About Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Training with Samuel Puccio

Samuel Puccio is a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Rodrigo Medeiros, BJJ Revolution Team/Carlson Gracie Team

Samuel started training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 1997 in Sao Paulo. In 1999 he moved to Los Angeles and trained BJJ and boxing for 1 year with UFC Champion Vitor Belfort and Al Stanke. Samuel trained extensive no - gi freestyle and vale tudo in 2000 and trained with many professional fighters in the Carlson Gracie team as well as instructing at Left Cross Training Center.

In 2001 Samuel began training with Rodrigo Medeiros Competition Team. Samuel continues to train with his instructor and close friend Rodrigo Medeiros. In 2002 Samuel moved to Birmingham Alabama with the hopes of bringing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to the south east. Today, we have 3 locations and 50 students. The competition team is the best in the area.

Read more: About Samuel Puccio

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art and combat sport that focuses on grappling and especially ground fighting. It is a derivative of early 20th century Kodokan Judo, which was itself then a recently-developed system (founded in 1882), based on multiple schools (or Ryu) of Japanese jujutsu.

It promotes the principle that a smaller, weaker person can successfully defend themselves against a bigger, stronger assailant using leverage and proper technique; most notably, by applying joint-locks and chokeholds to defeat them. BJJ can be trained for self defense, sport grappling tournaments (gi and no-gi) and mixed martial arts (MMA) competition. Sparring (commonly referred to as 'rolling') and live drilling play a major role in training, and a premium is placed on performance, especially in competition.

Read more: Our Programs

SCHOOL LOCATION:
Southside Birmingham
2501 7th Ave. South
Birmingham, AL 35233
Phone: 205-602-2608

Mondays:
6pm - 6:45pm - Kids Classes
7pm - 8pm - Adult Gi Classes

Tuesdays:
7pm - 8pm - Adult No-Gi Classes

Wednesdays:
6pm - 6:45pm - Kids Classes
7pm - 8pm - Adult Gi Classes

Thursdays:
7pm - 8pm - Adult MMA - Mixed Martial Arts

Fridays:
7pm - 8pm - Women's Self-Defense Classes

Click here for Class Prices and Sign-Up Forms.

Samuel Puccio BJJ Studio is located on the corner of 25th Street and 7th Avenue South in Birmingham, AL. We are one block from the intersection of University Boulevard (8th Avenue South) and Red Mountain Expressway. If you take the 8th Avenue exit from Red Mountain Expressway, turn right towards downtown Birmingham, go underneath the Expressway, then turn immediately right onto 25th street. Our studio is on the corner, opposite of Hanna Antiques.

This is a list of answers to "Frequently Asked Questions" asked of Samuel Puccio BJJ of Birmingham. Our FAQ list is intended as a quick resource and may not completely address the issue in totality. If you can not find an answer to your question below or need more clarification, please contact us.

Do you teach children?

Absolutely! Our kids classes start at just 7 years old. Not only will they learn fun and exciting martial arts but they will also learn 'Life Skills' as well such as respect, confidence, and discipline. Please see our complete article on Children and the Martial Arts.

Can anyone join your school?

For Adults
In general, yes. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a great martial art for both men and women, of all ages and all body types. Our only requirement is that you have the right attitude: keep safety first, respect your training partners, and be willing to work hard.

For Kids
Absolutely!! Kids ages 7 and up and any skill level are always welcome here.

Can women do martial arts?

Yes! In fact, the reality is that you don’t have to be big and strong to do it. Our system was designed to use timing, leverage and structural, aligned strength rather than muscular strength. We have even found that women have more developed contact reflexes and natural relaxation than men already present on the first day of training. Please also see our complete article on Women and the Martial Arts.

Is your system effective in today’s world?

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu came to international prominence in the martial arts community in the 1990s, when Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu expert Royce Gracie won the first, second and fourth Ultimate Fighting Championships, which at the time were single elimination martial arts tournaments. Royce fought against often much-larger opponents who were practicing other styles, including boxing, shoot-fighting, karate, judo, tae kwon do and wrestling. It has since become a staple art for many MMA fighters and is largely credited for bringing widespread attention to the importance of ground fighting.

Do I need any prior martial arts experience?

No! Whether you have experience or not does not matter. You can learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in a safe atmosphere with other people just like you; people who want to improve their fitness while learning the valuable skills of self-defense. We know most people have never taken a martial arts class and that's great. Our instructors are patient, professional and totally committed to your progress.

How often do I need to train? I am very busy and do not have much free time...

Training requires two things: time and patience. Due to the busy life we all live today, we need to adjust and adapt in order to do things we like and enjoy. The more regularly you train, the more progress you'll make. We offer training five days a week so that you can adjust your training according to your time schedule.

Do I need to be fit to start training in martial arts?

Firstly it is important not to confuse the fitness developed by weight training and the fitness developed by martial arts. Jiu-jitsu does require cardiovascular conditioning and endurance, and our program helps you build that. Classes begin with warm-ups and stretches, and we incorporate conditioning drills throughout the training. Essentially, you'll be building your fitness level and conditioning while you train.

In addition to our main locations, we also offer and recommend training at these other facilities. Please call to schedule a tour of these facilities or confirm hours of operation.

Read more: Other Locations