there are several seasoned martial artists who attend our classes. They are there to learn the techniques when the gap is closed and strikes are no longer a viable option.
What is the etiquette in the Dojo?
- You should be changed and ready at the dojo before the class time. If you arrive late for class you should do your own warm-ups off the mat. When you are ready, sit on the edge of the mat, bow towards the head of the dojo (called the Kamiza or shomen), and remain sitting until the sensei gives you permission to join class. Then bow to sensei and join the class.
- Do not walk onto the mat without permission from sensei.
- No shoes or food on the mat ever.
- In Japanese Jiu Jitsu class, refer to black belts as "sensei". Refer to the senior students as sempai. Never address Sensei by first name on the mat.
- Keeping the dojo clean is a sign of respect for the place that we practice.
- There are 2 types of bows that we observe: The standing and sitting bows.
- You bow in the standing position when: entering and leaving the dojo (at the door), temporarily leaving and returning to the mats (at the mats edge), and when you have received teaching from the sensei or fellow students
- You bow in the seated position: at the beginning and at the end of class towards the front of the dojo as a group as a sign of respect.
- Class is formally started by the students lining up in the sitting position (on knees) in order of rank, the most senior to the right facing the Kamiza (head of the dojo), for opening and closing bows, but not for class.
- Basic Japanese Terminology:
- Domo Arigato Gozaimashita -thank you very much. This is said to your partner at the end of a set of techniques, and at the end of class when we bow to each other.
- Onegai Shimasu- I am willing to accept your guidance. This is said to your partner at the beginning of a technique, when asking sensei for help, to sensei at beginning of class, and when sensei teaches a technique.
- Sumimasen-Excuse me. This is said when you accidentally bump into someone while practicing or you would like to get the sensei's attention for a question.
- Only the instructor should be teaching at any time on the mat. Lower belts should NEVER teach higher belts. It is a major dojo etiquette faux psd to teach when you are not at the appropriate level.
- Keep your concentration on the mat. Keep the mat chat down (excessive talking), focus on training, and keep repeating the technique until told to stop.
- Don't practice a different technique than the one shown, unless the sensei/sempai shows variations.
- Always be mindful of the capabilities of your partner. General rule is let your partners' rank be your guide when applying speed, strength, and more "dangerous" variations
- Personal hygiene is a reflection of your attitude of respect. During practice, long hair must be tied back, jewelry must not be worn, fingernails and toenails must be kept clean and short, hair, and body must be kept clean, free from offensive odors. We are working in close contact with one another and this is an absolute MUST for practice. If you smell, you won't be allowed to practice.
- If you must leave early, ask permission from sensei.
- During the class there should be no discussion of anything except jujitsu techniques-and very little of that. If you must speak, speak quietly. Your learning should be done with your eyes rather than your ears and your teaching should be with your body not your mouth.
What is the dojo atmosphere like?
I am very proud of the student base and atmosphere we have created at the dojo. Our retention rate is high because our students take pride in their study. We have some of the most sincere individuals you will ever meet. A key guide when checking out martial art classes is see how the students treat one another.
We also don't pack in too many students in a class like some other schools. We give one on one instruction at every class and make sure you are getting the attention you deserve.
Do you have to be a black belt in order to do the moves effectively?
Remember that a black belt is only as good as the person wearing it. It is a piece of cloth that shows dedication to an art. There are many people out there without a days training that are fantastic fighters and many black belts who are not. I teach techniques that can be used within a very short period of study. This is not a quick fix method, just simple techniques that work in many different situations. After 3 months, you should have a good solid base and notice a marked difference in your ability.
How long before I get my first belt?
That depends really. Our Black Dragon Jiu Jitsu system takes about 2 to 6 months on average to get to gold belt. The Kodokan Judo system takes a bit longer for the first belt (3 to 8 months). But, it all depends on your dedication.
The great thing about Black Dragon Jujitsu is that the classes are completely dynamic. That means there is an ever changing mood and style from class to class. While I build upon basics, I like to introduce new and exciting techniques to keep things interesting.
Teaching and training is about getting to know the people you are with. I believe in building and creating a family atmosphere in and out of the gym.
Any questions or comments please email me and I will happy to answer them.