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.
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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