Frequently Asked Questions
- I just want to train for competition (or self-defense, or fitness), Can I do that at Empire Academy?
- I want to compete in Judo/Sambo/Brazilian Jiu Jitsu/Boxing/etc..., will I be able to be competitive if I train at Empire Academy?
- When Can I Attend....
- Why do I have to wait to attend the advanced classes?
- What are the factors that the coaching staff is looking for when they decide if I am ready to advance or not?
I just want to train for competition (or self-defense, or fitness), Can I do that at Empire Academy?
YES! At Empire Academy we get to know what the individual goals of our members are, and we tailor what you do to achieve your goals. Unlike many Martial Arts schools and gyms, we don't assume that everyone should train the same way, and we try to help our members reach whatever goals they want to achieve.
I want to compete in Judo/Sambo/Brazilian Jiu Jitsu/Boxing/etc..., will I be able to be competitive if I train at Empire Academy?
YES! We have members who participate in almost all combat sports; Judo, Sambo, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Boxing, Kickboxing, MMA, No-Gi Grappling, etc... We have a proven record of success in all of these areas. If you want to compete, you will get effective and comprehensive training at Empire Academy.
When can I attend...
Beginner Grappling (Gi and No Gi) - Immediately, these are the classes you are expected to attend to begin with.
Advanced Gi Grappling - You may progress to the Int/Adv Gi classes within a month or 2 depending on personal progress. This assessment will be done by our coaching staff (regardless of previous training).
Advanced No Gi - Generally an additional month or two after the student begins the Advanced Gi class.
Beginner Striking - New Students must start off in one of the Circuit classes, then may progress to the Thai-Pads class. This is generally after a few classes, check with a Coach before attending a Thai-Pad class.
Advanced Striking (Drills & Light Sparring) - Usually after two to three months of the Circuit and Thai-Pads classes the student can attend the drill classes.
Advanced Striking (Sparring) - Usually two to three months after progressing to the Advanced Drill Class the student can attend sparring practices.
MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) - Typically once a student is in the Advanced Grappling & Striking classes they may attend the MMA classes, upon a Coach's approval. MMA classes are drilling and sparring intensive, its important that our students are physically prepared along with having a solid foundation in the basics. Students in the MMA program are expected to have several hour sparring on both the mat and in the ring prior to attending the MMA and Team practices. A student must be enrolled in the MMA Combo program to train in the MMA classes, this means training in Grappling & Striking programs at Empire Academy, regardless of previous training.
Why do I have to wait to attend the advanced classes?
Safety is our main concern regarding progression in Empire Academy's different class/practice levels. Our staff want to make sure a new student can functionally apply the basics and fundamentals. This is to ensure they are not a danger to themselves or the other students. A second reason that Empire does not allow students to train in the advanced classes to begin with is so that bad habits do not develop. Students who jump right into the advanced classes often develop bad habits because the basics are not ingrained well enough, and coaches do not have enought time in advanced classes to correct all basic mistakes.
What are the factors that the coaching staff is looking for when they decide if I am ready to advance or not?
To advance in grappling, the coaches are looking for:
- Ability to listen to coaches, and to implement instruction
- Ability to fall correctly (break-falls)
- Ability to take throws safely (land correctly)
- Ability to throw others safely (proper control of your partner)
- Ability to listen to coaches, and to implement instruction (yes, we know it is listed twice)
- Ability to apply motor skill movements (shrimp crawls, mat crawls, rolls, etc.)
- Ability to apply submissions in a slow and controlled manner
- Ability to listen to coaches, and to implement instruction (yes, we know it is listed three times... get the hint?)