Classes Roundup: Your Guide to the Ground Control Columbia Gym!

Whether you’re a complete newbie or ready to compete, we’ve got you covered. Our students range from beginners to seasoned black belts, and everyone here is eager to help new students learn the art we love. The best part is no experience is needed! Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art focusing on ground fighting and submission. Our classes cover everything from basic techniques to advanced maneuvers, making BJJ accessible and enjoyable for all skill levels. We have a range of classes relating to BJJ levels, and we offer something for everyone—bring the whole family!

• BJJ Fundamentals – Our BJJ Fundamentals classes start with warm-ups and drills that teach the foundational movements of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Students learn BJJ’s basic movements, positions, and base, including essential techniques like guard passes, sweeps, and submissions. This class allows beginners with no experience to solidify the fundamentals needed to advance. As students progress, they will earn stripes and qualify to participate in rolling (live sparring) with other students. This structured progression helps build confidence and competence in new practitioners.
  
  
• BJJ Intermediate – In the BJJ Intermediate class, students apply what they learn through live drilling, situational sparring, and live sparring. These sessions focus on refining techniques and developing strategies for various scenarios. For those who desire, there are ample opportunities to test their skills against students from other academies in local, regional, and national tournaments. Intermediate students often begin to explore more complex techniques and combinations, preparing them for advanced levels of competition and training.
  
  
• BJJ Advanced – Our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Advanced classes are designed for advanced students only. Students will develop their own game and strategy, focusing on high-level techniques and positional control. This class delves into advanced submissions, counters, and escapes, allowing students to refine their skills and approach. Students will learn more advanced techniques, refine their knowledge, and start bringing everything together to advance to the next level. This level of training emphasizes strategic thinking and adaptability, which are essential for success in high-level competitions.
  
  
• Ladies Jiu-Jitsu – In our Women’s BJJ class, we follow the same curriculum as our regular BJJ classes but with special attention to dealing with size and strength discrepancies and building confidence to train in co-ed settings. Taught by Michelle Day, a BJJ brown belt certified in Trauma-Informed Care, the class also focuses on issues that disproportionately affect women, such as assault and abuse. This supportive environment encourages women to develop their skills and confidence while addressing unique challenges they may face in martial arts training.
  
  
• BJJ No-Gi – At Ground Control, we believe both Gi and No-Gi training are necessary to develop as a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner. BJJ No-Gi classes help martial artists master more Jiu-Jitsu skills for their arsenal, focusing on techniques applicable without the traditional Gi uniform. These classes correlate more to Mixed Martial Arts events and training, where competitors do not wear clothing during competition. While the techniques arsenal is reduced in No-Gi, the focus and experience using viable submission techniques increase, as does the ability to use these techniques in real-world situations. This form of training emphasizes speed, agility, and adaptability.
  
  
• BJJ No-Gi Intermediate – Our BJJ No-Gi Intermediate classes build on the foundations learned in the fundamental No-Gi classes. These intermediate sessions isolate more advanced No-Gi martial artists so they can pit their skills against experienced opponents, rapidly improving their skillset. The intermediate level focuses on refining No-Gi techniques, developing effective strategies, and preparing students for higher levels of competition. By facing equally skilled and higher-skilled opponents, your skills will improve rapidly, enhancing your overall martial arts proficiency.