Frequently asked questions
How do I enroll?
You can enroll by contacting Rocky Mountain Movement:
What is the schedule for classes?
The Jujitsu class schedule is:
Tuesday and Thursday: All belts, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Class schedule subject to change. Please contact us before you visit.
Will I get hurt?
As with any physical activity, there is always the possibility of injury. However, safety is a vital concern and always comes first when studying Jujitsu. The curriculum is set up so that students start with simple, easy, and safe techniques, and move on to more complicated ones as their skills increase. One of the first things you will learn to do is how to fall safely. Everything is done slowly and carefully in the beginning. Then, as your skill progresses, the speed of technique will increase. In addition, we work around any disabilities, or injuries to prevent further injury. Along these lines, everyone MUST inform their instructor and workout partner of any injuries, disabilities, or other physical challenges. One of the principal goals of Jujitsu is to maintain your personal safety; so all necessary steps are taken to protect the physical well being of every student in class.
Is Jujitsu violent?
Jujitsu literally means the “Gentle Art”. The primary goal of Jujitsu is the perfection of character, not to learn to beat up someone. In the Danzan Ryu system of Jujitsu you will learn how to resolve conflict through alternative, non-violent means. If you are attacked and unable to avoid a fight, you will learn a range of techniques to deal with that attack, from stopping the attack without anyone being hurt, to subduing the attacker with painful joint locks that may or may not cause injury, to more aggressive techniques that can cause serious injury if you have no other alternatives.
In class you will be learning self defense techniques, but more importantly you will learn self confidence, self control, and respect and caring for others so that violence is not needed. With Jujitsu, as with other martial arts, your knowledge of self defense will give you a great deal of self confidence when confronted with a potentially violent situation. This confidence can free your mind and your ego so that you think clearly about how to peacefully resolve the situation. Consequently, learning Jujitsu or other methods of self defense will make you LESS likely to become involved in fights or violent situations.
What benefits can I expect from Jujitsu?
The potential benefits of Jujitsu are many, and they will vary from person to person. The following is a list of some benefits you can receive from your Jujitsu practice:
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Greater self confidence -
Greater self control -
Caring and respect for others -
Discipline -
Increased fitness -
Increased agility -
How relax in stressful situations -
Self defense skills -
How to overcome your fears -
Increased Awareness -
Increased Focus -
Restorative techniques -
Increased Mental and Physical Tenacity -
Friendship -
Commaraderie -
Much more!
What do I wear?
In Jujitsu we wear a Gi, which is a strong, loose uniform that we use to practice in. For your first few classes, just wear sweat pants or shorts and a t-shirt. Once you decide to attend regularly we will ask you to acquire a Gi, and we can tell you where to buy them. A Gi will typically cost $30-$60, and it will last several years. We typically do not wear anything on our feet, though socks are acceptable.
Women should wear a sports bra and t-shirt (not a tank top) under their Gi.
Men may want to wear a athletic supporter.
How long does it take to get a Black Belt?
There is no set time period to earn your Black Belt, and we do not have any contracts or guarantees for earning a black belt - either you earn it, or you don’t. The length of time it takes to progress from rank to rank will vary a lot depending upon your personal skill level and how often you practice. A Black Belt can be earned in as little as 2 years or it can take as lon as 10 or more years. The average length of time is usually 4-5 years with consistent practice. The amount of time it takes does not matter. You are not in a race and no one will be keeping track of how long it takes you to earn a higher rank. One of the goals of the various colored-belt tests is to prepare you for your Shodan (first Black Belt) test. Generally, you will test for Shodan when your Sensei is confident you are ready and you are able to demonstrate successfully the proficiency required for that rank.
How do belt tests work?
You will be given a list of requirements to complete for each belt. When both you and your instructor feel that you are ready, you will test for your next belt. There are no scheduled belt tests – they just happen when people are ready. Most techniques involve one person (the Tori) performing a technique on another person (the Uke). For your test, you must ask someone of equivalent or higher rank to be your Uke for your test. It is typically considered an honor to be chosen as an Uke for a test. During the test, the Sensei will ask you to perform a technique that is on your requirements list. You will tell the Uke what he/she must do, and then demonstrate the technique. The Sensei will go through everything on your requirements list and may ask you questions about the techniques. The Sensei will grade your test and inform you about whether or not you have passed. If you pass, you will soon be given your new belt. If you fail, you will continue to practice your techniques, especially ones you may have had trouble with during the test. When you and your instructor again believe that you are ready, you will take the test again.
In Danzan Ryu Jujitsu, we require that every student keep a notebook of his or her Jujitsu studies. In this notebook you will write a short description of how to perform each technique. The notebook can be used to store other relevant Jujitsu or martial arts information as well. You will also have a list of notebook requirements for each belt. Before each test, you must turn in your completed notebook to your Sensei for grading. The purpose of the notebook is to better learn and remember your techniques.
There are no fees for belt tests. The goal of these belt tests is to prepare you for your black belt test. Generally, you will not even take the test until your Sensei is confident that you will pass it.
Is Red Dragon affiliated with any organizations?
Yes. Red Dragon Jujitsu Club is a member of the American Judo and Jujitsu Federation (AJJF). The AJJF is a nonprofit, tax-exempt corporation represented by Jujitsu, Judo and other martial arts schools across the nation, and the world. Most individual members of the AJJF are associated with AJJF schools, although this is not a requirement. Membership in the AJJF is non-discriminatory.
The AJJF promotes the DanZan Ryu system of Jujitsu, an effective system of self-defense that incorporates physical and mental training within a philosophy of ethical and moral development. As a member of the American Judo and Jujitsu Federation, you become part of a national organization that provides the many benefits described below.
The AJJF tests and certifies DanZan Ryu Jujitsu Black Belt ranks. High standards of skill, knowledge, proficiency and ethical conduct are required for a nationally recognized AJJF DanZan Ryu Jujitsu Black Belt rank. Hundreds of men and women currently hold AJJF Black Belt ranks.
As a member of the Red Dragon Jujitsu Club, you will also be asked to join the AJJF. With this membership you may attend any of their national or region conventions, and your black belt will be certified by the organization. This means that your belt will be recognized in any other AJJF school. The AJJF also develops and manages the student curriculum.
I've never done martial arts before, what can I expect?
If you don't have a Judo or Jujitsu uniform (gi), that's fine - just come dressed in T-shirt & sweat pants or shorts. Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated. You may also bring a notebook to take notes during class. We have an introductory program where someone from our Kokua (welcome) Team will introduce you to our school, our etiquette, and work with you on basic rolls, falls, and a few hand techniques. When you are comfortable, you will join the main class with the rest of the students. If you decide to attend regularly, you will need to purchase a gi uniform that we can provide for you for a modest charge.
I've had martial arts experience, how will I be treated?
People who have had previous martial arts experience typically adjust to our system rapidly. Someone from our Kokua Team will talk with you to discuss your training experience, your desired personal outcomes and help integrate you into our regular class. Unless you have come from another Danzan Ryu Jujitsu Dojo, you will start out as a White Belt, learning our system from the beginning. Progress in rank will occur as you demonstrate increasing proficienty in the arts.