FAQ

What is MMA?

MMA is a combat sport in which athletes are allowed to strike and grapple their opponents. Striking in MMA includes punches, kicks, knees and elbows of various kinds. Grappling in MMA includes allowing opponents to grab opponents, lift and slam them, pin them, apply locks to joints in effort to dislocate or break the joint, or to use chokes as a means of controlling an opponent or forcing a surrender.

What is BJJ?

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a Grappling art with two main forms. GI (traditional) and NoGi. In traditional classes we wear a uniform known as a GI, by which our opponents are allowed to grab and control us with. We even use each others clothing to choke one another! In NoGi we wear typical gym wear (form fitting) and are not allowed to grab the clothing of the opponent. In both styles however the object is to control your opponent without the use of strikes and to force your opponent to submit to a choke or joint lock.

What to Expect.

At Valhalla we run four different styles of martial arts on different schedules, so uniform and protective gear requirements vary by class (see schedule at top right). That being said, all of our classes begin with a warm up, followed by instruction, then sparring (beginners are typically put aside to drill basics during this portion of class) followed by a calisthenics burnout to end class.

What to Bring?

Day one students are encouraged to come in general workout attire. To avoid wardrobe malfunctions, and injuries we ask that students wear form fitting clothing and tops that cover their shoulders and is not loose around the neck. Fingers and gloves can easily stretch, tear or pull away loose clothing. Gym shorts, leggings or spats are fine, but we recommend a form fitting base layer with any uniform. Please view our classes page to view individual uniform and protective gear requirements for non-trial class students.

When Can I Fight/Compete?

With little or no prior experience, we typically have students wait 6 months or longer before competing in a grappling event or unsanctioned smoker (an unofficial boxing or kickboxing match used to prepare athletes for the real deal without affecting their records). before taking an official cage fight you can expect to train for a year at the very minimum before we would even consider putting you into a cage. no one is obligated to compete at Valhalla, but those who do will not represent us without approval from staff and first taking all the steps to ensure the athlete is prepared mentally and physically for combat.