Blog
How does a prospective student join the Little Champions Program? Before joining the regular group classes at TAP Academy, new students are required to complete one-on-one introductory classes in order to be placed accurately and accordingly. Usually lasting about 30 minutes each, children are taught the essential movements and techniques needed to participate fully in the group class, execute techniques properly, and understand how to prevent injuries. Typically, after having completed up to 3 introductory classes, a new student would be ready to join the group! After the first 3 one-on-one introductory classes, if the child is not yet ready to join the group class, TAP Academy recommends taking 3-5 months to let your child grow and develop, then return and give jiu-jitsu another try. What will they learn in the Little Champions Program? As the students participate in the classes, they will learn the 7 behavioral skills and the 7 motor skills necessary to be able to move up to the next level. The behavioral skills include the required etiquette and manners expected of our students, as well as habits that will foster and improve focus, discipline, dedication, and persistence in training. On the other hand, motor skills are primarily made of simple moves and techniques that set a solid foundation for everything else they will learn in jiu-jitsu, such as break falls, pulling guard, hip escapes, and more. In addition to being found in many of the techniques and positions they will learn, several of these are designed and taught to prevent injuries, allowing all students to train in a safer environment. What should they bring to class? When first attending class, please have your child bring a water bottle for breaks and some easily removeable shoes (ex. flip-flops, slides, crocs, etc.). Having that on-hand will make moving between our mats and lobby/restrooms much more convenient and time-efficient, since students are not allowed to walk off of the mats barefoot. Also, until a uniform is purchased, please have your child wear comfortable athletic clothes to class. A t-shirt or a long sleeved shirt is acceptable, as well as sweatpants and shorts. What is the next level, and how do they reach it? Following the Little Champions is the Champions Program for kids aged 7-11, then the Big Champions class for students aged 10-14. Once the students reach the required age range, mastered all 7 behavioral and motor skills, the Professor will assess their current skill level and decide whether they can move up to a more advanced and technical class. If you’re interested in having your child train here with us at TAP Academy, you can access our schedule and reserve your first one-on-one lesson here through our website!
Muscle Memory Development BJJ techniques aren't just memorized – they need to become second nature. This only happens through consistent repetition. When you train regularly, your body begins to understand and naturally respond to different positions and scenarios. Missing classes disrupts this vital process of building muscle memory, and in the end, will hold you back from seeing the progress you’d like to make. Maintaining Momentum Every BJJ practitioner, new and experienced alike, knows the feeling: you miss a few classes, and suddenly techniques that were becoming familiar feel foreign again. You may find yourself having to relearn some aspects, and oftentimes that can be frustrating. Regular training helps maintain and build upon your progress, preventing the "two steps forward, one step back" phenomenon that comes with inconsistent attendance. Building True Understanding Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is like learning a new language – you can't master it by studying once a week. Each class builds upon previous lessons, and regular attendance helps you connect concepts and see the bigger picture of how techniques work together. As time goes on, and you continue to train consistently, you not only set yourself up for a better, more solid foundation of knowledge, but also reap physical benefits, as your body becomes more accustomed and familiar with movements and techniques. Physical Conditioning BJJ requires a specific type of conditioning that you can't get anywhere else. Regular training keeps your body adapted to the unique demands of grappling. When you train consistently, you'll notice improved endurance, strength, and flexibility specifically tailored to jiu-jitsu movements, and an improved performance that continues to progress the longer you train. Mental Toughness Consistent training builds mental resilience. Every time you show up, especially on days when you don't feel like it, you're strengthening your mental fortitude. This psychological strength becomes just as valuable as your technical skills on the mat, and by fostering this discipline and persistence, you’ll be able to see benefits in many areas of your life outside of Brazilian jiu-jitsu as well. Community and Support Regular attendance helps you become an integral part of your gym's community. You'll develop stronger relationships with your training partners and instructors, which will make training not only more enjoyable, but also allow you the opportunity to foster real, lasting friendships that go beyond the mats. Conclusion The path to improvement in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu isn't about occasional bursts of intense training – it's about showing up consistently, day after day. Remember, it's better to train twice a week every week than to train ten times one week and then disappear for a month. Make consistency your priority, and you'll see your skills improve steadily over time. Ready to commit to your BJJ journey? Schedule your next class at TAP Academy today and take the first step toward consistent training.
