Renzo Gracie NH Salem Academy Gets A Makeover

The Renzo Gracie NH team in Salem is so excited to announce that our training academy has been completely revamped! We’re still located at 2 Range Road, but now, the gym that you used to know and love is fully equipped with over 3,000 square feet of brand new mats. Here’s a sneak peak at what it looks like:

Kids Self Defense Salem NH | Kickboxing Classes Salem NH | Renzo Gracie NH

Self Defense Classes Salem NH | Jiu Jitsu Salem NH | Renzo Gracie NH

Our redesigned training facility was first debuted to students and their families on Monday, March 7th – have you had a chance to see it yet? If not, we hope you’ll come and check it out – we’re confident that you’ll love what you see! And in addition to the changes we’ve made to the gym itself, we’ve also made some changes to our program offerings – read on to learn what we’ve done.

Renzo Gracie NH Programs

Alongside our fan favorites such as Jiu Jitsu and Power Fitness, we are pleased to announce that we are now offering cardio kickboxing and Thai kickboxing to children and adults! If you’re interested, we’re even offering 40% off of our Thai kickboxing classes until April 15, 2016, so be sure to ask us about this special offer while it still lasts!

If you’re familiar with our team, then you know that our philosophy has always been centered on promoting values such as honesty, balance, patience and control, and we just know that offering these new classes will help us achieve this! And don’t forget, you can always sign up for a FREE introductory lesson with Professor Kevin to learn what we’re all about in case you’re unfamiliar with our programs or simply aren’t sure which class is right for you.

For more information about our new kickboxing programs, Jiu Jitsu programs, or Power Fitness classes, please give us a call at (603) 777-2775. And once you get a chance to visit our new facility in Salem, be sure to visit us on Facebook to let us know what you think about it!

/by

The Progression of Jiu Jitsu Belt Levels

Just like with several other martial arts forms, a person’s level of experience in Jiu Jitsu is recognized based on the color of their belt. In order to progress from one level to the next, students are required to master a certain skill level, which could happen over the course of a few weeks, a few months, or maybe even a few years.

For those of you who are new to Jiu Jitsu, today we’re breaking down each belt to give you a better understanding of what each color represents. You’ve probably heard what it means to be a black belt, but before you can get there, there are a ton of other colors you must go through!

White Belt

The white belt is the first belt a new student receives – think of this as your first job, it’s your “entry level” belt. At this stage, students learn the fundamentals of the sport and begin to gain an understanding of how to perform certain moves and techniques.

Blue Belt

After successfully moving through the white belt stage, students move on to being a blue belt. Here, they put their new-found knowledge to the test and are usually expected to be able to escape from most, if not all, of the major positions with ease. However, since this is only the second rank, performance may be a bit inconsistent on the mat, but this is normal. As a blue belt, students are still working on mastering certain techniques.

Purple Belt

The third belt, the purple belt, is commonly referred to as the belt of movement and momentum. At this level of training, students really begin fine-tuning their skills and techniques and place a lot of their focus on learning how to use their weight and momentum to achieve certain goals. Additionally, students at this level will also begin combining several different moves and actions.

Brown Belt

Before obtaining a black belt, students must pass through their brown belt training. By now, there aren’t many techniques or situations that students do not know, and in fact, they should be starting to feel comfortable in their ability to teach Jiu Jitsu to others. As they work towards receiving their black belt, students at this stage should be able to perform their moves smoothly and near perfectly, and they should also be able to counter just about any move that an opponent uses. Furthermore, students should also have an idea of which technique(s) they are best at and work on those to master them as their signature moves.

Black Belt

Anyone with a black belt is viewed as a true master of Jiu Jitsu – these are the experts you want to learn from. At this time students continue will continue to work on mastering their signature techniques and will have a level of focus that has been higher than ever before. Although this is the highest belt, students at this level realize that their training remains a learning process and continue to refine their skills.

