Here are the answers to the some of the most frequently asked questions (F.A.Q)
Yes!
Every student at our academy has access to a free 3-hour long parking spot in front and around the building that we are situated in. This time period is more than enough for you to attend even two of our training sessions either in the morning or evening. All you need to do is take the ticket given to you upon entering the parking lot and ask us how to use it.
Our training facility is really easy to find due to its great location. The exact address is 47 Cherni Vrah Boulevard, a business and sports center. We’re on the 2nd floor. Right beside the building entrance is the German global discount supermarket “LIDL”. To get to the dojo you can use the subway (metro) line 2 to its final stop at “Vitosha” station. You can also take buses No. “88” and “120” or tram No. 10 from other areas in the city.
The easiest way to start would be to just step into the dojo. Too often in life we know what would be best for us, but we don’t follow through with the decision. To make your choice easier and minimize all doubts, we offer not one, but two completely free classes. These pro bono training sessions will help you to figure out if this sport and our particular environment suit your needs. We strongly believe in the bond between teacher and student. This is why we would like you to try the sport for free in order to get to know us and then decide if you are ready to trust us as your instructors.
No.
You are more than welcome to come, get acquainted and watch the classes. We have created a comfortable sofas in our welcome area where visitors can relax and watch training sessions.
The so called “GI” is a Japanese word for the martial art uniform. Outside Japan, it is often equated with the word “kimono”. This is the uniform, used by most eastern martial arts. It is the main gear in brazilian jiu jitsu and it consists of 3 parts – jacket, pants and belt. The BJJ GI is composed of heavy cotton, reinforced in order to withstand the hours of vigorous training. Jiu jitsu practitioners cherish and handle their kimono/GI with the same care as knights would their armor. Most of the best athletes in the sport have attributed their success to training in the GI. The GI is strongly recommended for beginners as well.
Yes, absolutely!
Anyone can learn the techniques, developed and incorporated by BJJ creators Carlos and Helio Gracie (two men, weighing no more than 62kg) in a fighting system, which has revolutionized the world of martial arts. Their life’s work has been continued and expanded upon by their students. This is why Brazilian Jiu Jitsu allows the much smaller and physically weaker person to defend against a larger and stronger opponent. Because of its adaptability, Bjj is suitable for people of any size and body structure, regardless of age or gender. Our youngest member is currently 3 years of age and our oldest – 56.
In contrast to training in the GI, the standard uniform in Brazilian jiu jitsu, in NO GI training, students wear only shorts and rash guards. In the GI, students can grab the material and even use it as a submission weapon against their opponent. We strongly believe that in order for anyone to achieve a high level of jiu jitsu, he or she must train both GI and NO GI. This is why, we offer both fighting styles in our schedule .
You do not need anything special in order to start training BJJ. We require only flip flops (to put on once you set foot in the dojo), a t-shirt (one or two), a pair of sweatpants or shorts (without any metal ornaments, zippers or sharp objects). As time progresses and you start training regularly, you will be needing a GI, a rash guard, and shorts. For your convenience we provide the above-listed accessories and clothing in our store.
Yes.
We here at Twisted Jiu Jitsu have managed to provide everyone, who wants to learn the principles, ideas and philosophy of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, with a chance to do so in a calm, friendly environment. Our team consists of children, women and men. We are especially proud of the fact that entire families come to train together in our spacious facility, consisting of two huge tatami matted halls. You can read more about our programs and classes here.
Not anymore.
Twisted Jiu Jitsu terminated all contracts with “sport pass” companies as we find they contradict the true spirit and mission of our Academy. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu requires dedication, consistency and patience. Such focus cannot be achieved by cruising through numerous gyms and sports for general recreation. Nevertheless, everyone is welcome to try this martial art via 2 free trial classes. They will help you assess if this is the sport you have been looking for.
It is highly unlikely.
The so called cauliflower ear occurs in people who train extensively almost every day. This deformation is caused by long periods of neglect and not resting when your ear is injured. It is not something which happens overnight, and there is usually plenty of time to take measures. These inflammations occur on different occasions: hard blows to the ear, friction and so on. We can guarantee proper prevention and safe training instructions in our beginner program. As an extra preventive measure, we can provide you with ear guards, which are designed to protect you from unwanted injury.
No.
A Brazilian Jiu Jitsu workout by itself is a great way to get in good physical shape. The movements you will learn and the stress on the muscles, combined with the intermittent aerobic and anaerobic exercise during training will be more than enough to boost your metabolism and help you shed excess weight without getting stuck in a boring training regimen.
No.
Tournaments are a vital part of every sport, but no one is obligated to take part in them. Competitions provide participants with a platform to test themselves in an unfamiliar and formal environment after having accumulated a certain amount of knowledge, skills and confidence. We regularly take part in national and international tournaments, not only for experience, but also for the sheer, amazing fun and team work! So, competing is not required, but we do recommend it and provide guidance and support in the preparation process.
Of course you can.
Our schedule is organized so as to allow anyone to become consistent in their Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey, regardless of the daily tasks and obligations – work, school, family. We offer training every day except Sunday, multiple times a day, always striving to create more training opportunities. We know this is the only way to open access for more people to high quality martial arts. The morning classes, for example, can provide a superb start to your day!
No.
We totally understand that everyone has multiple tasks and obligations throughout the day. People’s responsibilities get more demanding each year, but this should not get in the way of your finding a way to re-energize in a pleasant and safe environment, while simultaneously improving your self development and learning new vital skills. You are hardly the first person who can’t make it in time for the scheduled class. All you need to do is warn us if possible, and if you are late, step on the mat and wait for the instructor to give you permission to join the class. People who have clear desire to train, but cannot make it to training on time, definitely have a place at our dojo.
At Twisted Jiu Jitsu, we have divided all of our regular classes according to the level of the practitioners (adults) and according to the age group (children). To better gauge your level, click on “Programs”, where you will find additional information on every single class in our training regimen. After that, you can figure out where you will feel comfortable and what will be most beneficial for you. You can always consult with the instructors as well.
Yes.
We work with a carefully selected team of professionals, which maintain our social media accounts and our website. If you notice any problems or inconsistencies, please don’t hesitate to contact us at once!
Yes.
Everyone starts off at everything as a complete beginner. Being a novice in any craft is the only way towards success and knowledge. Even if you have had zero experience in martial arts, this may actually be a plus. You will be free to learn the basic principles of jiu jitsu without making comparisons and feeling the need to unlearn certain approaches suitable for other arts. Nearly all our members have been in the same spot as you, and only persistence and hard work have brought them to the level they have achieved today.
Yes.
Every Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gym has its own set of rules, but there are some guidelines every respectable dojo needs to demonstrate and uphold. Some of them are the following:
- Maintain a good hygiene. Your body is not the only thing that needs to be cleaned. Wash your uniform and gear every time!
- Foul language is never acceptable in the dojo.
- Respect everyone regardless of their belt or level.
- Be on time for the scheduled class (if possible 5-10 min. before the start). If you can’t make it, try to let your coaches know in advance.
- No shoes on the mats.
- If you plan to be away from training for a long period of time, inform the instructors.
- Leave your ego at the door. We all come here to learn.
- Do not speak or interrupt while the instructor is teaching.
These are just some of the rules, which if followed, will allow us to spend the best time possible in the academy.