FAQs

Q: Do I need to bring a gi to my first class?
A: We don’t expect that a complete beginner is going to have an extra gi in their closet, nor do we expect that someone would be so committed prior to checking us out that they would buy one beforehand. Loaner gis are available!

 

Q: What can I expect from my first Fundamentals class?
A: Almost without fail, we do a 15-20 minute warm-up which includes some of the common, fundamental movements in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The instructor addresses some technique, which includes drilling the technique, and finally, at the end of class there is positional sparring, where you will have the chance to put your new moves to the test! Participation in sparring is not obligatory but how else are you going to know if your moves actually work? 

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Q: What should I bring with me to class?
A: You should wear something comfortable to exercise in, but make sure it’s not super loose-fitting. Ladies, be sure to wear a shirt - while a bralette might be perfect for hot yoga, it's very prone to "wardrobe malfunctions" during BJJ. It’s also important to be fairly clean, as grappling disciplines require a great deal of bodily contact.

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Q: How big are your class sizes?
A: Depending on the class, it can be anywhere from 2 to 30 people. Our Kids Classes have between 15-25 kids.

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Q: Where are you located?
A: We are conveniently located in the Emma area of Asheville, right off of Gorman Bridge Road. Our address is 357 Gorman Bridge Road, Asheville NC 28806. We're about 10 minutes from downtown Asheville.

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Q: Who are your instructors and what is your lineage?
A: While we have more of a non-traditional, decentralized approach to staffing our instructors, and we love having have guest instructors from all different walks of life, you will inevitably run into this guy on almost any given day. Robert “Bobby” McMasters is a Rich Sab/ BJJ Globetrotters black belt, and has been teaching jiu-jitsu since 2006. Read more about him here. 

Q: How much prior experience do I need?
A: For the fundamentals classes, you don’t need to have had any prior experience. Whether you are a seasoned black belt or you just rolled off the couch for the first time in 10 years, we guarantee you will benefit from our fundamentals program. For our Beyond Basics class, you should have a general awareness of the major positions and be able to execute some of the more fundamental BJJ movements. Normally, if someone comes to our fundamentals class as a strict beginner, they could expect to begin taking the more advanced classes after about a month or so.

 

Q: Do I need to be in good shape before I start training jiu-jitsu?
A: You don’t wait to go to school until you’re smart enough, and you don’t avoid starting a yoga program until you are flexible enough, so why would you wait to try jiu-jitsu until you are in good shape? Start now and go at your own pace.

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Q: Can I bring my dog?
A: Maybe. Is your dog friendly? We reserve the right to exclude anybody and any animal from the gym. If your dog shows signs of aggression or if it is somehow disruptive when class is in session, your dog may be asked not to come back, but otherwise it’s probably OK.

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Q: Can my children hang out during class?
A: Absolutely! Again, as long as your child isn’t disruptive during class time (or show any signs of aggression...haha), they are welcome to hang out/ play on their tablet/ do homework etc, while you get your mat time in!

 

Q: Do you have wi-fi?
A: No, unfortunately we don’t have wi-fi at this time. We may decide to upgrade in the future, but for now you’re gonna have to rely solely on your phone’s data plan.

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Q: What are the facilities like?
A: The Open Source BJJ building was originally an auction house that has been repurposed many times over. While we’re able to maintain that rustic/industrial feel, we try and go above and beyond to make sure our facilities are clean and hygienic. We have over 1370 square feet of mat space that is built on a sprung floor made out of repurposed tires. The tires effectively give the mats the exact amount of bounce so it’s easy on your joints when you take falls, but not so bouncy to the point that you get a trampoline effect. We have two unisex bathrooms, one of which has a shower which you're welcome to use. Body wash and shampoo is provided, but please bring your own towel. We also have an outdoor solar-heated shower in the warm months.

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Q: How much is class?
A: Our Fundamentals classes follow a “pay-what-you-want” payment plan. This is exactly what it sounds like; while we suggest our students try and pay between $10-20 per class, we want everyone to have access to a quality BJJ program, regardless of their income. However, if you’d prefer to follow a more traditional payment plan, we can set something up for you no problem! And as always, there are no enrollment fees, contracts or other various hidden strings attached. 

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Any class that isn't "pay-what-you-want" is a $15 drop-in fee, or you can use a Class Pass.

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Our Kids BJJ Classes are $80 per month for two classes per week and open mats. Ask us about family discounts.