Frequently Asked Questions:

 



1.) What ages are appropriate for training at Gracie Charlottesville?

Answer: We take them as young as 3yo, but attention spans vary.  Some children are not ready for Jiu-Jitsu until 5.  Some adults train well into their 90’s, but the training significantly changes with age.

 

2.) What should I wear to my first class and what time should I arrive?

Answer: Wear basic athletic clothes.  We recommend compression clothes where appropriate because you may be rolling around on the mats.  We have plenty of loaner gis in stock for average sized humans, and we have tons of them for sale in all sizes.  You should arrive at least 10-15 minutes early for your first class so that you have time to sign a liability waiver and choose a loaner gi.

 

3.) How many times a week can I train on a standard “unlimited” membership?

Answer: Our memberships are completely unlimited.  This means you can train as many times per day as you like.  Some students come 3x per day, and others come once per week.  It is all up to personal preference.

 

4.) Do I qualify for the FREE Law Enforcement membership?

Answer: All State, Local, and Federal police officers with normal public arresting authority are authorized to receive a 100% complimentary membership to Gracie Charlottesville.  We do not count prison guards for the free membership, but they are eligible for a $10 discount on the monthly membership.  The goal of this program is to promote safer and more controlled interactions between the police and the community, reducing the need for weapons and lethal responses.

 

5.) Do you offer sponsorships for free or reduced training?

Answer:  We take applications for our sponsorship program 24×7 and review them on a case-by-case basis.  If you know of a child who would like to train with us but has no potential way to afford it, they may be a good candidate for our sponsorship program.  If you are interested in sponsoring a child, please email info@graciecharlottesville.com.  NOTE: We cannot accept anyone into the program who has a history of violence or shows signs of being a danger to those around them.

 

5.) Do you do birthdays and special events?

Answer:  Absolutely!  We price parties on a case-by-case basis.  Just send an email to info@graciecharlottesville.com and let us know the date, how many people would be coming, and what timeframe you want us to cover.  We will then respond with a price quote.

 

5.) What do I do if the parking lot is full on a busy night?

Answer:  Our parking lot has about 50 spots and sometimes they are all occupied on busy nights between 5pm and 7pm.  We have 15 dedicated spots with signs up that require a Gracie Charlottesville decal to park in.   Students can optionally park in the mall lot and walk over in emergencies, but this should very rarely be necessary unless we are having a large event.  The busiest time in the parking lot is when the kids classes end and the adult classes begin.  This is between 5:50pm and 6:15pm Monday-Thursday.  Fridays are a little bit lighter.