About the Class
Gi and No Gi are the two forms of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Gi Jiu-Jitsu is grappling with the use of a traditional Gi, which allows you to grab the clothing of your opponent. No Gi is grappling without the traditional uniform, instead you wear shorts and a rash guard (no buttons, zippers, or pockets allowed). In No Gi you cannot grab your opponent's clothing. This is a Gi class.
Fundamentals class is perfect for the person just starting Jiu-Jitsu. In this class you will learn the basics and break down the basic positions and submissions. The positions you will learn are the closed guard, half-guard, side mount, full mount, back mount, front headlock, and of course, the standup position that universally begins all competitions and fights.
You must understand how to advance position as well as attack and defend submissions from these fundamental BJJ positions. Without these skill sets, you will lack a solid core BJJ foundation.
Intermediate/Advanced class assumes that you understand a good portion of the basics taught in the Fundamentals. We emphasize on these basics while starting to introduce more complex techniques.
Then after the techniques, you will spar to build endurance, and apply the techniques to real-life situations.
Your Instructor
Thor Shaffer
Owner and head instructor, Thor Shaffer, holds a 4th degree black belt in Goju Ryu Karate and a 2nd degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He has been grappling professionally for over 30 years, earning 3 state championship titles in wrestling and being named an all-american wrestler twice in his youth. As an adult, he has fought professionally in multiple disciplines, including Muay Thai, Shootfighting, and MMA. He is a 3x UAEJJF Jiu-Jitsu national champion and in 2018 was ranked #1 in North America and #5 in the world by the UAEJJF. He is also a multi-time IBJJF international champion. Professor Shaffer started Emerald Coast Jiu Jitsu Academy in 2016, and has grown it into the local areas premiere academy, teaching bully proofing for young kids, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and kickboxing.