What is ‘The Wriggle Room’?

The Wriggle Room is an initiative providing a safe space for anyone who identifies as being in ‘a tight spot’ to come and learn Jiu Jitsu in a non-competitive, no submissions, no-cost learning space.

What is ‘a tight spot’?

Sometime we are stuck — physically, emotionally, socially, psychologically, or financially. Finding our way out of it, or through it, or with it, can feel impossible. If you are in a tight spot, we welcome you to come to The Wriggle Room.

‘The Gentle Art’

Jiu Jitsu is a martial art which literally means ‘The Gentle Art.’ It does not include any kicking or punching. Though it can often be seen as intense, competitive, and even dangerous, it is a fundamentally a sport about overcoming. In very literal and tangible ways, Jiu Jitsu develops skills at managing awkward, uncomfortable, or difficult situations, and finding ways out of them. While Jiu Jitsu is called ‘The Gentle Art’, it is also an incredibly effective form of self defence, often through the use of ‘submissions’. Submissions are Jiu Jitsu techniques which cause an opponent to feel too uncomfortable to continue wrestling, to the point where they ‘tap out’ or declare they need to stop. These techniques include stressing joints and choke holds. The Wriggle Room offers a space to learn Jiu Jitsu foundations without including submissions.

What To Expect

We will host a Wriggle Room session each weekend for an hour and focus on fundamentals of Jiu Jitsu: basic positions, sweeps, holds, and escapes. As with our standard classes, each session will include a warmup, focused learning time, and wrestling or ‘rolling’ time.

How is ‘The Wriggle Room’ different from BMJJA’s standard Jiu Jitsu classes?
  • The structure might be much the same, but there are quite a few differences in The Wriggle Room.
  • No uniforms.
  • Participants need stretchy clothes without pockets. A rash shirt with some leggings under shorts is ideal.
  • No fees.
  • We request non-monetary contributions, and will always appreciate a hand with cleaning up after class. If there are other ways you would like to offer to contribute, please let us know.
  • No Submissions.
  • We offer a space for people to learn principles of Jiu Jitsu without including chokes or joint stress techniques.
  • Clear boundaries – More or Less: The Wriggle Room has three distinct marked areas: More, Or, Less. Choose to wrestle what you are up for. If you want a more demanding session, work in the More area. Take it easy in the ‘Less’ area. ‘Or’ mix it up and work somewhere in the middle.
  • Debrief: Participants are welcome to discuss their experience, observations, and learnings after each class where we also have tea and coffee making facilities.

Eligibility

16+ years Best suited for people without any Jiu Jitsu experience, or those who are unable to participate in regular BJJ classes due to being in a tight spot.

Preparing for a class

Before a class, remove or tape down your jewellery, and ensure all of your nails are trimmed. Ensure you and your clothes are clean, and avoid wearing perfumes or heavily fragranced deodorants. Wear stretchy clothes without pockets, thongs, and bring a water bottle.

Where is the Wriggle Room?

We are based just off the main street in Springwood, opposite the train station at Unit 7/ 214 Macquarie Road, Springwood.

Organisations & Community Groups

We are happy to discuss tailored ‘Wriggle Room’ classes for organisations and community groups. We welcome organisations supporting disadvantaged and disenfranchised people.
BMJJA

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