Here at Renzo Gracie NH, we understand the proper progression of Jiu Jitsu belts and promote our students to the next level when they’ve shown that they are ready. Have questions about each level and how our team helps students advance from one to the next? If so, please give us a call at (603) 777-2775; we’d be happy to speak with you about our training process!

/by

How To Prepare For Your First Jiu Jitsu Competition

Jiu Jitsu Exeter NH | Jiu Jitsu Salem NH | Jiu Jitsu Manchester NH | Renzo Gracie NH

If you’re thinking about competing in a Jiu Jitsu tournament, we’re super excited for you! There’s nothing like putting your skills to the test and watching all of your hard work and training efforts pay off. But, as a team of martial arts experts who have watched many of our students progress to become martial arts champions in local and state tournaments, IBJJF International championships, and Pan American championships, we know that taking the mat for the first time can sometimes be intimidating. So, we’re here to help you prepare! Below, we’re sharing three tips that can help you get ready for your first Jiu Jitsu competition:

  1. Rest Up: When you want to stay up all night perfecting your techniques – don’t. You’ve trained long and hard to get to this point, so reward yourself with some rest! And when we say rest, we don’t just mean physically, we also mean mentally. On the days leading up to your tournament, make sure you’re getting enough sleep and try to think about something other than Jiu Jitsu to avoid getting yourself worked up.
  2. Eat Up: Like we’ve mentioned before, your diet plays a big role in your ability to succeed in any form of martial arts. Knowing this, you need to make sure you’re eating properly, especially as competition day gets closer. If you’re not sure what foods to reach for, aim for those that provide energy, not those that will slow you down. And remember, always eat a nice hearty meal before the competition so that your body feels fueled and ready to go.
  3. Warm Up: To avoid an injury during your first time on the mat, it’s important that you warm up correctly. Since you may have some down time before it’s your turn to compete, come up with a warm up routine that you can do while you wait. You always warm up before training, so competition day shouldn’t be any different!

By following these tips, we’re confident that you’ll have a great experience during your first Jiu Jitsu competition. And even if you don’t win the first time, don’t get discouraged! What really matters is that you give it your all, so be proud of yourself no matter what!

Are you hoping to be the next Jiu Jitsu champion? If so, Team Renzo Gracie is the team for you! Our very own Professor Kevin has over 21 years of training men and women in mixed martial arts, and he can help YOU become the next person to succeed in the sport!

For more information about the Jiu Jitsu programs we offer, please give us a call at (603) 777-2775 today.

/by

Mistakes To Avoid In Jiu Jitsu Training

Your first day in a Jiu Jitsu class is an extremely exciting one, but before you get ready to take the mat, there are a few basic training tips you should know to get the most out of your class time. Of course you’ll learn these from your instructor as you progress, but it certainly doesn’t hurt to go into your first class with a few tips under your belt now does it? Definitely not!

Jiu Jitsu Exeter NH | Jiu Jitsu Salem NH | Jiu Jitsu Manchester NH

Below, let’s take a look at some mistakes you should do your best to avoid over the course of your Jiu Jitsu training:

Not Eating Right

Your success doesn’t just come from what happens in the gym, it’s also a result of what you do outside of that. So, follow a healthy diet and always make it a priority to eat well before and after your training session. And don’t forget about the water! Staying hydrated is key, so always have a water bottle near by.

Having Bad Posture

We’re all guilty of slouching every now and then, but during your Jiu Jitsu training, it’s important to focus on your body’s alignment. Especially considering that having good posture can help you with things such as staying balanced, it’s crucial that you start practicing this early on so that it becomes second nature.

Always Making It A Competition

Your class time is meant to help you get better, and although it’s always nice to win and be the best, you should look at your time in the gym as a learning experience rather than a competition. When you view your training as a learning process, it’ll be much easier to shoot for the stars and continue to excel, whereas when you always try to win, you may wind up limiting yourself.