A Champion's Journey Starting her BJJ journey at the age of 12, Abbigayle quickly distinguished herself through her exceptional technical ability and competitive spirit. Her path in BJJ has been marked by numerous achievements in prestigious tournaments, showcasing not just her athletic prowess but her deep understanding of the art. Beyond Competition: Teaching Excellence As a head instructor at TAP Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy, Professor Abbi has become known for her innovative teaching methods and ability to connect with students of all ages and skill levels. Her particular expertise in working with children has led to the development of specialized programs that make BJJ accessible and engaging for young practitioners. Pioneering Women's BJJ Professor Abbi has been instrumental in growing women's participation in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Her leadership and mentorship have created a welcoming environment where female practitioners can thrive, breaking down barriers and demonstrating that BJJ is truly for everyone. The Champions Experience Program One of Professor Abbi's most significant contributions has been her work with the Champions Experience program, which she developed alongside Professor Thalys and Dr. Eliza Kusano. This innovative curriculum supports neurodivergent children and those with unique learning needs, showcasing her commitment to making BJJ truly inclusive. Teaching Philosophy Professor Abbi's approach to teaching is built on several key principles: - Individual attention and personalized instruction - Creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment - Emphasis on both technical excellence and personal growth - Building confidence through achievable challenges Impact on the BJJ Community Through her work at TAP Academy, Professor Abbi has helped shape the lives of countless students. Her influence extends beyond technical instruction to include character development, confidence building, and fostering a strong sense of community among practitioners. Professor Abbigayle Pontes represents the future of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instruction - technically excellent, deeply compassionate, and committed to making the art accessible to all. Her ongoing work continues to inspire and transform lives, proving that BJJ is more than just a martial art - it's a pathway to personal growth and empowerment.
Early Journey and Competitive Success Starting his BJJ journey at a young age in Brazil, Thalys quickly demonstrated natural talent and an unwavering work ethic. His competitive career spans over a decade, during which he has earned numerous titles and medals in prestigious tournaments. His technical prowess and strategic approach to the sport have earned him recognition among peers and opponents alike. Building a Legacy Through Teaching As the founder and head instructor of TAP Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy, Thalys has established himself as more than just a competitor - he's become a transformative force in the lives of his students. His teaching methodology combines traditional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu principles with modern pedagogical approaches, making the art accessible to practitioners of all ages and skill levels. Innovation in BJJ Education One of Thalys's most significant contributions to the BJJ community has been his development of specialized training programs. His innovative approach to teaching children, particularly through the Champions Experience program, demonstrates his commitment to making BJJ accessible to everyone, regardless of their learning style or physical capabilities. Community Impact Beyond the mats, Thalys has built a strong, supportive community at TAP Academy. His emphasis on personal growth, respect, and continuous improvement has created an environment where students don't just learn techniques - they develop character, confidence, and life skills that extend far beyond their training. Teaching Philosophy Professor Thalys's teaching philosophy centers on three core principles: - Technical excellence and attention to detail - Personal development through martial arts - Creating an inclusive and supportive training environment Through these principles, he has helped countless students achieve their goals, whether in competition or personal growth. Looking to the Future Today, Thalys continues to evolve and grow as both a practitioner and instructor. His dedication to the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu remains unwavering, as does his commitment to sharing his knowledge and helping others achieve their full potential on and off the mats. Professor Thalys Pontes' journey in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is more than just a story of personal achievement - it's a testament to the transformative power of martial arts and the impact one dedicated instructor can have on their community. Through his continued leadership and innovation, he continues to inspire the next generation of BJJ practitioners, ensuring that the art's traditions and values are preserved while evolving to meet the needs of modern students.
Understanding Each Child's Unique Learning Style Professor Thalys and Abbi recognize that children process information and respond to instruction in unique ways. They employ various teaching methods—especially one-on-one instruction—to ensure each student can grasp techniques at their own pace: - Visual demonstrations broken down into smaller, manageable steps - Hands-on guidance with clear, concise instructions - Consistent routines that help students feel secure and confident - Regular positive reinforcement to celebrate progress Creating a Supportive Environment Our academy provides a structured yet flexible learning environment that accommodates different sensory needs and learning paces. We understand that some students might need: - Extra time to process instructions - Quieter training periods - Regular breaks when needed - Modified training approaches that work best for them Building More Than Just BJJ Skills Through BJJ training, our students develop various life skills: - Improved focus and concentration - Enhanced social interaction with peers - Better body awareness and coordination - Increased self-confidence and self-regulation A Partnership with Parents Professor Thalys and Coach Abbi maintain open communication with parents to ensure each child's needs are met. They regularly discuss: - Individual progress and achievements - Specific challenges and solutions - Adjustments to training methods when needed - Goals and expectations for each student Every child deserves the opportunity to experience the benefits of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. At TAP Academy, we're committed to making that possible for all our students, regardless of how they learn or process information. Through patience, understanding, and specialized instruction, we help every child find their path in BJJ. If you have a neurodivergent child interested in starting BJJ, we invite you to visit our academy and see firsthand how we can support their martial arts journey. Contact us today to schedule a visit and learn more about our inclusive training programs.
