Frequently Asked Questions

GETTING STARTED

How do I get started with Dominat10n?
You’re more than welcome to stop in and check us out to get a feel for how class is run. If you choose to participate that day, we will have you sign our Liability Waiver (mandatory to take a class), and a loaner gi will be provided, so you can hop right on the mat! If you’re starting from our website, first go to our schedule. Determine when you’d like to attend, and click the Book A Class button. Follow the instructions on that page to book your class (again, including signing the waiver). Now you’re all set up! Make sure to arrive 10-15 minutes early to get a feel for the space and ask any questions you may have that weren’t answered by contacting us.

What should I bring for my first day of Jiu Jitsu?
A water bottle, a pair of flip-flops, and smile is all you need :)

What should I wear to Jiu Jitsu?
A t-shirt (preferably a rashguard, if you have one) and something comfortable to tumble around in like leggings or shorts will be just fine. We are making physical contact on the mats and want to avoid you getting any sort of mat burn and/or abrasions by having bare skin on the mats, like while wearing tank tops. Try to avoid shorts with pockets and/or studs and big buttons/buckles. Fingers can get stuck in pockets and be injured, and studs/embellishments can damage the mats and be uncomfortable to roll around on. We also have loaner gis on hand if you choose to participate in a gi class and want the full experience.

Do I need to be in shape to start training?
Come as you are! Although cross-training is supported, the best way to get in Jiu Jitsu shape... is to do Jiu Jitsu! No matter your fitness level, you are welcome to train and we will be more than help you reach your fitness AND Jiu Jitsu goals.

Can I bring a friend with me?
Of course! The more the merrier! Training Jiu Jitsu for the first time can be an intimidating experience, so bringing a friend not only can bring comfort, but give you someone to share the experience with and bounce ideas/feedback off of.

ATTENDANCE

What happens if I show up late to class?
Nothing! Don’t even worry about texting or calling Dom or any other instructor when you’re running late. We’ll know you’re late when you arrive :) Other academies may have more rigid rules for late arrivals, but Dominat10n is relaxed. We know “life” happens. All we ask is once you arrive at the gym, hurry to get your gi on and hop on the mat so you can start learning as soon as possible.

What do I do if I’m going to have to miss class?
If you know you are going miss a class you are signed up for, you should use the Acuity Scheduling app or dominat10n.as.me website to cancel your scheduled appointment. Your cancellation is automatically emailed to Dom, so you will not need to call or text to notify.

Can I pause my membership?
Yes you can! You will find all details pertaining to how and when to pause your membership on our Terms & Conditions page.

CLASS-SPECIFIC

I’m a woman who only wants to roll with women, but I can’t make the Women’s Self Defense class on Sundays. What should I do?
Again, your autonomy means the world to us, so you don’t have to pair up and roll/drill with anyone you don’t want to. Thankfully, we have a very diverse group of consistent students, so you can attend a co-ed class and will most likely have other women in the class.

Can I watch my child’s class?
Parents are more than welcome to watch their children train. With that, we kindly ask you to refrain from conversing or attempting to coach your child from the sideline. It is a distraction and tends to do more harm than good. If you would like to have a more involved role with the Dominat10n kids program, please consult Dom or Jeremy.

Can I show up late to Open Mat?
Absolutely! That’s the “open” part of Open Mat! You are welcome to arrive at a session at whatever point you want, but do note that most students are finished rolling within about 90-120 minutes of start time.

Are private lessons 1-on-1?
Traditionally, private lessons are 1:1, but we’ve found that it’s easier to absorb the information with companions with you. See it, feel it, do it! Private lessons at Dominat10n are available for up to three people at a time, so bring up to two friends and split the cost!

MISCELLANEOUS

Do I have to roll when I attend class?
Nope! Autonomy is paramount at Dominat10n. As such, if you don’t want to roll, positional spar, or drill certain moves/positions/techniques, you are well in your right.

Do I have to compete?
Nope! Although Dominat10n’s team of instructors have all competed, we don’t force anyone on the team to compete. We do, however, highly encourage students to compete, as it is (barring anything catastrophic) the closest thing to a “real-life” situation that we will get to test ourselves and see if our Jiu Jitsu works. You don’t have to be a “competitor”, but competing at least once is a great bucket list item for your journey.

Are there any Jiu Jitsu-specific etiquette rules that I need to know?
Other academies may have rules on when to bow to the mats, to black belts, etc but at Dominat10n we don’t worry about those things. Just say hi to the instructor when you arrive, and don’t be disparaging to instructors, other students, or visitors. Also, don’t speak while the instructor is speaking.

What are your rules for cleanliness in the gym?
We clean the mats with a water/bleach/disinfectant solution before and after every class. Food and drink are never permitted on the mats. ALWAYS SHOES OFF THE MAT: Footwear must be worn at all times when off the mats, especially in the bathrooms. NEVER SHOES ON THE MAT: Footwear must NEVER be worn on the mats, so bare feet must go directly from footwear to the mat when stepping on. We also do a deep clean (including dusting, sweeping, and spraying, and mopping) of the whole gym every weekend. We just ask that all patrons pick up after yourselves, throw away your trash, and in general treat the space with respect.

What are your rules for hygiene?
We ask that all students show up clean and bathed, with a clean gi, clipped fingernails and toenails, and no open wounds or sores.

Can I or my child still attend class and train if sick? Even if it isn’t COVID?
NO! Covid or not, no one else would like your sniffles, sneezing, coughing, fever, sore throat, or any other cold symptoms. Dominat10n promotes a clean, healthy environment, so for your health and the health of others we ask that you take the appropriate time off if you are exhibiting any cold symptoms. If the instructors get sick, no one can get Jiu Jitsu, so there’s no need to force it just for one or a few extra days of training. It’s better to err on the side of caution and consideration to ensure you can come back and train at 100%.