At both our Salem and Exeter training academies, we have a group of expert instructors that are ready to help students of all ages become the best martial artists they can be. If you’re interested in pursuing Jiu Jitsu, sign up for a FREE introductory lesson with Professor Kevin Landry or give us a call at (603) 777-2775 to learn more about the programs we offer. We’d love to see you in one of our gyms soon!

/by

How Do Self Defense Classes Help With Bullying?

Anyone with children in school knows that bullying is a serious problem that students face both in and out of the classroom. Stopbullying.gov reports that 28% of U.S students in grades 6-12, and 20% of students in grades 9-12, have been bullied. Unfortunately, though, research shows that only 20 – 30% of those who are bullied actually notify adults of the situation, with common reasons why being that they are scared to speak up or fear that they will appear to be weak.

The real question now is what can be done to help those who are bullied and prevent it from happening again in the future? A personal recommendation of ours is to have children take a self defense class. Here are a few ways that they can help:
They Improve Communication Skills

Knowing how to communicate properly with a bully can help defuse a situation before it gets too out of hand, and can especially help with preventing things from becoming physical. And in addition to knowing the right way to speak to a bully, self defense classes can also help children and young adults learn how to communicate with their bodies. For example, they’ll learn how to look and feel more confident, which can deter a bully from approaching them in the first place.
They Offer Real-Life Experiences

Depending on the class your child is enrolled in, they may have an opportunity to role-play in some potential bullying scenarios. By having the chance to fine-tune their skills and practice their responses, children can be better prepared to tackle these kinds of situations when they unfold without an instructor by their side.
They Teach Self Defense Tactics

Most importantly, any self defense class will teach its students the right tactics they need to care for themselves in a number of situations. So, if they are ever approached by a bully, they won’t just have to do the best they can to protect themselves – they’ll know exactly how to respond and do so correctly the first time around.

For those of you with children at home in Exeter or Salem, New Hampshire, we highly recommend that they join a self defense class. In fact, you should too! After all, bullying doesn’t necessarily end when you graduate, so it’s important that we’re all prepared.

To learn more about the self defense programs we offer at Renzo Gracie NH, please give us a call at (603) 777-2775 today.

/by

The History of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Whether you’re an active participant in a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class or are simply just a fan of the sport, there’s a lot more to know than just the names of successful athletes and the strategies used. And the very best place to start when it comes to gaining more knowledge about BJJ is the beginning – where did it originate? Who introduced it to the world? What type of fighting does it entail? The good news is, if you’re looking for this type of information, you’ve come to the right place. And if you weren’t looking for it at first, well, then it’s a good thing you found us. Now, let’s dive into what Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is all about.

Self Defense Classes Manchester NH | Jiu Jitsu Manchester NH | Jiu Jitsu Salem NH | Renzo Gracie NH

First and foremost, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a form of martial arts that places its focus on grappling and ground fighting. With a Japanese origin, the purpose of this fighting style is to not only dominate an opponent by taking them to the ground, but also to build character and improve physical fitness.

Mitsuyo Maeda, a student of Kodokan Judo, has a lot to do with the development of BJJ and how it was introduced to the world. In 1904 he left Japan to share his talent with other countries, demonstrating the art of “jiu-do” and fighting against wrestlers, boxers and other martial artists. In 1914 he made it to Brazil, and later met Gastão Gracie, a name that would forever be remembered by the martial arts community.

After seeing one of Maeda’s performances, Carlos Gracie, son of Gastão Gracie, was determined to to learn Judo under Maeda’s watch. Following a few years of studying with Maeda, Carlos shared his new found knowledge with his brothers, and eventually, the youngest, Hélio Gracie, developed Gracie Jiu Jitsu, a form of martial arts we all know today. Since Hélio was limited in the Judo moves he could perform due to doctor’s orders, Gracie Jiu Jitsu is ultimately his own rendition of Judo techniques.

Fast forward to the early 1990s – this is when Brazilian Jiu Jitsu expert Royce Gracie won the first, second and fourth Ultimate Fighting Championships. As he continued to excel, this form of martial arts became well respected in the MMA community, and now sport BJJ tournaments are popular world wide.