4. Harder to Pin Down A compact frame means there's less surface area for opponents to control and manipulate. When larger training partners attempt to establish dominant positions or apply pressure, smaller practitioners often find they have more options to create and exploit space for escapes. Your naturally lower center of gravity becomes a significant advantage, making it more challenging for others to maintain effective top control or pin you in place. This physical attribute, combined with proper technique, allows you to more readily identify and u tilize small gaps in your opponent's control. Additionally, your compact size provides increased mobility when defending, giving you more opportunities to neutralize attacks and transition smoothly between defensive positions. The reduced surface area of contact between you and your opponent often means less friction and resistance when executing escapes, making it easier to slip out of seemingly dominant positions. These natural advantages in defensive movement and escape potential can frequently frustrate larger opponents who might typically rely on their size and pressure to maintain control. 5. Enhanced Learning Opportunities Training with larger partners on a regular basis presents unique challenges that force you to continuously evolve your technique and problem-solving abilities. Each roll becomes a valuable learning experience where you must think creatively and adapt your strategies in real-time. This constant need to innovate and adjust accelerates your learning curve significantly, helping you develop a deeper and more nuanced understanding of fundamental BJJ principles. The size difference between you and your training partners creates scenarios that push you to perfect your timing, leverage, and technical execution. Remember, the essence of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu lies in using technique to overcome physical advantages, which is precisely what makes it such an effective martial art. Being smaller isn't a disadvantage - it's actually a powerful catalyst for developing a more refined, technical, and sophisticated approach to training. The challenges you face as a smaller practitioner help forge a more efficient, creative, and adaptable style that often surpasses what might be achieved through relying on strength alone. Embrace your size and let it guide you toward becoming the best version of yourself on the mats. Every challenge you overcome and every technique you master contributes to your growth as a more complete and technically proficient BJJ practitioner!
4. Supportive Community The BJJ community is known for its inclusivity and support, and in particular, our women’s program is an excellent example of that. The ladies that train with us have a diverse range of ages, careers and experiences, interests, and lifestyles, but all come together to create one of the most welcoming and friendly environments I’ve had the privilege to be a part of! When I first started my training here at TAP Academy, I started in the Tuesday night women’s class, taught by Professor Abbi, so I could adjust to the close-contact nature of BJJ in a comfortable setting with other girls and women. Even though I was unsure and clumsy when first learning the movements and techniques, all of my training partners were patient and supportive, and provided plenty of constructive feedback to help me improve. Especially when I was starting out, this had a huge impact on me, and I knew then that I was training in a place where I felt safe and welcomed. 5. Stress Relief BJJ provides an excellent outlet for the stressors of daily life. When training, we do our absolute best to provide a safe, positive environment where our students can train without having to worry about anything else that may be going on during their lives. Learning new techniques and practicing them properly typically takes a lot of focus, and the focus required during training forces you to be present in the moment, leaving behind everything else one might be experiencing. Personally, I started training BJJ at a very stressful time in my life. I had a lot going on off the mat, and training here at TAP quickly became one of my favorite escapes. Outside of everything I was dealing with, I had the opportunity to see myself grow and improve my mental and physical health in addition to my skills, and that provided me a lot of comfort in a time when I needed it most. 6. Personal Growth BJJ teaches valuable life lessons about perseverance, humility, and continuous improvement, while helping build confidence in yourself, your knowledge, and your strength. You'll learn to embrace challenges, overcome failures, and celebrate small victories with your training partners, as well as the rest of the TAP family – skills that translate to all areas of life. The Professors help you grow at your pace and learn along the way, and the results you’ll see in both your training and performance in rolls, as well as the mental aspects that come with learning a new skill, will be immense! Because Professors Thalys and Abbi helped me build on my strengths, grow and lessen my weaknesses, and practice in a way that’s best for me, I was able to progress far more quickly than I would have otherwise, and ultimately built a solid foundation for myself in BJJ! I’ve also gotten a better idea of how I learn and implement new knowledge in many other areas thanks to what I’ve learned in BJJ, and as I continue training, it only helps me grow more and more. Are you ready to start your BJJ journey? The first step is often the hardest, but remember: every BJJ black belt was once a beginner too. Come try a class and experience these same benefits for yourself! Don't let doubts hold you back. BJJ is for everyone, and the best time to start is now!
