What is BU Submission Grappling?

Boston University Submission Grappling was started over ten years ago to provide Boston University students with an opportunity to explore this amazing martial art, a derivative of Brazilian jiu jitsu without the traditional uniform.  Grapplers strive to utilize technique over speed, size, or strength in order to out-maneuver opponents.

Today our members explore all aspects of mixed martial arts including muay thai (Thai kick boxing), Brazilian jiu jitsu (gi), Greco-Roman wrestling, boxing, and more.  Please check out the instructor bios.

Many of our members compete regularly in grappling, BJJ, and MMA tournaments. This semester, we hope to attend at least two competitions, including smaller local tournaments and larger regional tournaments so that both beginner and advanced members can have the opportunity to experience competition.

Beginners are openly welcome and highly encouraged!!!  Check out the FAQ below and if you still have questions, please feel free to email a club officer at bumma@bu.edu. See you on the mat!

Practice Times and Locations (Spring 2008):

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday -- 7:45 PM - 10:30 PM -- BU Track and Tennis Center (map)
Sunday -- 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM -- BU Fitness and Recreation Center (map)

Our Instructors AND Alumni

David Ginsberg has been teaching Jiu Jitsu, MMA and fitness for over a decade. His studies include a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu earned in 2003, time spent in Thailand for Muay Thai, and extensive exposure to boxing and wrestling. He has trained at numerous Gracie schools and in Brazil with Dela Riva and BTT --many of the pioneers of Jiu Jitsu and MMA. In addition to numerous NAGA titles and the 1999 New England Gold, David won back-to-back gold medals at the Pan American Games for Jiu Jitsu in 2002 and 2003. In 2004, he was the only American on the podium in his division where he garnered the black belt Silver Medal. He has trained numerous MMA fighters for large shows including the UFC, as well as for local shows. His background in gymnastics and competitive athletics inform his teaching style, as does his education in yoga, meditation, and mind-body training. In the MMA world, in addition to cornering, training, and coaching fighters, David serves as judge, referee, and has interviewed and commentated live on-camera for Pay-per-view shows.

Jullian Ablaza is a 4th year student at Boston University, recently completing a semester abroad studying, interning, and training in L.A.  He has trained muay thai, grappling, and BJJ for several years.  Jullian is currently a four-stripe blue belt under David Ginsberg.  He teaches muay thai and BJJ, and served as club president.

Elyse Goldberg is a 4th year student at BU, recently completing a semester of studying, interning, and training in Geneva, Switzerland.  She has practiced Brazilian jiu jitsu and grappling since 2005.  Elyse has served as club vice president and assistant instructor of grappling and BJJ.  She is currently a three-stripe blue belt, also under David Ginsberg. Elyse's blog (soon to be website) may be found at www.gringabjj.com.

Photos and Films

FAQ

I am not a Boston University student.  Can I still join BU Submission Grappling?
What are practices like?
How much does it cost?
What do I need to bring/wear?
Ick!  I have ring worm/staph/gross infection!  What do I do?
Do you go to competitions and tournaments?  When’s the next one?
Are women allowed to join?
What is "BUMMA"?

I am not a Boston University Student.  Can I still join BU Submission Grappling?

BU Submission Grappling offers an extremely unique opportunity to train grappling, BJJ, and mixed martial arts with a world-class instructor at a club-sports price. We are able to do this because we are funded by the university, and as such, unfortunately, are not open to non-BU affiliates. Students with access to the BU Fitness and Recreation Center may attend our club practices. There are many other excellent MMA and jiu jitsu schools in Boston and we’d be happy to make a recommendation. You can email us at bumma@bu.edu.

What are practices like?

No two BU Submission Grappling practices will be exactly alike. Our training repertoire includes grappling techniques, striking on the feet and on the ground, wrestling take-downs, stretching, and conditioning. Practices ALWAYS start with setting up the mats and ALWAYS end with cleaning the mats and putting them away.

How much does it cost?

In order to continue to provide for our instructor, to help make competitions and travel more affordable, and to purchase equipment and mat cleaning supplies, we ask for monthly dues of $30 (September through November and February through April). The months of December and April are only $15 since we only practice 2 weeks each of those months. We want to make it possible for everyone to train with us regardless of financial situation or time restrictions. Please email a club officer to discuss dues at bumma@bu.edu. An example plan we have worked out is asking $5 for each practice if a student could only attend a few each month.

What do I need to bring/wear?

The most important consideration when dressing for BU Submission Grappling practice is, “What shade of magenta most complements my eyes?”   Cough… what?   Just kidding.  The most important thing is to be comfortable—shorts and a t-shirt should do just fine, although a long-sleeved rash guard (i.e. Under Armour) is recommended since it helps protect from transferring things like ringworm or staph infections.  MOUTH GUARDS ARE REQUIRED!  Other recommended equipment includes:  a cup, knee pads, and a pair of 14 oz. boxing gloves.  If you would like to spar in MMA you will need shin guards.  The club provides MMA gloves, head gear, and jump ropes. Starting in Spring 2007 we will be practicing BJJ with gi (kimono, traditional BJJ uniform) during some practices. All grapplers are strongly encouraged to experiment with gi BJJ -- it will develop your game and techniques to new levels! 

Ick!  What about ring worm/staph/gross infection!  What do I do?

The best way to cure skin infections is to prevent them from happening in the first place.  This is why we clean our mats at the end of every practice.  ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS shower IMMEDIATELY after practice and use antibacterial soap (Safeguard or similar available at CVS or Shaws).  ALWAYS wear clean clothes to practice.  If you notice a small red bump and are suspicious that this bump is not a pimple, immediately put rubbing alcohol on it.  Go to Student Health Services as soon as possible to have it treated right away.  DO NOT COME TO PRACTICE WITH EXPOSED INFECTIONS!!!!  Always cover suspicious things with band aids and tape.  ALWAYS cover wounds with band aids and tape as well—the worst ring worm and staph occurs when the fungus/bacteria get inside an open wound.  GROSS!

Do you go to competitions and tournaments?  When’s the next one?

YES!  We go to competitions and tournaments!!  Mostly we attend local grappling tournaments like Dragon Lair Grappling Challenge, but occasionally we will organize a weekend trip to larger ones like Grapplers’ Quest or the North American Grappling Championship.  We have a few members who compete in MMA at the amateur and pro level, but these members train more extensively in MMA outside of our club and with personal trainers. You can view our calendar of upcoming events at:
http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=e3lpiggueqk8gca3dos6lau5js%40group.calendar.google.com.

Are women allowed to join?

Of course!  BJJ and grappling are excellent martial arts for women since they focus on using technique over strength, size, or speed. Our current vice president (’07-’08) is female!!  You can email her directly with questions (eg@bu.edu).

What is "BUMMA"?

If you've been at Boston University within the last three years you may have been referred to a club called "BUMMA." This is our alter-ego. BUMMA, pronounced "BOO-MA" was thought of in passing, mentioned as a joke, and then stuck. It stands for "BU Mixed Martial Arts," and it's logo still adorns our club t-shirts.