Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions we get. Feel free to let us know if you have any additional questions.
Q1: Is the Texas A&M Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Club affilated with the university?
Yes, we are a Recognized student organization as determined by the Texas A&M Department of Student Activities. We abide by all university regulations and do have a faculty advisor. We have a goal of contributing to the university's mission and enhancing one's learning experience. You can access our public TAMU organization profile here.
Q2: Is the class taught by only TAMU BJJ students?
No. We are taught by professional instructors who uphold high credentials, achievements, and professionalism. Master Renee Nolte teaches the BJJ class at the University of Sidekicks. For more info about Master Nolte, click here.
Q3: Is the TAMU BJJ Club part of both University of Sidekicks and Rodrigo Pinheiro Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (RPBJJ)?
The TAMU BJJ Club is part of the University of Sidekicks, but not part of Rodrigo Pinheiro Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (RPBJJ). A TAMU BJJ Club member who wishes to be part and have privileges of Rodrigo Pinheiro Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu must see Master Renee Nolte for additional requirements and additional fees. Professor Rodrigo Pinheiro often visits and works with the BJJ students at University of Sidekicks through his seminars. All TAMU BJJ Club members are welcome to attend his seminars, but must pay additional designated fees. For more info about Professor Rodrigo Pinheiro, click here.
Q4: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? I am too small and light-weighted to work with the bigger guys!
Anyone, and we really truely mean it, can learn BJJ. We have guys that are short and light-weighted that can roll with the bigger and heavy-weight guys. In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, you will learn techniques that utilizes leverage, coordination, and strength. Learning to work with a diverse group of people will help you become a better BJJ trainee.
Q5: Can injuries happen?
Just like any sport, there is always a chance for injury. But, in BJJ, the chance of injury is very low and minor. We will teach you how to safely roll, tap, and do fall breaks. When working with a partner, if you feel discomfort, please tap! It is not a sign of weakness, it is for a safety reason! Your partner will be really careful when working techniques on you. So, return that favor as well. BJJ is one of the safest martial arts.
Q6: Where is the BJJ class taught at?
The BJJ class is taught at the University of Sidekicks located at:
12845 FM 2154, Suite 120
College Station, TX
Q7: What do I need to wear or bring on my first day?
Bring a bottle of water. If this is your first time trying BJJ, wear your workout attire. If you decide to commit to the TAMU BJJ Club, you MUST buy a gi. If you are experienced in BJJ, please wear your BJJ gi and belt on your first day. You must either have a white or blue BJJ gi. Judo gis are not permitted.
Q8: Can I join anytime during the semester?
TAMU BJJ Club is offered every fall and spring semester for 14 weeks! Call University of Sidekicks at 979-661-1560 if you are interested in trying a BJJ class.
Q9: How do I sign up to try the class?
Please call University of Sidekicks at 979-661-1560 if you are interested in trying a BJJ class. Please arrive 10-15 minutes before practice to sign a waiver and get set up for class. Wear your workout attire and bring a bottle of water or a sports drink to your first class. Your first class is free.
Q10: How much do classes cost?
All TAMU BJJ Club students must pay the total cost of $267.50 per semester. The total cost consist of the BJJ class fee ($262.50 - this is paid to University of Sidekicks, not the TAMU BJJ Club) and the TAMU BJJ club fee ($5 cash directly to TAMU BJJ Club). Any TAMU BJJ student interested in coming to open mat must pay an additional $25 in addition to their BJJ class fee. The $25 open mat fee covers for the entire semester.
Q11: How much does a BJJ gi cost?
The cost of a BJJ gi is based on your height, weight, style of BJJ gi, and brand. The cost of a gi can start from $79.99 and on up. Please note that the class fee does not include a new BJJ gi. You must have either a blue or white BJJ gi. No Judo gis are allowed. Please see Master Nolte for more info about which BJJ gi to buy.
Q12: Are there opportunities to compete in tournaments?
Yes, there are opportunities to compete. We have members of the class with multiple tournament experiences. Master Nolte and Professor Rodrigo makes announcements on upcoming tournaments. The tournaments are open to all belts and are divided by belt level and weight class. For example, a 120-lb white belt will not compete against a 300-lb brown belt. A 120-lb white belt will compete with another white belt around 120-130 lb range.
Q13: Do I have an opportunity to get promoted to the next rank?
Yes! Opportunity for promotion is once each semester. You must attend Professor Rodrigo Pinheiro's seminar in order to be considered and assessed for promotion. Both Master Nolte and Professor Rodrigo determine and utilize their criteria of promotion by assessing your progress, competency in testing/seminar, retention of skills, and achievement. With that being said, you must be consistent in attendance, have a positive attitude, learn and master concepts, show constant improvement in rolling, and be persistent in your training. My suggestion is that you focus on learning and mastering concepts from each class rather than the rank.
Q14: What is open mat?
Open mat is when the mat is open to all members of the class to use outside of class time. It is a good time to practice whatever you want or roll with someone. You can also use equipment as well. TAMU BJJ Club members interesting in coming to open mat must pay an additional $25 each semester. Check the "Practice Time & Facility" page for times.
Q15: Can I join both the TAMU Self-Defense Club and TAMU BJJ Club? What is the difference exactly?
Yes, you can join both clubs if you want. We have multiple BJJ students in both. TAMU Self-Defense and TAMU BJJ Club operate independently from each other. TAMU Self-Defense Club focuses on Krav Maga and Keysi. Classes are taught by Master Nolte at University of Sidekicks. Our own BJJ treasurer, Connor James, is the president of the TAMU Self-Defense Club. Ask him in class. For more info about TAMU Self-Defense Club, click here for the facebook page.
Q16: Is there a joint or discount cost for joining both TAMU Self-Defense and TAMU BJJ Club?
No, there is not a discount cost. You must pay each club's fees if you want to do both.
Q17: If I have any questions about the club, who do I contact?
Please contact University of Sidekicks at 979-661-1560 if you have any questions.
