Questions before you step on the mat

What is Train My Hands for War?

A free monthly Christian Jiu-Jitsu Connect Group for men and sons 13 and older. We meet at 3 Embers Grappling Academy in McKinney, Texas, to train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, pray together, and build disciplined brotherhood.

Is this an open mat?

No. It is a guided 90-minute session with prayer, instruction, drilling, and controlled live work. We are not an open mat, tournament prep class, or rank-promotion event.

When and where do you meet?

Normally the last Friday of the month, 6:30–8:00 p.m. Central, with check-in from 6:15 p.m. January 2027 meets Friday, January 22 for ELC Warrior Night; December 2026 and November/December 2027 move to the third Friday because of holiday weeks. We meet at 3 Embers Grappling Academy, 320 Industrial Blvd., Ste. 206, McKinney, TX 75069.

Do I need experience?

No. Beginners are welcome and get their own positional lane with coach-directed drilling. You do not need to be in shape or know any technique before your first class.

What should I wear?

A clean, fully dried gi with a rashguard or athletic shirt and compression shorts underneath. Sandals or slides for off-mat areas. Trimmed nails, no jewelry, and a mouthguard is strongly recommended for live rounds.

Do I need my own gi?

Yes — this is a gi session. Loaner gis are available by advance request, subject to size and availability. Request one when you reserve so we can check availability and sizing.

How do I check in?

Arrive by 6:15 p.m., find the check-in table, give your name, and confirm both required waivers are signed. Minors 13–17 need a parent or guardian on site with a signed guardian waiver.

Does it cost anything?

No. The gathering is free. We do not sell memberships, merchandise, or instruction on the mat.

What waiver do I have to sign?

One combined participation release covers Train My Hands for War and the host facility, WAAM, L.L.C. d/b/a 3 Embers Grappling Academy, for every session in the series. You e-sign it while reserving your mat, and you can re-sign or check your status on the Mat Ready page.

Can I bring my son?

Sons 13–17 are welcome when the host academy approves youth participation for that session. A parent or legal guardian must register them, complete all required documents, and remain on site.

What are the youth safety policies?

Teens 13–17 train only with signed guardian waivers and a parent or legal guardian present on site. They are paired in coach-directed lanes with age-appropriate partners, and live submissions or standing rounds require explicit coach clearance. Any suspected injury stops training immediately, with parent notification and no return to contact until cleared by a healthcare provider. See the Youth Safeguards page for check-in, supervision, and emergency contact procedures.

Can teenagers participate in live rolling?

Only when the lead coach clears them for the appropriate lane and partner. Teens begin with positional drilling and controlled movement; live submissions and standing work are introduced only at the coach's discretion and with guardian awareness.

Do I have to roll or spar?

No. Consent outranks rank. You may decline or stop any round with anyone, at any time, without explanation. Live rounds are separated by lane and require coach clearance.

What techniques are not allowed?

Slams, jumping guard, flying submissions, scissor takedowns, uncontrolled sacrifice throws, neck cranks, spinal locks, heel hooks, knee reaping, kneebars, toe holds, biceps or calf slicers, wrist locks, and any technique not authorized for your lane.

What happens if someone gets hurt?

All coaches and organizers are instructed to stop training immediately. A suspected concussion means immediate removal, parent or guardian notification for a minor, and no return to contact training until cleared by an appropriate healthcare provider.

Can I buy Train My Hands for War gear?

Yes. A small members-only line called The Armory offers a matte crest sticker, a 3 in × 3 in matte rubber crest patch, and upcoming apparel and gi patches. Gear is optional and separate from the free gathering. Shop gear & merch→

Who can order gear?

Training members only — men and sons who train with us. Orders are available for sale only to registered participants; an order that is not tied to someone who trains with us is cancelled and refunded. Shop gear & merch→

How do I place an order?

The matte crest sticker and the 3 in × 3 in matte rubber crest patch can be purchased today through The Armory. Apparel and gi patches are coming soon — join the notify list on the product page and we will email you when they drop. Shop gear & merch→

Will gear be shipped to me?

No. Pickup only at a gathering at 3 Embers Grappling Academy in McKinney. After checkout you choose your pickup name, preferred day/time, and any gate or contact instructions. Shop gear & merch→

What is the giveaway on Armory purchases?

