Mat notes.
Honest guides for parents and first-timers, no jargon, no hype. The questions people actually ask before they walk in.
Straight-talking articles for parents, beginners and anyone thinking about walking in for a first class. Written by the coaching team at Stratford BJJ, not spun by AI or copied off the wider internet, and edited for people who have never trained a day in their life. If a question keeps coming up on the mats, it eventually shows up here.
Not sure where to start? Try one of these:
- Never trained before? Start with What to expect at your first BJJ class and what to wear.
- A parent? Is Brazilian jiu-jitsu good for kids? and is it safe? are the two most-asked questions we get.
- Over 30, 40 or 50? Starting BJJ over 30, 40 or 50, not too late is written for you.
- Curious about the belts? How the BJJ belt system actually works explains why it takes what it takes.
Stratford martial arts for kids: BJJ vs karate vs MMA
Picking kids martial arts in Stratford, Ontario? We compare BJJ, karate, taekwondo, kickboxing and MMA so you can choose the right class for your…
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What age can kids start BJJ? A Stratford parent’s guide
What age can kids start BJJ? A Stratford coach on the best age for kids to start jiu jitsu, from 4 year olds to…
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Too old to start BJJ? Starting at 30, 40 and 50 in Stratford
Too old to start BJJ at 30, 40 or 50? A Stratford coach on what adults who started BJJ face on the mat, how…
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What to wear to your first BJJ class
What to wear to BJJ? For your first class, just wear athletic clothes, a t-shirt and shorts or leggings with no zippers or pockets,…
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What to expect at your first BJJ class
Nervous about your first BJJ class? Here is exactly what to expect, minute by minute, what to wear and bring, the warm-up, drills, whether…
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Is Brazilian jiu-jitsu safe?
Is Brazilian jiu-jitsu safe? Yes, with no striking, a tap-out system and controlled drilling, BJJ is one of the safer contact activities, with lower…
Read the guide →Is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu good for kids?
Is BJJ good for kids? Yes, it builds confidence, focus and discipline through safe, no-strike grappling, and gives children real anti-bullying skills. An honest…
Read the guide →Gi vs no-gi BJJ: where should a beginner start?
Gi vs no-gi BJJ explained for beginners, the difference in grips, speed and submissions, the pros and cons of each, and why Stratford BJJ…
Read the guide →BJJ for women: self-defence that actually works.
BJJ is the most practical self-defence for women because leverage beats size and strength. An honest guide to Brazilian jiu-jitsu for women, and Stratford's…
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Starting BJJ over 30, 40 or 50, not too late.
Starting BJJ over 30, 40 or 50? It is not too late. Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a leverage and timing art, not a strength art:…
Read the guide →The BJJ belt system: how promotions actually work
The BJJ belt system explained: the adult belt order from white to black, stripes, the IBJJF kids belts, how long each belt takes, and…
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