Programs and Curriculums The RGDA-PA training academies stay true to the Jiu-Jitsu taught at the Gracie Humaitá Academy in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. We offer a balanced curriculum of sport, no-gi, self defense and NHB fighting techniques. However, our emphasis is on grappling training/self defense and not NHB techniques.  We also cover takedowns with and without the gi (uniform). In the beginning stages of your training, we emphasize the basic techniques that will eventually be your solid foundation for this exciting martial art. Because the techniques are constantly changing and evolving in Brazil, we offer the most current techniques coming out of the competition scene in Rio. Competition Competition is a fun aspect of this martial art and is a fun and safe way to test and apply your skills. We recommend competition but definitely do not make it a requirement for your progress. Many students just like to train for their own reasons other than competition such as self defense, fitness...etc. Self Defense Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a great self defense system for men and women. Gracie/Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has a full set of self defense techniques (defesa pessoal) that are used against common street attacks such as headlocks, bear hugs, rape situations...etc. Getting in Shape Training at any of our academies will be a great way to become and stay fit! The beautiful thing about training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is that you will be having a lot of fun while you're getting in shape. Students lose weight without even focusing on it. You will also be learning an incredibly effective martial art at the same time. Supplement your Current Martial Arts Training Many of our members are students and instructors of other martial arts themselves. We have a very open mind and our students do also. As many of you know Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a wonderful supplement to striking based martial arts such as tae kwon do, karate, kickboxing...etc. Many martial artists know Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu will make them a more balanced and complete fighter. Rank We use the traditional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu grading system that is used in Brazil. White, Blue, Purple, Brown and Black. We also use a 4 stripe system on the white belt with easy to follow required techniques to achieve the next stripe rank on your white belt. This system has proven to be very successful in guaranteeing that the student learns the fundamental techniques before he/she reaches the first and often toughest rank, the Blue Belt. Rank can be difficult to achieve in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and can take some time. You really need to have the skills that go with the rank. There's no faking it on the mat. Many people will agree that once rank in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is achieved it can be very rewarding.