Rogue BJJ Questions and Answers

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Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu – BJJ – is universally regarded as one of the most effective martial arts for self-defence. It is a style that can be mastered by people of all ages and fitness levels. BJJ’s driving principle is that a smaller, weaker person using proper technique like leverage, joint locks, and chokeholds, can successfully defeat a bigger, stronger opponent. There is no striking in BJJ, unlike Karate or Boxing. It originated in Brazil in the early 20th century. 

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a grappling-based martial art that utilises positions, controls, and submissions (joint locks and chokes) to neutralise bigger, stronger opponents. Think of it as human chess: technical skill + strategy > raw power. BJJ is a proven, effective form of self-defence. 

BJJ is widely recognised as one of the most effective self-defence systems, and is taught to military and law enforcement personnel in many countries. Join us, train smart, and discover why BJJ is the most practical and addictive martial art on the planet.

BJJ works at close range, where most real altercations finish. It reduces the danger of strikes because you control first and harm last. This is what makes it defensive and what makes you a more confident, capable human in control under pressure. We welcome everybody - no matter your age, gender or body type. We will show you how you can, no matter your size, gender, age or type, control and defeat an opponent who is larger and stronger than you. You will gain physical fitness, strength and discipline. Also, your mental health may improve - because we're mobilising energy, building confidence and creating clarity through movement and mindfulness.

YES you can.

We offer beginner classes 3 times a week. The class is called 'BEGIN' - it's a brilliant place to start. That doesn't mean you can't attend other classes. Our experienced coaches are ready to welcome you. They'll guide you through the fundamentals no matter your skill level, age or fitness level. Everybody starts somewhere. Just showing up is the first step.

No. Rest assured, we're willing and able to guide you through as you start and through your journey. Every class is different and options are guided for all levels. If you are new, BEGIN and EXPLORE classes are for you. If you're worried or apprehensive, reach out for a chat to talk through any private concerns, reservations or further questions through our contact page or call us on 0437144352.

Yes! Sign up for a single FREE TRIAL CLASS or book a $99 21-DAY TRIAL

You can find us in Canberra's Inner North suburb of Lyneham. Our shared community studio space is located on the ground floor of the EMBARK building at G06/253 Northbourne Avenue. We're in the Northern building, facing Northbourne, and we're very accessible with no steps. You need to walk a bit to access us from where you park or ride.

Street parking is accessible behind the EMBARK building in Lyneham as directed and a 4P car park is nearby on De Burgh St, via Wattle St. More 2P parking is available in Lyneham on the street as directed and off Northbourne Ave heading north before EMBARK. Walk around the front after you park. You can also park in the MANTRA hotel and walk up. As we're not at a local shop, we don't have parking directly out front.

You can't drop in for a casual roll or attend our open mat unexpectedly, no. But you can book a trial. Either a FREE TRIAL CLASS or a $99 21-DAY TRIAL. Mike offers private 1-1 BJJ tuition for members and non-members. You can book a private BJJ session with Mike here.

Yes! We offer a wonderful Rogue BJJ Kids program aligned with school terms. We currently have 2 KIDS classes on the weekly class schedule on Mondays 5pm and Thursdays 4pm after school.

Rogue BJJ is not like other clubs. Our classes and studio are small and creative, so get ready for plenty of attention, problem-solving and direct feedback. You won't be lost in the crowd at Rogue BJJ. Our Members get detailed training and a collaborative community. We provide resources and periodic grading events, and social member get-togethers. Our members don't pay annual membership, grading or seminar fees. 

A massive perk worth noting is that all adult Rogue BJJ Members get FREE unlimited access to Flow and Food Yoga and Ayurveda classes for balance, mobility and recovery in the studio. This inclusion is unique to Rogue BJJ and not available at any other BJJ club. Yoga is valued at $45 per week to Flow and Food members. Rogue BJJ Members get it completely free.

Book a trial to see if BJJ is for you, and then sign up for a membership.

Everyone goes through a trial period at Rogue BJJ Canberra to determine if we're a good fit for each other. You'll be welcomed to our community and supported by Mike and our mentors, who will coach you through the basics as you become familiar with our Code of Conduct. This will start your BJJ journey with Rogue BJJ Canberra.

When you make your first booking, you'll create an account with our booking system provider, Momence. You'll answer a few get-to-know-you health questions and provide a few confidential details so we can look after you. You can manage your class bookings in the Momence app on your mobile. It's free to download in the App Store or Google Play.

Yes please, online bookings are essential. Your booking secures your spot and lets us know you’re coming. This also gives your coach insight to expect you on the mat so you'll get the best training experience possible. We don't take cash or phone bookings because we need you to register so we can understand your needs and take care of you.

Wear/bring your white Rogue BJJ Gi uniform, a small towel, and a water bottle. We provide natural cleaning supplies and fresh drinking water. Wear modest attire, just whatever you're comfortable in, and bring layers, so you're ready to move.

Please arrive in the studio 15 minutes before class start times. This is so you can check in, settle in and warm up. It is best practice for your nervous system and respects your peers and your coach. We'll remind you in class confirmation emails.

You sure can, but you'll need to be a Rogue BJJ member to train with us. All we ask is that any time you're training with us you're following our Code of Conduct.

At Rogue BJJ in Canberra, we believe Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a game-changer for women seeking confidence, strength, and practical self-defence skills. Unlike striking arts, BJJ’s grappling-based approach levels the playing field, making it ideal for women. 

Yes. Many of our members have injuries they have sustained throughout their lives and we acknowledge your level of fitness and experience. Our training seeks to support them in every way possible. This includes modifying training and techniques to accommodate needs.

Absolutely. Most self-defence situations happen at close range and are unpredictable, making them perfect for BJJ's grappling and reality-based training approach. Also, our techniques minimise your opponent's advantages in weight and strength — perfect for protecting you against wouldbe attackers.

Regular practice is essential for building competency in BJJ. Two sessions per week is what we would consider to be the minimum amount of training required to get good at any skill. 

Yes. We believe there is no barrier to training. We're focused on looking after our members, and they need to be focused on being a good training partner, regardless of age. 

No. BJJ is a grappling art. That means it focuses on controlling opponents through throws, clinches, controls and submissions rather than punches and kicks. If you're interested in punching and kicking, though, our dedicated Self-Defence classes use a wide array of techniques including kicks and strikes. 

This is a common fear and it isn't unfounded. You might, yes. We can't guarantee you won't. But we'll do our best to prevent that by providing a safe, non-competitive mat culture, small group classes and expert direct instruction. At Rogue BJJ we're not world champions or UFC fighters. We're ordinary people who want to train and improve our fitness, health and wellbeing. For that reason, we do everything we can to minimise the risk of injuries. Take a look at the Rogue BJJ Canberra Code of Conduct and Rogue BJJ Canberra Illegal Techniques.

If you decide how we approach BJJ and the community isn't for you, that's okay. If Mike or our mentors feel you are not a good fit then we'll openly tell you. The health and safety of our community is our priority and any person who is selfish, dangerous, inconsiderate, offensive or at any stage breaches the Code of Conduct will be asked to leave immediately.

Please contact us to have a chat!