Coach Trenell's
Classroom
Free guides, tips, tools, and games for students, parents, and anyone curious about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Everything on this page is free. No sign-up required. Coach Trenell put it all together to help your family understand Jiu-Jitsu before, during, and after training.
Belt System
How progression works — from white belt all the way to black belt.
The GB Belt Guide
Click any belt — Coach Trenell walks you through what it means, what students learn, and how long it takes. Kids and Adult tracks both covered.
Explore the belts →Kids Belt Progression
Kids start on a separate track — White, Grey, Yellow, Orange, Green, and then Blue when they're ready for the adult curriculum. Each belt has a specific milestone.
Adult Belt Timeline
Most adults reach blue belt in 1.5–2 years of consistent training. Black belt takes roughly 10 years. Every step is earned — not given.
The Arcade
8 free BJJ games for students and families. No download, no login.
Tips & Techniques
Coach Trenell explains the concepts that matter most on the mat.
What is Guard?
Guard is the position where you are on your back with your legs around or in front of your opponent. Far from being a bad position, guard is a weapon — your legs become tools for control, sweeps, and submissions.
PositionsWhy Do We Tap?
Tapping is the smartest thing you can do on the mat. It signals that your training partner has secured a submission, stops the roll safely, and lets both people reset and learn. Tapping is not losing — it is wisdom.
SafetyWhat Does Oss Mean?
Oss (pronounced "oh-ss") is a term of respect used in Jiu-Jitsu and other martial arts. When you say Oss to your professor, you are saying: I understand, I respect you, and I am ready to train hard.
GB CultureWhat is Shrimping?
Shrimping — also called hip escape — is the foundational movement of Jiu-Jitsu. You push off one foot, turn your hip, and create space between you and your opponent. It is how you escape almost every bad position.
FundamentalsPosition Before Submission
One of the first rules you learn at Gracie Barra. Before you attempt to finish a submission, secure a dominant position. Control comes first. A submission you cannot hold does not count.
StrategyMore Coming Soon
Coach Trenell is preparing more technique explainers, position breakdowns, and vocabulary guides. Check back monthly for new content.
In ProgressGetting Started
Everything new students and parents need to know before the first class.
What to Wear
- A Gracie Barra gi (uniform) — ask about our starter gi options
- No shoes on the mat — bare feet or flip flops off the mat
- Nails trimmed short for safety
- Hair tied back for longer hair
- No jewellery during training
What to Expect
- A warm welcome — GB Lake Country is a family
- Warm-up drills: shrimping, forward rolls, movement
- Technique instruction from your professor
- Partnered drilling — guided, safe, supervised
- Cool-down and questions at the end
Parent FAQ
- How often should my child train? 2–3 times per week is ideal for steady progress.
- Do they need to compete? Never. Competition is optional at GB Lake Country.
- Is it safe? Yes — our kids program is designed for safety first, confidence second.
- What age can they start? We have programs starting from age 4.
BJJ Vocabulary
- Gi — the uniform worn in class
- Roll — live sparring with a partner
- Tap — signal to stop the roll safely
- Sweep — reversing position from bottom to top
- Pass — getting past your opponent's guard
- Submission — a joint lock or choke that ends the roll
Tip of the Day
Coach Trenell has something to say. A new tip every day.
Coming Soon
Coach Trenell is building more resources. Check back monthly.
Position Builder
Interactive tool to build and understand BJJ position sequences and attack chains.
In DevelopmentBJJ Glossary
Coach Trenell explains 50+ BJJ terms with context, pronunciation, and usage on the mat.
Coming SoonScenario Engine
Your opponent moves — what do you do? Make split-second decisions and see where your choices lead.
Coming Later
Your First Class is Free
Coach Trenell and the whole GB Lake Country family are waiting for you. No experience needed. All ages welcome.