At Reflex Jiu Jitsu in Bloomsburg, PA you will notice we spend a large amount of our time “rolling”. Rolling is a slang word used in Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to describe live sparring. Half of our adult BJJ class is dedicated for this type of practice. Rolling has been known to be a very important part in the learning process in Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. It allows our students to test the technique they have learned in class. You will roll with several students with different weight, size, leverage, speed, resistance and experience that can constitute to be an advantage or disadvantage. Different technical moves will help you achieve submissions, escapes, sweeps, scrambles, and dominate positions. All of these different variations will make your technique become more applicable in a real life situation. The techniques you will be taught can be drilled over and over again but a true live match puts them to the test.
Now this is sometimes intimidating for new students. That is why a very important system goes along with live sparring here at Reflex. You must have completed a certain amount of classes or have had prior experience to be able to participate. The matches are controlled by a timer set for five minute rounds with a minute rest in between to switch partners. Times may be increased for such classes such as the competition class. All students start their matches in a kneeled position. Stand-up matches are also frequent but are for students that are experienced in falling properly (break- falling). “Taping” is used for stopping a match when a student is caught in a submission or feeling in danger of being injured. The instructors at Reflex will be monitoring the matches also to prevent injury by stopping a match if they feel it is necessary. Every member at Reflex will never be forced to participate in a live sparring match, only encouraged! So slap hands and get rolling. ossss
