5933 E 22nd St, Tucson, AZ 85711 | Txt / Call 520.329.7345
American Jujitsu | Sanda Kickboxing | Wushu Combatives
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
General Questions
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What is American Jujitsu? Is it the same as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
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I have an injury. I am out of shape. I am older. Can I train?
Uniform / Equipment Questions
Visiting / Drop-in Questions
General Questions
Q: What is American Jujitsu? Is it the same as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
A: At BRMA Tucson, our American Jujitsu is rooted in traditional jujitsu but has a distinctly practical, real-world focus. While Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) emphasizes ground fighting, our style emphasizes stand-up grappling, throws, and takedowns. We draw from jujitsu, judo, and wrestling to help you control a fight before it even hits the ground. Boxer's Rebellion Martial Arts
Culturally, we share the discipline, respect, and technique of traditional martial arts—but we also put a premium on functional application, pressure-testing, and sparring, rather than rigid hierarchies or overly formal traditions.
Q: You spelled Jiu Jitsu wrong.
A: Actually, “Jiu Jitsu” and “Jujitsu” are the same word—just spelled differently depending on history and who’s using it.
The original Japanese term is “Jūjutsu” (柔術).
When Westerners first began writing it in English, it became “Jujitsu” or “Jujutsu.”
Later, when the Gracie family in Brazil developed what we now know as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, their Portuguese-influenced spelling “Jiu Jitsu” became the most widely recognized version—especially in modern grappling culture.
So:
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Jujitsu / Jujutsu = the original historical spelling
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Jiu Jitsu = the spelling popularized by Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
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Same art, same meaning — just different ways of writing the Japanese word in English
At BRMA Tucson, we use “Jujitsu” because our style is rooted in the older, stand-up–focused traditions while still evolving for modern application.
Q: What is Sanda?
A: Sanda (also called Sanshou) is a modern Chinese combat sport combining striking (punches, kicks) with wrestling-style throws and takedowns.
At BRMA Tucson, our Sanda program teaches you how to strike and wrestle in a realistic, effective way — giving you the tools to defend yourself and train dynamically with full range of motion. Because we blend the art with modern application, it’s not just for sport: it’s a powerful self-defense system.
Q: Is Sanda / Jujitsu good exercise?
A: Absolutely. Training in delivers serious fitness benefits. You’ll build strength, stamina, agility, and coordination. Sparring and drills will boost your cardiovascular health, muscle tone, and balance.
Just like in other martial arts, you'll also develop discipline, confidence, mental focus, and stress relief — all while having a lot of fun on the mats.
Q: What is Wushu Combatives?
A: Our Wushu Combatives program draws on traditional Chinese martial arts (kung fu) and adapts them for practical, modern self-defense. You’ll learn both unarmed self-defense and the use of classic weapons like the straight sword (Jian), saber (Dao), spear (Qiang), staff (Gùn), and short stick.
These techniques are not just for show — they’re adapted for self-defense and class focuses on realistic sparring, blending traditional wushu with usable application.
Q: Is there an age limit for classes?
A: Yes — our classes are for teens and adults, typically 11 years old and up.
Q: Is there a kids class?
A: No — we do not currently offer a kids-only class. Our training targets teens and adults.
Q: What happens in an average class?
A: Here’s a typical flow for our classes:
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Warm-up – Expect movement drills rooted in martial-art fundamentals: drills like footwork, hip mobility, breakfalls, etc paired with conditioning.
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Technique – We dive into stand-up grappling, throwing, striking, or weapon work, depending on the class. Instructors break down the mechanics, show transitions, and help you refine.
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Drills/Sparring – After technique, you’ll work with partners in structured drills.
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Live Sparring or Application – We do controlled sparring or “pressure test” scenarios so you can apply what you learn.
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Cooldown / Q&A – We often finish with time for Q&A, so you can ask instructors about specific techniques or strategy.
Q: I have ZERO experience. Can I train?
A: Yes — we absolutely welcome complete beginners. You don’t need any prior experience. Our instructors will work with you at your pace, teaching the basics first and building up to more advanced techniques as you grow.
Q: I have an injury. I am out of shape. I am older. Can I train?
A: First and foremost, always check with your doctor. If they clear you for physical activity, then absolutely — you can train.
We understand that not everyone walks in at peak fitness or in their physical prime. Our approach is built around meeting you where you are. We’ll adapt drills, modify movements, and scale intensity so you can train safely while still progressing.
That said, it’s important to have honest self-awareness. Listen to your body, and communicate with your instructor so we can adjust as needed. We also recommend watching a class beforehand to get a feel for the pace, expectations, and how training flows.
If your doctor approves and you’re willing to train smart, you’re welcome here.
Q: What is the pricing for the programs?
A: You can find all of our current rates on our MEMBERSHIP (PRICING) page.
Q: When are classes?
A: Our regular schedule is posted on our SCHEDULE.
Q: Is sparring required?
A: Sparring is a significant part of training — it helps you test techniques under pressure and build real-world skill. That said, we run sparring with a safety first approach (i.e. touch contact training focus vs. full contact), especially when you’re newer, to minimize injury risk and keep things safe. We take all the proper precautions so you can spar confidently while learning.
Uniform / Equipment Questions
Q: What do I bring to my first class?
A: For your first class, bring:
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A water bottle (stay hydrated!)
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Athletic clothes (more below)
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Your sparring gear; If you don't have gear yet, no worries, we have loaner gear.
Q: What should I wear to class?
A: Depends on which class:
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Jujitsu: Wear a gi if you have one, or athletic short + rashguard.
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Sanda: Wear shorts (preferably without pockets) + a rashguard or a fitted T-shirt. Avoid baggy clothes or anything with zippers — you don’t want to accidentally catch someone’s gear. Examples:
Q: Do I have to buy my own equipment?
A: Yes — eventually you’ll want to invest in your own sparring gear. But don’t worry: when you’re just starting out, we provide loaner equipment so you don’t need to buy right away. The two exceptions are mouthguards and going protection, you must supply these yourself for obvious reasons.
Q: What sparring equipment do I need?
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Mouthguard
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Gloves (Kickboxing or Muay Thai)
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Shin guards
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Groin protection
Q: What weapon sparring equipment do I need?
A: For Wushu Combatives Weapon Sparring, you’ll eventually want the following (linked are suggested place to purchase):
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HEMA Torso Protection -- Specify HJ-A color pattern (Primary color black, secondary green)
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Training Weapons --
Visiting / Drop-in Questions
Q: Do you allow visitors?
A: Yes! We welcome visitors. Whether you want to try a class or just check out our facility, we’d be happy to have you.
Q: Do I have to fill out anything online or can I just drop in?
A: We do ask that you fill out a waiver before you come in, either online or in person. It helps speed things up, ensures everyone’s safety, and lets us get you on the mat right away.
Q: What are the drop-in prices?
A: Our drop-in rate is $20 per class.