Do we have you hooked yet? For more information about the history of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, including details about certain fighting techniques, click here.

At Renzo Gracie NH, we strive to do more than just teach our students how to excel in Jiu Jitsu – we also like to share our knowledge about the sport. If you have any questions about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, including information about the techniques we teach, don’t hesitate to ask us! And if you haven’t already, be sure to connect with us on social media, as we update our pages frequently with news, tips and tons of other information about martial arts.

/by

Connect With Renzo Gracie NH On Social Media!

Jiu Jitsu Manchester NH | Self Defense Classes Manchester NH | Renzo Gracie NH

Anyone who is interested in martial arts knows that there is a lot to learn – from the history of the sport to safety, training basics and tons and tons of techniques, we could go on for hours with valuable information on these topics. But we certainly don’t want to keep our knowledge to ourselves, we want to share it with YOU, which is why we’re active on several social media sites! Whether you’re looking for tips to help you get through your first Jiu Jitsu class, guidance on how to become a martial arts champion or general information about how to defend yourself, we’ve got all of that and more.

If you aren’t connected to us on social media yet, take a look below to learn where you can find us:

Facebook

Twitter

Google+

Last but not least, don’t forget to keep up with all of our latest news and tips by checking back to our blog! We update our website regularly with information about Jiu Jitsu, self defense, fitness and more, so you can always count on us to have what you’re looking for.

So, are you ready to get connected? We sure are and can’t wait to have the opportunity to be a part of your social media experience.

For more information about the self defense programs we offer for both children and adults, or to learn more about our training academies (did you know we have TWO right here in New Hampshire?), please continue to take a look around our website or give us a call at (603) 777-2775. You can also sign up for a FREE introductory lesson with Professor Kevin Landry here!

/by

Ways To Get Active For American Heart Month

Kickboxing Classes Salem NH | Jiu Jitsu Exeter NH | Jiu Jitsu Salem NH | Cardio Kickboxing Salem NH

Did you know the February is American Heart Month? A month-long observance dedicated to promoting national awareness about heart disease, an initiative that you can take to be a part of it is encouraging both yourself and those around you to be active. The Heart Foundation reports that heart disease is the number one killer of women, and in fact, every 60 seconds, someone in the U.S is said to pass away from a heart-disease related event. With numbers like these, it seems only obvious that we should all be working to reduce our risk, and being physically active is one way to do so! Below, we’ve listed a few easy ways that you can get started:

  1. Take up a sport. Sports are a great way to promote activity, especially when you participate in one that keeps you moving for the majority of the time. A great example of that? Brazilian Jiu Jitsu! In our Jiu Jitsu classes, we’ll get your body moving, resulting in your best you yet!
  2. Go on walks. It doesn’t matter if you get up and out right when you wake up, on your lunch break, or after dinner, all that matters is that you get yourself going! The American Heart Association explains that walking for as few as 30 minutes a day can truly make a difference when it comes to your heart’s health.
  3. Use the stairs. Elevators can be convenient, but they don’t do too much for your heart rate. So, take the stairs instead! Even if you’re only going up one or two flights, those few moments of exercise can contribute to big differences in your health.
  4. Walk the dog. For those of you who have a pet at home, they can be more than just your best friend – they can be your workout buddy too! If you usually just let your pup roam free in your yard, try mapping out a safe route that you can walk with them on instead.
  5. Park farther away. We all love to park close to our destinations, especially when it’s cold out, but parking just a bit farther away can help us get in those extra steps that we need. That said, instead of fighting for the first spot, throw on an extra layer and voluntarily park your car towards the back of the lot.

Last but not least, don’t forget to check out our Gracie Jiu Jitsu Power Fitness class! When you train with us, you’ll experience increased energy levels and strength, and most importantly, you’ll be working to combat health issues and diseases. Click here to sign up for a FREE introductory power fitness class.

