Published: January 6, 2023

Dark Horse FAQ

What styles of martial arts are taught at Dark Horse?

Dark Horse has classes in both Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) and Muay Thai. We do provide self defense preparedness training within the fundamental program as the combination of the two martial arts. We teach the best self defense techniques available in martial arts. (Self Defense link)

 

What is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a grappling based martial arts where you use your body positioning to increase leverage and use physics and an understanding of human anatomy to control an opponent and submitting them. Brazilian jiu jitsu was developed by Carlos and Helio Gracie. 

 

Can BJJ be used for self defense?
Yes, BJJ is an effective martial art that is both realistic and street ready.  By focusing on leverage, body positioning, and spatial awareness, BJJ is arguably the best martial art for self defense.

What is Muay Thai?

Muay Thai is sometimes referred to as Thai Boxing or Kickboxing. It is a striking based martial arts employing fists, elbows, knees, shins and feet to strike an opponent. Muay Thai has no specific founder;  it was developed out the need to find effective ways for Thailand’s civilian and military population to protect themselves from constant military threat. Muay Thai and BJJ are the bread and butter of mixed martial arts MMA. (History of BJJ and Muay Thai link)

 

What can you gain through training Brazilian jiu jitsu and Muay Thai?

 

Physical

Self defense skills and training

Strength

Endurance

Mobility

Weight control and even weight loss

 

Mental

Focus

Self Discipline

Courage and Resolve

Strength of Character

Confidence

 

Social

Camaraderie

Balanced Lifestyle

Goal Setting

Communication

Leadership Development

 

How will Muay Thai change my body? 

How will BJJ change my body? 

In short, both of these martial arts will improve your weight, strength, endurance and energy plus a myriad of other benefits. These martial arts are very active and vigorous styles which help you achieve your fitness goals. Training in one or a combination of both will condition your body in an active and fun training format. Our programs are tiered from beginner to advanced.


Will BJJ help me lose weight?
Due to the nature of BJJ and Muay Thai, weight loss is nearly a guarantee. Both BJJ and Muay Thai are very physically driven martial arts which will burn calories well.

Is there a special uniform required at Dark Horse?

There are two uniforms for Dark Horse classes depending upon the martial arts and class type you participate in. For Brazilian jiu jitsu we use a jiu jitsu gi, comprised of a densely woven cotton kimono top and gi pants. 

 

There are two other styles taught at Dark Horse: Muay Thai and Brazilian jiu jitsu, there is also NoGi with in the BJJ cariculum. As NoGi implies there is no gi used in this style. For NoGi and Muay Thai athletic shorts and a t-shirt will suffice. Some of our practitioners prefer a rash guard or tightly fitting athletic shirt like the neoprene Under Armour shirt and neoprene athletic shorts. We include a gi with sign up for several of our programs. We also sell Gi and NoGi apparel as well. 

 

Who can take classes at Dark Horse?

At Dark Horse we train adults and children from the age of four years old and above. We have a robust kids program which includes anti bully tactics, self defense techniques, and of course a lot of fun! (Kids Program Blog link) 

 

Our adult program is tiered by belt progression based on the International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) rules, guides and curriculum which includes self defense tactics and skills. (Belt Progression) To train true martial arts in Longmont, come check out our courses. 

 

We also have Muay Thai kickboxing courses. Some readers may recognize these two martial arts by name. They are two of the core martial arts which have dominated the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) world for nearly two decades.

 

Who will instruct the classes, and teach you these skills?

The head instructor and owner of Dark Horse is Professor Andrew Dudderar. He is a second Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with nearly 18 years experience. 

 

Professor Sean Waddles is another of our black belt instructors. Professor Waddle focuses on the intermediate and advanced techniques.

 

Our Black belt instructors or “professors” are supported by four amazing and diverse brown belts. The adult classes are all coached by either our brown belts or black belts. We also have a great staff of blue and green belts who assist the coaches with the kids program.  

Meet your coaches here:

http://bjjdarkhorse.com/Instructors

 

Professor David Tamarchenko is our head Muay Thai instructor. Professor David is accompanied by Vajra Garnelli and Ryan Marr. These three instructors have over fifty years of Muay Thai experience between them. 

 

Where is Dark Horse Brazilian Jiu Jitsu academy located?

 

950 Elgin Ave Unit A. Longmont, Colorado, 80501

 

How do I get a hold of Dark Horse BJJ Academy to sign up?

We can be reached via phone, email, or through the contact page here on the  website. Feel free to drop by anytime as well. We are open Monday through Thursday from 4:00 PM until 9:00 PM. 

 

If you are in the area, please drop in and say hello. You can refer to our online schedule for alternative times to stop in as well.

http://bjjdarkhorse.com/

http://bjjdarkhorse.com/Home/Offer/4383

(Link for email)

 

Telephone number

(303) 335-0340

 

What is the class schedule and when can I train?

Dark Horse offers a variety of classes throughout the week at varying time slots. Adult classes run between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours. Our kids classes are typically 45 minutes and start as early as 4:15PM. We also offer open mats and randoris (BJJ Terms Link) which last one hour and are scheduled throughout the week and weekend. For a complete listing of our class times, please refer to our online schedule. http://bjjdarkhorse.com/Home/Schedule

 

What is Dark Horse’s Drop in Policy?

Dark Horse allows and encourages drop ins for members and non-members alike. Drop ins are welcome during our open mats and randoris. Most membership programs include randoris and open mats. This is our current schedule: http://bjjdarkhorse.com/Home/Schedule  for non members there is a health waiver and a nominal $30.00 fee. The open mats and randori run one hour.


Who was the creator of BJJ?
By most accounts Helio Gracie is considered the grandfather of modern day Brazilian jiu jitsu. With some light digging you will find that Carlos Gracie, Helio’s brother was also one of the founders of modern BJJ as well.

Published: January 6, 2023

Categories: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Culture