Getting Started
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Do I need any Jiu-Jitsu or martial arts experience?
No. Most people begin without previous martial arts experience. Our instructors explain the class structure, help you with the fundamentals, and pair you with an appropriate training partner.
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How do I book my free class?
Use Odyssey’s current Book My Free Class page and select a class within the program you want to try. Free classes and trials include Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and age-appropriate Kids classes. If you are unsure which class to choose, contact us before booking.
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Can I take any class for my first visit?
Yes. Adults interested in Jiu-Jitsu may take any Jiu-Jitsu class, Muay Thai visitors may take any Muay Thai class, and children may take any age-appropriate Kids class. Choose a class within the program you want to try. Open Training and restricted partner sessions are not public trial classes.
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What should I wear for my first class?
Clean athletic clothing is fine: a fitted shirt or rashguard with athletic or grappling shorts works best. Avoid zippers, buttons, hard pieces, exposed pockets, and jewelry. If you already own a clean BJJ gi, you may wear it to a gi class.
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What should I bring?
Bring water, sandals or shoes for walking off the mat, clean training clothes, and any personal medical item you may need. Keep water in a sealed container and leave valuables at home when possible.
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When should I arrive?
Please arrive 10–15 minutes early so we can greet you, confirm your waiver and check-in, show you the facility, and introduce you to the instructor.
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I am nervous. Is that normal?
Absolutely. Starting something new can feel intimidating. Tell us how you are feeling, ask questions, and train at an appropriate pace. We will pair you with a safe, welcoming student and help you understand what is happening.
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What happens during my first class?
The coach will pair you up with an experienced student on your first day. You will participate in instruction and drilling at an appropriate level. Live training, positional work, observation, or modified participation will depend on the class, your comfort, and the coach’s judgment.
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Will someone contact me after my trial?
Yes. The Odyssey team follows up after trials to ask about your experience, answer questions, and help with the next step.
Classes and training
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What programs does Odyssey offer?
Odyssey offers adult and kids Jiu-Jitsu, including gi and NoGi training, plus wrestling and Muay Thai. Class names, levels, instructors, and availability may change, so use the current Wodify schedule for the authoritative listing.
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What is the difference between gi and NoGi?
Gi training uses the traditional jacket, pants, and belt, with grips on the uniform. NoGi uses fitted athletic or grappling clothing and does not use gi grips. Both develop core Jiu-Jitsu skills through somewhat different grips, positions, and strategies.
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What is a typical class like?
Classes normally include technical instruction, intentional repetitions, and active practice such as live drilling, positional rounds, or open sparring. The exact format depends on the program, class, and curriculum.
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Which class should a beginner take?
Choose an eligible beginner-friendly class offered through the current booking system. Fundamentals, Basics, and appropriate All Levels classes may all serve beginners. The coach or sales team can help you choose based on experience, goals, schedule, and comfort.
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How often should I train?
Two or three classes per week is a practical starting point for many beginners. Increase gradually as your schedule, recovery, and body allow. Consistency matters more than forcing a training frequency that you cannot sustain safely.
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Can I train in both gi and NoGi?
Yes, when your membership and the class requirements allow it. Training both can create a broader understanding of Jiu-Jitsu. Bring the correct gear for each class.
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Do I have to spar?
No. You may decline a round, partner, drill, technique, or intensity level. Speak with the coach so your participation can be adjusted. Some classes include live work, but no one should be pressured to train beyond an appropriate boundary.
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How do promotions work?
Promotions are based on a student’s grappling IQ, technical application, consistency, training habits, conduct, and overall skill development. Progress varies by student; promotions are not guaranteed on a fixed timeline.
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What can I do outside class to improve?
Recovery, sleep, mobility, general fitness, and thoughtful study can support your training. Use outside instructional material carefully and prioritize the current class curriculum and your coach’s guidance so you are not overwhelmed by conflicting details.
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Does Odyssey offer private lessons?
Yes, private BJJ instruction may be available by appointment. Contact Odyssey for the current instructor availability, rate, scheduling process, and facility approval. Private instruction may not be conducted at Odyssey without leadership authorization.
safety, health, and etiquette
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Is Jiu-Jitsu safe?
Jiu-Jitsu is a contact activity and injuries are possible. Odyssey reduces risk through controlled instruction, appropriate pairing, coach supervision, tapping, prohibited-technique rules, hygiene standards, and the right of every participant to decline or stop an activity.
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What does tapping mean?
A physical tap, verbal tap, yell, or clear sign of distress means stop and release immediately. Tap early rather than waiting for pain or injury. Respecting the tap is one of the most important responsibilities in the academy.
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What techniques are prohibited?
Odyssey prohibits jumping into closed guard, kani basami, unsafe tani otoshi, slamming, striking, small-joint manipulation, and uncontrolled techniques. Additional restrictions may apply by age, experience, program, or class. If you are unsure, do not apply the technique—ask the coach first.
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What if I have an injury, medical condition, or limitation?
Tell the instructor privately about anything relevant to safe participation and follow your healthcare provider’s guidance. Coaches may adjust or stop participation, but they do not diagnose injuries or guarantee that every condition can be trained around. Odyssey may require medical clearance.
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When should I stay home?
Do not train with fever, vomiting, diarrhea, flu-like symptoms, a contagious illness, a suspicious rash or skin infection, or an open wound that cannot be safely covered. Contact us if you are unsure. Protecting the room takes priority over completing a class.
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What hygiene standards apply?
Arrive with a clean body, clean feet, trimmed nails, and freshly washed, fully dried training gear. Wear deodorant, but avoid excessive fragrances. Never reuse unwashed gis, rashguards, shorts, towels, or other training gear. Securely cover minor cuts, wear footwear in restrooms and all off-mat areas, and never step onto the mats with shoes. Report blood, bodily fluids, or other mat contamination to the instructor immediately. Shower as soon as practical after training and wash all used gear after every session.
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Can I train while using alcohol or other substances?
No one may train, coach, supervise children, or use academy equipment while impaired by alcohol, recreational drugs, misused medication, or any condition that makes participation unsafe.
For any further inquiries or information not covered here, feel free to reach out to our team at info@odysseybjj.com. We look forward to welcoming you to the Odyssey Jiu-Jitsu family!