For more information about the programs we offer here at Renzo Gracie NH that can help you get active, please give us a call at (603) 777-2775.

/by

Blue Belt Vs. Black Belt

Recently, I bumped into someone while wearing my Renzo Gracie BJJ hoodie. They mentioned how they were learning Jiu Jitsu, and how they are learning under a teacher that is wearing a blue belt.

Their training consist of some rolling and watching videos online. They then record themselves performing a belt test video and mail it to California to be reviewed. For those who are unaware, a blue belt is just one step above a white belt, they have learned just the very basics of BJJ.

I would like to share with you why having your blue belt instructor is the wrong approach to learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and what to look for in a Professor with a black belt.

There is a huge difference from learning from someone who has spent over a decade mastering their art, versus just a single year. It would be like using a lighter to walk through a cave rather than a lantern.

Your not going to get far, you won’t be able to see the details needed to navigate through safely and at the end, your going to get burned.

A blue belt is unable to teach multiple escapes from numerous positions, their counter attacks, along with nuances that can change a futile attempt at a choke to a choke that works with efficacy and effectiveness.

A black belt is able to convey their knowledge and teach you the safe, correct way to roll with your teammates so there are less injuries on and off the mat. There are multiple advantages to being taught from a black belt and none from learning from a blue belt that calls themself a teacher.

Calling yourself a teacher and being just one step above white belt while teaching others does nothing but hurt the art of Jiu Jitsu. People will receive their blue belt under such a “teacher” and think they have reached the pinnacle of BJJ. They sadly will be let down when they realize they have barley started the journey up the mountain from a guide who has never left the first base camp.

If you wish to learn BJJ in a safe, family oriented and professional atmosphere please contact us at wordpress-52728-316620.cloudwaysapps.com
603-777-2775

/by

What To Look For In A Kids Self Defense Program

If you have children at home, then you know that as a parent, it’s only natural to always look out for their best interest. From the foods they eat to the clothes they wear, the people they hang out with and the plans they make, all you want is to see them happy and safe – the same goes for any extracurricular activities you sign them up for.

Self Defense Classes Salem NH | Kids Self Defense Salem NH | Kids Self Defense Manchester NH

For those of you with children interested in learning self defense, it isn’t enough to do a quick online search for self defense classes/academies in your area – you need to do some serious research. That includes checking out websites, calling the academies, and even stopping by to learn what the programs and staff are all about. As you do so, here are a couple of things to look for:

Experience

You wouldn’t leave your children in the hands of just anybody, so one of the most important things you need to find out is how much experience the academy staff has. Here at Renzo Gracie NH, our own Professor Kevin Landry has been training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu since 1994. In fact, he has even traveled to Brazil to learn about the sport, was a gold medal winner at the New York Open Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Championships, and was promoted to 2nd degree Black Belt in April of 2015 – now that’s the type of background you should be looking for in an instructor!

Safety

Considering the nature of a self defense class, it’s important that you feel that the academy you choose exhibits a safe environment. So, inquire about what safety precautions they have in place, ask about their protocol in the event of a student injury, and perhaps most importantly, take a look around the inside of the gym to see how things are set up – does the space look inviting or does it appear dangerous? At our Exeter and Salem locations, you can bet we do everything we can to ensure that your children are kept safe before, during and after their time with us.

Involvement

An academy that invites and encourages parents to stay and watch their children during a class says a lot – it certainly means the instructors are confident that you’ll like what you see! Although you’re looking for a class specifically for your child, it’s important for you to feel like you are a part of their learning experience, and that’s exactly what we do here at Renzo Gracie NH – we want your children AND you to become a part of our family!

All that said, if you’re looking for a kids self defense class near Exeter, Salem or Manchester, NH, we encourage you to check out our selection of programs! We even offer a free introductory kids class so that you can get to know us before making a commitment.

For more information about the kids self defense classes we offer, please call (603) 777-2775 today.

/by