100% of the net proceeds from every order are donated to a cause close to our hearts. Cost of goods is covered first and nothing goes to organizers. Contact us privately for details and donation information, or read more on the Giving page. Shop gear & merch→

Do you list resources beyond your own mats?

Yes. On our Athlete Resources page we point visitors toward two outside organizations that serve grapplers: We Defy Foundation, which funds Jiu-Jitsu scholarships for combat veterans with military-connected disabilities, and Jesus and Jiu-Jitsu, a North Texas ministry hosting free events around Dallas–Fort Worth.

What is We Defy Foundation?

A nonprofit that awards Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu scholarships to combat veterans coping with military-connected disabilities. Accepted veterans train at an approved academy in their area without paying tuition out of pocket. Applications open on a published schedule and can fill quickly because funding is limited.

What is Jesus and Jiu-Jitsu?

A ministry that describes itself as missionaries to the mats — building community and fellowship around Jesus and high-level Jiu-Jitsu. They host free events and instructionals across the Dallas–Fort Worth area, run a gym network, a podcast, and devotionals, and offer an eight-week discipleship study.

Are you affiliated with We Defy or Jesus and Jiu-Jitsu?

No. We have no affiliation, ownership, partnership, sponsorship, or involvement with either organization, and they have none with us. Nothing on the Athlete Resources page is paid, sponsored, or an endorsement. We receive nothing if you apply, donate, or attend, and questions about their programs go directly to them.

Will I earn a belt or stripe?

No. We award no belts or stripes and honor every member's home academy, coaches, and rank.

What do belt colors represent in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

White belt is the beginning — learning to survive, move, and tap. Blue belt builds a defensive foundation and a few reliable attacks. Purple belt connects positions into sequences and develops personal style. Brown belt refines everything and prepares the student to teach. Black belt means the practitioner is no longer considered a beginner; in Japan, that is when the real journey begins. Coral and red belts follow as decades-long master ranks.

How long does it typically take to advance between belts?

Timelines vary widely by academy, individual consistency, athletic background, and prior grappling experience. Averages are only guidelines — some students move faster, others slower. The only universal rule is consistent, coachable mat time under qualified instruction.

What do stripes on a belt mean?

Stripes are informal progress markers awarded by an instructor, usually up to four per belt. They signal growth in attendance, technique, attitude, and rolling performance. Four stripes does not guarantee promotion; the instructor decides when a student is ready for the next belt.

How can I prepare for a belt promotion?

Preparation starts with consistent, coachable mat time. Show up regularly, review the expected skills for your current rank, ask upper belts and your instructor for feedback, and compete or pressure-test only if your coach recommends it. Pay attention to the details that separate ranks — posture, timing, defense, and how you treat training partners. Promotion is a byproduct of who you become on the mat, not a deadline to chase.

What do coaches typically look for at each belt?

Coaches watch for the specific habits and skills that define each phase. White Belt: Safe falling and basic breakfalls; Frames, posture, and positional awareness; How to tap and protect training partners. Blue Belt: 2–3 reliable escapes from bad positions; 1–2 guard passes with pressure or speed options; Basic submissions and their setups. Purple Belt: Combining attacks from multiple positions; Strong defensive recoveries and scrambles; Helping beginners learn fundamentals. Brown Belt: Precise pressure, leverage, and timing; Mentoring lower belts by example; Diagnosing weaknesses in self and others. Black Belt: Deep, adaptable fundamentals; Curriculum development and class planning; Leadership and culture-setting. Coral Belt: Preserving and documenting lineage; Raising up instructors and leaders; Guarding the culture of the mat. Beyond technique, coaches also value consistency, humility, safe rolling, and whether a student helps lower belts learn.

Will my rank from another academy be honored here?

Yes. We respect every member's home academy, coaches, and rank. Wear your belt, train in your lane, and follow the lead instructor's directions for the evening.

Can I take photos or videos?

Photo and video permission is separate, optional, and never a condition of participation. We respect privacy and will not tag or post anyone without explicit consent.

What if I am running late?

Check-in closes once the safety briefing begins. Late arrivals may be asked to observe that session and return next month, because missing the safety briefing compromises the mat for everyone.

How do I reserve my spot?

Use the Reserve My Mat form. It collects your name, email, and any loaner gi request so we can plan mat space and lanes.

How do I contact you?

Email mail@trainmyhandsforwar.com for questions, accessibility needs, or to request a loaner gi.

If your question is not answered here, send it through the contact form or email mail@trainmyhandsforwar.com.