Questions, answered
Everything worth knowing before your first class.
Is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu suitable for complete beginners?
Absolutely. Every session is built around you, so complete beginners and experienced grapplers both train at their own pace. In a private (one to one) you get my full attention from your very first minute on the mat, which is the fastest and safest way to start.
Do I need to be in shape before starting?
Not at all. Getting in shape happens as you train, not before. We start where you are and build your fitness, coordination and confidence session by session, at a pace that feels right for you.
I’ve never done BJJ before. Can I still book a private?
Yes, and it’s one of the best ways to begin. We start from the very basics, cover safety and the core positions, and go entirely at your pace, with no pressure and no prior experience needed.
What is No-Gi Jiu Jitsu, and how is it different from Gi BJJ?
No-Gi Jiu Jitsu is grappling without the traditional kimono. Instead of gripping the cloth, you control the body directly, which makes the game faster and more athletic. Everything we do here is No-Gi, so you never need a Gi.
Do I need a Gi to train?
No. We train No-Gi, so all you need is a rash guard and shorts or leggings. That keeps things simple and means you can start without buying any special kit.
What should I bring to my first class?
Comfortable athletic clothing, ideally a rash guard and shorts or leggings, plus a water bottle. No-Gi and no experience are needed, just a bit of curiosity and a willingness to learn.
What’s the difference between a private and a semi-private?
A private is one to one: just you and me, with my full attention on your game. A semi-private is two to one: you train with a partner while I coach you both, so you keep each other motivated and share the learning. I only ever coach one or two people at a time.
Do you teach specific moves or the concepts behind them?
I teach principles more than isolated moves. Once you understand the ‘why’ behind a technique, you can apply the same logic across several positions, so you learn faster and can solve problems on your own instead of memorising endless sequences.
Will we do positional sparring or just static drilling?
We’ll use progressive resistance. You’ll test the moves against me or your partner to ensure they work under pressure, not just in a cooperative drill, so what you learn actually holds up when someone resists.
What would I even work on in a private?
Totally up to you. If you’re unsure, we’ll start rolling, spot what needs the most work, and build a plan around your goals, whether that’s fundamentals, a specific position, competition prep, or simply moving better.
Can I bring a specific video or move I’m struggling with to troubleshoot?
Absolutely. Send it over ahead of time and I’ll have a breakdown ready for your session, so we make the most of our time on the mat and fix the exact thing that’s holding you back.
Do you keep notes on our progress?
Yes. I keep a digital log for every private student, so we always pick up exactly where we left off and build a cohesive system over time rather than a random collection of techniques.
Is BJJ good for self-defence and fitness?
Both. No-Gi Jiu Jitsu and grappling build real, tested skills for controlling a situation calmly, and because sessions are active and personal, they’re an excellent workout for strength, mobility and conditioning at the same time.
Where do you teach No-Gi Jiu Jitsu in Zürich?
Sessions take place in a private setting in Zürich. Once you book, I’ll send you the exact location and directions, along with everything you need to know before your first session.
How much does private coaching cost?
There’s a trial to start, then simple per-class rates for private (one to one) and semi-private (two to one), with packs of 1, 5 or 10 classes. You can see the full breakdown on the pricing page.
Do I need to commit to multiple sessions?
No. You start with a trial class, and only then decide how many sessions you’d like. There’s no obligation to continue and no pressure to sign up for a big package upfront.
Are there memberships or long contracts?
None. There are no memberships and no lock-in. You simply book the classes you want, when you want them, and buy a pack only if and when it suits you.
How flexible is scheduling?
Very. Sessions are arranged around you, so we find times that fit your week, whether that’s early mornings, evenings or weekends. Because it’s private coaching, we’re not tied to a fixed class timetable.
What is your policy if I need to reschedule due to work or injury?
Life happens. Just give me 24 hours’ notice and we’ll move your session to another time at no charge. I’d always rather you train when you’re fresh and healthy.
Can I train semi-private with a friend or partner?
Yes, that’s exactly what semi-private is for. Bring a friend, partner or colleague and I’ll coach the two of you together (two to one). If you don’t have a partner, get in touch and we’ll find a good fit.