Frequently Asked Questions

The gi is the traditional uniform you see most Jiu-Jitsu practitioners wear. Similar to a Judo-gi, it is a thick, durable jacket and pants that is built to stand up to the gripping that is key to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Your partners gi lapels and material can also be used in numerous strangles, sweeps, and pins.

No-gi is a form of Jiu-Jitsu that does not use the gi, instead you wear a rashguard and shorts or leggings and grapple without the advantage of the grips.

You should train both disciplines as they complement each other, with gi helping to hone your defence, and no-gi helping to hone your attacking game.

Traditional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instruction often relies on "compliance-based" drilling, where students try to mimic an instructor's movements without realistic resistance. Sports science shows this is an inefficient way to build adaptable skills.

Here is how we do it completely differently:

• Task-Based Learning: We design specific training scenarios based on achieving physical objectives versus a resisting partner. This forces your brain and body to actively problem-solve in real-time.

• Conceptual Understanding: Through our class and curriculum design, you will learn the underlying frameworks and principles that govern Jiu-Jitsu. This gives you the ability to improvise and adapt in a way that would take much longer in a static environment.

• Immediate Engagement: We eliminate dead time and rigid formalities. You are actively playing the sport and learning how to manage live resistance from your very first class, in a constrained, safe way.

• Evidence-Based Coaching: Our methods mirror the high-level coaching frameworks used in elite professional sports worldwide.

At KODA:MA, we learn by doing.

By solving physical puzzles against a real, resisting partner from day one, you develop authentic reflexes and practical skills that actually work in reality.

It’s faster, more effective for deep learning and skill acquisition, safer, backed by science—and, most importantly, way more fun.

Open Mats are supervised training blocks where you take complete control of your own learning.

Unlike a standard structured class, there is no formal instruction. Instead, the mats are open for you to use exactly how you see fit in a safe, controlled environment. Whether you've been training for years or just started this week, Open Mat is the perfect place to build your game.

What you can do during an Open Mat:

• Positional Practice: Grab a training partner and practice a specific movement or sequence you’d like to experiment with.

• Live Sparring: Get in some extra rounds of live training at whatever pace you and your partner choose.

• Problem-Solving & Strategy: Slow things down, ask questions, exchange feedback with teammates, and troubleshoot positions you've been struggling with.

• Rest & Socialize: Take a break, watch some rounds, and catch up with the rest of the team.

• Structured Learning: If you want guided learning and you’re not ready for self directed sessions, the coach will run a small group instruction on request!

Special Sessions: While these sessions are usually free-form, we will occasionally use them to host guest instructors from other academies, dedicated Judo coaching, or structured competition training with refereed sparring.

Come down, grab a partner, and work on your game at your own pace!

Coming to a new gym can be intimidating, but we’ve got you covered. Here is everything you need to know before you come to KODAMA BJJ.

📍 Arrival & Location We train in the large main hall at Angmering Community Centre. Please aim to arrive 10 minutes before class starts. This gives us time to show you around the facility, and give you a brief on our classes, safety, and the chance to introduce ourselves before you step onto the mats!

🎒 What to Wear & Bring

• Clothing: Any comfortable, athletic sportswear (a t-shirt and shorts or leggings) is perfect. If it's a Gi class, we have clean loaner Gi jackets available for you to borrow for your first session.

• Footwear: Please bring a pair of flip-flops or sliders. We maintain a strict “no shoes on the mat, no bare feet off the mat” policy for hygiene.

• Essentials: Bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated!

🧼 Hygiene & Safety For everyone’s safety and to prevent accidental scratches, please ensure your fingernails and toenails are trimmed short before arriving. This is a mandatory requirement of our academy code of conduct.

🥋 What to Expect Our classes are likely a bit different from traditional martial arts or other BJJ academies you may have seen. We don't waste time on rigid formalities or compliance drills. Instead, you'll be playing interactive games and solving physical puzzles right from day one.

It is high-energy, safe, and—most importantly—a lot of fun!

Remember, it can feel a bit intense at first, so listen to your body, manage your effort, and feel free to take a break whenever you need to.