Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Shark Pit Jiu Jitsu Located?

Shark Pit Jiu Jitsu is located at 210 Ft. Collier Road, Winchester, Virginia 22603 - just across the street from the Frederick County Jail. It is the corner unit of the last warehouse.
Do you have Kid's Classes?

Yes. Kid's classes are on Monday and Wednesday from 6 PM - 7 PM and Saturday from 10 AM to 11 AM. Monday and Saturday are Gi classes. Wednesday is NoGi class. Kids are welcome at Open Mat on Friday and Sunday as long as a parent is present to supervise.
How much does it cost and what is included in a membership package?

Pricing is available on this site under the About tab on the menu or by calling the staff at Shark Pit Jiu Jitsu. Periodic promotional specials are posted to our Facebook page. There are plans for individuals and families. All Brazilian Jiu Jitsu memberships include unlimited attendance at scheduled BJJ classes, both Gi and NoGi. Rarely we might choose to have a seminar with an additional fee, but we intend never to cancel a scheduled class and replace it with a pay-to-attend seminar. We also offer 50% off any membership plan for Active Duty Military, Law Enforcement, Fulltime Firefighters and EMS personnel. A 10% discount is available for reserve members of any of the above.
Do you teach both Gi and NoGi Classes?

Yes.
Can you train me to fight professionally?

Instructors Joe Bauserman and Jeremy Clyburn have significant MMA experience. Coach Joe held a Revolution fights championship title at one point in his career. Coach Anthony Wilson, who teaches Kick Boxing at Shark Pit, and several other members are active MMA fighters. We work as a team to make them successful in the cage. Come in and speak with the staff if you are interested in training for an MMA fight. Lastly, we do not have MMA classes specifically at this time, but we are working to add them in the near future.
How do I get Shark Pit BJJ Clothing?

Branded merchandise is available by clicking the "Shop" link at the top right of the page or go to the following address at: www.sharkpit.shop We have limited stock of certain shirts/hoodies/etc on site in our pro shop - ask the Shark Pit staff about purchasing.
What is the BJJ Lineage at Shark Pit BJJ?

Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie > Helio Gracie > Rickson Gracie > Jorge Pereira > Rogerio Taborda > Joseph Bauserman
Do you allow drop-ins?

Yes. We would love to train with anyone who wants to drop by the Shark Pit. The drop-in fee is $20.
Do I need to get in shape before I try Jiu Jitsu?

No. Just show up and do your best. Jiu Jitsu, and grappling in general, are a different kind of conditioning than other activities. The best way to get in shape for Jiu Jitsu is doing Jiu Jitsu.
Do you have beginners classes?

We have a one-hour beginners Gi class twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6 PM. That said, don't be afraid to attend any class as a brand-new white belt. The colored-belts (blue, purple, brown, black) were all brand new once and they remember what it is like to start training BJJ. The entire team will be there to help you learn and reinforce the basics in addition to what the instructor is teaching.
Do I need to bring a gi/uniform to my first class?

We do have a limited selection of loaner GIs for Kids and Adult classes, but we might not have your size depending on how many new folks show up. That said, comfortable work-out clothes are perfectly fine when you are starting out - even for a gi class. Just make sure you don't have any metal bits or other items on your clothing that might puncture the mats or scuff up your partner. It is recommended that you don't wear necklaces, bracelets, watches or similar jewelry either as they might get damaged while drilling. Please leave these items at home or bring a padlock with you so that you can secure them in a locker. Not having a gi when you start is not an issue at all. In fact, it provides an advantage in gi classes. Your partner will have a gi on and that is the important part since most use of the gi in Jiu Jitsu is actually using your opponent's gi to subdue them. You can order and wear any gi you like. Amazon has many many choices and we will be happy to give you our personal opinion on what we like to wear as well as sizing guidance. We sell our own gis and rashguards and you can buy what we sell by clicking the SHOP button on our menu or by purchasing them from our pro shop at the gym. That said, feel free to order any rash guard you would like as we will never require anyone to buy our gear or even sew on our patch.
Do you train takedowns and footlocks?

The short version is YES. We train ALL of Jiu Jitsu - not just a particular subset of moves that are very effective under a particular competition rule set. You will learn foot locks and do takedowns at our gym on a regular basis. Starting from the feet is a common occurrence when sparring. Specifically, Coach Jack Wrenn teaches a Wrestling Takedown class on Wednesday mornings and Coach Joe Bauserman teaches a Judo throw on most Saturday morning classes and a throw or wrestling takedown during his Tues-Thurs NoGi classes.