FAQ
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Safety is our number one priority. Unlike striking arts (Karate/Boxing) where the goal is to hit the opponent, Jiu Jitsu is a grappling art. We focus on control and positioning. Because we use the Ecological Dynamics method, we also don't do "mindless sparring." Every live round has specific rules and safety constraints to keep the intensity manageable while your child learns.
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Absolutely. Our game-based approach is perfect for both personality types.
For the high-energy child: The constant movement games give them a productive outlet for their energy without getting "yelled at" for fidgeting.
For the shy child: We don't force them into the spotlight. They learn through play, which naturally builds confidence and social bonds with teammates without the pressure of "performing" in front of the class.
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Yes! We have a seating area for parents. We just ask that you remain on the sidelines and refrain from "coaching" your child from the chairs. We want them to focus on the instructor and their partner.
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No. Grapple House is a No-Gi school. Your child should wear a rash guard (or tight athletic t-shirt) and board shorts (no zippers/pockets). We do not use the traditional heavy Kimonos.
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We have a zero-tolerance policy for bullying inside the gym. More importantly, we teach children the confidence and physical skills to diffuse bullying situations outside the gym. We build "upstanders," not bystanders.
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What ages do you accept?
We focus exclusively on youth development, ages 4-15. To ensure appropriate training partners, classes are split into specific cohorts:
- Ages 4-5
- Ages 6-8
- Ages 9-11
- Ages 12-15
My child has never grappled before. Is that okay?
Yes. Our classes are designed for mixed levels. Whether it's their first day or they've been training for years, our games-based approach allows every student to work at their own pace.
When are classes?
We are currently operating a "Founding Cohort" schedule on Mondays. You can view the specific times for each age group on our live schedule here: /schedule.
Can we try a class before signing up?
Absolutely. We offer a free trial class so you can meet the coaches and see the facility. Book your trial here: /trial.
What do they need to wear?
We are a No-Gi academy (no kimonos required). Students must wear:
- A Grapple House branded rash guard (available at the gym), OR
- A plain black rash guard.
- Shorts or leggings with no pockets or zippers (for safety).
How much is membership?
Our tuition is a flat rate of $120/month. Note: We are currently offering a Founding Member Rate for our first 20 sign-ups. This locks in your $120/mo price for life, regardless of future tuition increases or schedule expansions.
Do you offer sibling discounts?
Yes. We offer a 15% discount for every additional family member who joins.
What is the cancellation policy?
We require written notice (via email) to cancel your membership. Please notify us before your next billing cycle to avoid being charged.
Are there long-term contracts?
No. Membership is month-to-month.
How clean is the facility?
Extremely.
Mats: We clean the mats before and after every single day of training, and we dry-mop between classes to maintain a dry, safe surface.
Gear: We strictly enforce our clean-gear policy. If a student's rash guard is dirty or smells, they will not be allowed to train.
Do you check for skin infections?
Yes. We perform visual skin checks before students step onto the mats. If we spot anything suspicious, the student will be asked to sit out until they can provide a doctor's note. This keeps everyone safe.
What happens if my child gets injured?
We prioritize safety above all else. In the event of an injury, we have a strict protocol: training stops, the student is assessed immediately, and parents are notified right away. We never encourage students to "push through" pain.
"Can I coach my child from the sidelines?"
No. We ask parents to be supporters, not coaches. If a child is listening to you, they aren't listening to the instructor or their own intuition. "Joystick coaching" (telling them exactly what to move and when) prevents them from learning how to solve problems on their own. We ask that you cheer for their effort, not their technique.
"What is your bullying policy?"
Zero tolerance. We teach dangerous skills that require maturity and control. Any student found misusing their training to harass or harm others—inside or outside the gym—will be dismissed immediately without a refund.
"It looks like they are just playing games. Are they learning Jiu Jitsu?"
They are learning faster because they are playing. Traditional drilling (memorizing moves in a line) often fails when a real opponent resists. We use Constraint-Led Games to teach.
Example: Instead of saying "Do an armbar," we play a game where the student must "Control the arm and stop the opponent from pulling it back."
This forces them to solve the problem in real-time against resistance. It looks like play, but it builds functional skill and "grappling intelligence" much faster than rote memorization.
"Will my child get beat up?"
No. We group students by age and size. Our games are designed to be safe but competitive. We do not allow unsupervised sparring or "fight club" behavior. The goal is technical growth, not dominance.