FAQ · Shonen Jiu JitsuQuestions, answered.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is a grappling martial art built on leverage, timing and technique rather than size or strength. Students learn to control an opponent, escape bad positions and finish with safe submissions, which makes it one of the most practical self-defense arts for kids and adults alike.

Yes. Every class on our schedule is open to first-timers, so you or your child can try a real class before committing to anything. Book a free class online and we'll have a clean gi ready for your first visit.

No. Most of our students walked in with zero grappling experience. Adults can start in our Gi Basics class, which runs Monday through Thursday at 7:00 PM and focuses on fundamentals, and your conditioning will build naturally as you train.

Please try to arrive fifteen minutes early so you can meet the staff and instructor, sign a waiver, and take a tour of the facility.

Please sign up for a free class or come into the academy and a staff member will be more than happy to get you signed up. We look forward to meeting you!

Footwear is required off the mat, so we recommend you bring some flip-flops or sandals. If you have a white, black or royal blue gi of your own, you are welcome to bring it. If you are doing your free class, a clean uniform will be provided. Please wear an athletic top and pants comfortable to work out in to be worn under the gi.

For no-gi classes, shorts without zippers or pockets and a rashguard are required. A water bottle is highly recommended. We have water and other refreshments available at the academy.

No. A clean gi will be provided for your free class. Gis are available to rent or buy at the academy.

Any IBJJF approved gi (white, black, or royal blue) is allowed at the academy.

Kids can start at age 4. Our kids classes are grouped into ages 4–7 and 8–13, so every child trains with partners close to their age and size. Students 14 and older join our adult classes.

Jiu Jitsu has a strong focus on controlling situations as safely as possible. Unlike most other martial arts with punching and kicking, Jiu Jitsu allows the opportunity for live sparring against fully resisting opponents without the risk of a punch or kick to the head. Your child will be well prepared to deal with bullies or an attacker, as it won't be the first time someone has put their hands on them.

At Shonen, we will teach your children the necessary skills to stand up for themselves. Jiu Jitsu is also a great sport and athletic endeavor for your child, and our instructor has an outstanding pedigree training kids to become some of the world's greatest Jiu Jitsu athletes.

The use of the uniform is the main difference between the two. In gi classes, the uniform can be utilized for techniques and movements to gain control and submissions. No-gi, sometimes referred to as submission grappling, is often faster paced and closely resembles wrestling. In this class, you wear a rash guard and shorts, or leggings.

Both gi and no-gi share many fundamental similarities, and both styles have become widely popular sports that you can watch or compete in. When you begin training with us, you'll find that both styles complement each other greatly.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu was originally developed as a form of self defense that would be ideal if you found yourself in a situation where you must defend against an attacker that is larger, stronger, faster, and more aggressive than you, by focusing on grappling and submission holds as a means to level the playing field.

Jiu Jitsu exploded in popularity after UFC 1, when Royce Gracie demonstrated that a skilled grappler can overcome a physically imposing striker by using leverage and technique. BJJ has since been adopted into the defensive tactics curriculum for all major branches of the US Armed Forces due to its efficiency and history of success. It is an excellent martial art to learn as a form of realistic self defense.

Shonen Jiu Jitsu offers a safe environment for women to learn and feel empowered. The benefits include learning how to protect yourself, developing awareness and increasing self confidence. Our modern style of Jiu Jitsu is also a great way to take your fitness routine to the next level, and competition gives you a chance to challenge yourself mentally and physically.

The women's Jiu Jitsu community is rapidly growing and a great place to share your passion and support one another. If you've tried BJJ at another school and had a negative experience, give our program a chance and we guarantee it will win you back to the mat.

Yes. We're focused on community, so everyone is welcome at Shonen Jiu Jitsu.

Our head instructor, Professor Lee Rosenfield, is an active IBJJF black belt competitor who was ranked number two in 2021 and 2022. He coached kids and adults at the Art of Jiu Jitsu Academy in California, and he brings that same world-class curriculum to every class here in Glen Burnie, in an academy that is cleaned and sterilized every day.

Absolutely not. Sign-up fees and other hidden fees are a completely made up way to exploit clients, and are unfortunately a common practice in martial arts schools. There are no sign-up fees at Shonen.

• All students and visitors must wear a washed and clean gi or no-gi uniform.
• Absolutely no coaching your child or other students. You will be asked to leave if you do so.
• No photo or video recording allowed during class.
• Address black belt instructors as “Professor”, and all non black belt instructors as “Coach”.
• If you are late to class, please wait outside the matted area until the Professor gives you permission to join.
• Nails must be neatly trimmed. Please remove all jewelry during training.
• Food and drinks are not allowed on the mat.
• No shoes while on the mat. Shoes or sandals must be worn off the mat.
• Clean your feet with the provided wipes if they are dirty before stepping onto the mat.
• Show respect to your instructors and training partners.