This is not the quintessential list of frequently asked questions we receive at QuanWessels; but they are some of the more common ones; so we thought we would address some of them. We have a whole page dedicated to FAQs at QuanWessels; which can probably answer many of your questions.
- What Martial Arts is offered at QW?
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ): A martial art focused on grappling and ground fighting. It emphasises leverage, technique, and submissions, allowing a smaller person to defend against a larger opponent. The key elements include positional control, joint locks, and chokeholds to dominate and submit opponents, without relying on strikes. As for the Brazilian part, in short – Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) became Brazilian when the Gracie family in Brazil was taught traditional Japanese Judo by a Judoka named Mitsuyo Maeda. They adapted and evolved these techniques to focus on ground fighting and submissions. Their version gained global recognition through Brazilian practitioners and competitions, establishing BJJ as a distinct Brazilian martial art.
- Wrestling: Wrestling at QuanWessels incorporates mostly freestyle wrestling and some Greco-Roman wrestling techniques. Freestyle wrestling is a competitive sport where two athletes use a wide range of techniques, including takedowns and pins, to control and defeat their opponent. It is distinct from other wrestling styles by allowing the use of legs for offence and defence, making it a fast-paced and dynamic form of wrestling.
- Muay Thai, the national sport of Thailand and also known as the “Art of Eight Limbs,” is a martial art that uses punches, kicks, elbows, and knees, making it one of the most comprehensive striking styles. Its effectiveness comes from its emphasis on powerful, precise strikes combined with clinch work, where fighters control their opponents while delivering strikes. Muay Thai is highly effective for MMA because it covers all aspects of striking, while also teaching clinch control. Its techniques are powerful, versatile, and adaptable to the diverse combat scenarios in MMA.
- Mixed Martial Arts (MMA): is a combat sport that blends techniques from various disciplines like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, boxing, wrestling, and judo. This is the martial art most popularised by promotions like Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), Brave FC or Professional Fighters League (PFL). MMA is governed by its own set of rules and is considered the most complete fighting style due to its versatility and adaptability.
- What do I need to get started and be ready for class?
When you sign up for a 7-day free trial, all you need to do is show up 10-15 minutes before class starts to get rental gear and uniform from reception. Once you have signed up as a member you will need to purchase your own uniform and equipment. Here at QW we do have a strict uniform policy that consists of QW White Gi with QW black long-sleeve rash vest and QW spats/tights worn underneath, for our No Gi and MMA classes we wear QW black long sleeve rash guard, QW shorts and QW long spats/tights under the shorts. This is not only for hygiene purposes but also presenting a unified appearance, we reflect our respectability, professionalism, and commitment to our community and the martial art itself.
- Are QW’s classes structured?
Learning martial arts is often an information overload and so with that in mind, here at QW classes are taught and structured in such a way that our students progress from a solid foundation. Our adult classes are broken up into our Onramp, Fundamentals, General and Advanced sections – this division enables the students to get an in-depth understanding of the facets of the martial arts they are learning resulting in progressional learning.
Our kids classes are grouped with age and developmental milestones in mind, Baby Champ classes are for kids between the age of 3 and 6 where they primarily play games and are taught movements that expose them to the physicality of the sport and strengthen their bodies. Then we have our Junior Champs classes ages 7-9 years old, these children are taught more techniques and live drills, this class preps them for the Teen Champs where they learn sequences to completion.
- Are your classes mixed male and female? Do I have to train with the opposite sex?
Yes, most of our classes are mixed male and female, however, we do have a female-only Jiu Jitsu class on Wednesday evenings at 17:30 to 19:00 every week that is taught by our resident purple belt Monique van Staden and assisted by our other resident female blue belts.
Here at QuanWessels, there is no “You must roll with everyone”, you are entitled to choose not to roll, train or spar with members of the opposite sex. Just as you have the right to decline a request to roll or train with someone of the opposite sex, you are expected to be respectful and understanding when someone declines to roll with you if they are the opposite sex.
- Will I get hit in the face? Is it painful?
While the classes are not designed to torture, maim or seriously injure you – the martial arts we teach are. Do expect a certain level of discomfort – training can make you physically stiff and sore, but emotionally and mentally you will build great resilience, have a lot of fun, and make friends while doing so. While accidents do happen (it is a martial arts gym after all) we take the utmost care in making sure that all of our classes are stimulating and relatable to live contact but still safe and manageable for the regular person.
- How do I get my first fight?
You may be looking at this page thinking we are the key to your UFC title (and we might be) but the road from your first training session to your first fight (in any form) differs from person to person. Some people learn faster than others or some have more time to train and thus get fights faster. The coaching staff of the gym decides when you’ve reached the right level to start competing, and the easiest way to become eligible is to attend all the training sessions that you can and make sure you spar on Saturdays. Your first fight will usually be a white-collar fight, meaning there is usually no formal scoring system or judge, and the bout is not added to any official record. Fighters usually do more than one white collar fight before turning amateur.
- How do I go pro?
Before any fighter is allowed to make a professional debut out of our gym they must complete at least 20 amateur fights. This will not take as long as you may think, as amateur fights happen almost every month so as long as the fighter is fit, they can fight multiple times a year in order to rack up the needed experience.
- How long does it take to become a black belt?
Realistically, earning a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu typically takes around 8 to 12 years of consistent training, and here at QuanWessels we are blessed to have 2 2nd-degree black belts as Head Coaches. This timeframe can vary depending on factors such as the frequency of training, natural ability, dedication, and the discretion of the black belt teaching you. Unlike some other martial arts, BJJ is known for its rigorous and demanding path to black belt, emphasising deep technical knowledge, practical skill, and experience.
