BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU LESSONS
At BJJ Leiden we strive to provide each student with a solid foundation of both knowledge and ability built around tried and tested fundamental techniques and concepts. Upon this base each student is free to develop their own personal game utilising the techniques and tactics of the arts most modern developments.
All lessons begin with a short warm-up, followed by technical training and then a series of situational and positional exercises based around the techniques learned that day. These exercises play a vital role in the study of BJJ. It is of the utmost importance that practitioners are able to apply the techniques learned under the pressure of a ‘live’ situation. The understanding of proper structure, weight distribution and the sense of timing needed to do this successfully can only be developed through practice with a resisting opponent. The training concludes with a session of ‘free rolling’ (sparring) with an emphasis on personal coaching and tips for individual development.
GI & NO GI LESSONS
The ‘kimono’ or ‘gi’ is the official uniform of Jiu Jitsu. it consists of a jacket, pants and a belt and is built to withstand the rigours of hard training. The importance of training both in and out of the gi has long been a hotly debated discussion within the BJJ community. It is our opinion that both are necessary to develop a well rounded understanding of the art as a whole. The lack of friction usually provided by the gi ensures for a very different experience when training without it. Although this can make escaping positions easier, transitions are faster and submissions harder to finish forcing the practitioner to adapt to a very different set of problems.
STRUCTURED CLASSES
Lessons at BJJ Leiden follow a structured plan addressing a different position each week.
The underlying principles and basic techniques of each position are covered in the 'Fundamentals' class.
In the 'All Levels' class we delve deeper into the positions, covering combinations and strategies for attack and defence. Students are encouraged to work together to further develop the skills they have learnt.
FRIDAY NIGHT CLASS
The last evening session of the week is reserved for drilling and sparring. This more intensive class begins by giving everyone the opportunity to drill the techniques of the week with a cooperative partner. This is then followed by a number of directed positional sparring rounds designed to improve tactics and problem solving. The session ends, as ever, with 30 minutes of free sparring to see the weekend in.
OPEN MAT SESSIONS
Above all things, it is simply time on the mat that contributes most to the students' progression. Along with regular classes we also believe in the importance of free, unstructured time on the mat so that each practitioner can focus on what they personally wish to work on. This is an excellent opportunity to revisit techniques covered in class, to ask more experienced members for advice or, of course, simply to roll (sparring).
Participants are requested to bring both a gi and a rashguard / T-
Please note: The open mat sessions are for members only.
LUNCHTIME SESSION
A slightly shorter class, suitable for all levels and perfect for the afternoon, consisting of 30 minutes of technique and drills, followed by 30 minutes of open mat.
Please note: The lunchtime classes are paused during the school holidays.