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is an exceptional martial art and combat sport that specializes in ground fighting and submission holds. Originating in Brazil in the early 20th century, it has achieved worldwide recognition for its unmatched effectiveness in self-defense and mixed martial arts (MMA) competitions. BJJ prioritizes technique over brute strength, empowering smaller practitioners to confidently defend against larger opponents. It involves skillfully bringing an opponent to the ground, getting a strong position, and using techniques to make them give up “TAP” by using joint locks, chokeholds, or compression locks. Leverage and Technique: One of the core principles of BJJ is the use of leverage and technique to control and submit an opponent, rather than relying on physical strength. This makes BJJ accessible to individuals of all sizes and strengths, emphasizing skill and strategy. Ground Fighting: BJJ specializes in ground fighting, teaching practitioners how to take the fight to the ground, maintain control, and achieve a dominant position. Techniques include various forms of guards, sweeps, and escapes, all designed to give the practitioner an advantage on the ground. Submissions: Submissions are techniques that force an opponent to concede defeat, often through joint locks or chokeholds. These techniques can incapacitate an opponent, making them essential for self-defense and competitive matches.
Starting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can be an exciting adventure for children, even though it comes with some challenges. As a parent, knowing what to expect, how to support, and when to communicate with your child in BJJ can make a big difference in their journey. Here are some friendly tips for parents to help their kids every day. 1. Leading by Example: In today's busy world, finding meaningful ways to connect with your children can be challenging. At TAP World Class Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, we create a warm and welcoming family environment where parents can train, bond, learn, and grow with their kids. Children often look to their parents as role models. By committing to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, parents show that learning doesn't stop at a certain age and that it's never too late to take on new challenges. This attitude can effectively demonstrate the importance of commitment, discipline, and perseverance. Witnessing their parents' dedication to learning and improving in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can inspire children to strengthen or adopt these values in their own lives, both on and off the mat. 2. Encourage Patience and Persistence: Like any new skill, mastering Jiu-Jitsu takes time, dedication, and a lot of effort. Encourage your child to be patient and persistent, as these qualities are essential for success in martial arts. Progress may seem slow at first, and your child might feel frustrated or disheartened. However, remind them that consistent practice, over days, weeks, and months, will lead to noticeable improvement in their skills and techniques. Celebrate good behavior and small victories along the way, such as earning stripes on their belt and achieving belt promotions. These milestones are significant and can serve as powerful motivators, helping to keep your child enthusiastic and engaged in their Jiu-Jitsu journey. Provide positive reinforcement and support to help them understand that every step forward, no matter how small, is an important part of their growth and development in the sport.
TAP World Class Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu TAP was founded by Thalys and Abbi Pontes. Our school's name combines their initials, T(halys) A(bbi) P(ontes), and their shared passion for making people "TAP out” at the highest level of the sport. Both Thalys and Abbi have extensive backgrounds in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, bringing years of experience and dedication to their teaching methods. Our mission is to provide authentic and highly effective Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to the people of Rock Hill, SC, and the surrounding areas. We create a family environment that fosters discipline, respect, and personal growth, ensuring that each student reaches the best version of themselves. The Unmatched Experts in the Area: We proudly present a team of skilled black belt instructors and world-champion athletes. Thalys and Abbi have trained diligently and intelligently since childhood to become the best in the world. Since 2014, our head coach Thalys Pontes has been teaching in Brazil and has gained global experience by learning from some of the best Jiu-Jitsu fighters in history. Thalys has led hundreds of workshops, competed, and smashed people in 22 countries worldwide. Thalys' dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence have made him a World Champion, holding the top #1 spot in the IBJJF worldwide ranking for an impressive 5 years. His journey is a testament to his faith, unwavering commitment, resilience, and passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Thalys' international experience has enriched our training programs, offering our students a unique perspective and an advanced understanding of techniques rarely found in this area. His ability to blend traditional methods with innovative strategies has made him a sought-after instructor worldwide. Thalys' teaching style emphasizes not only physical prowess but also mental fortitude, ensuring that his students develop a well-rounded skill set that prepares them for both competitions and life's challenges. Since 2015, Abbi Pontes has been teaching classes with unwavering passion and patience with everyone on the mat. She has been instrumental in building an exceptional women's program that has inspired and empowered many women and moms to join and excel in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Abbi's dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence led her to become a World Champion, holding the top #1 spot in the IBJJF worldwide ranking for an impressive 3 years. Her journey is a testament to her faith, unwavering commitment, resilience, and passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Abbi's teaching approach excels in connecting with students on a personal level, creating a nurturing and understanding atmosphere that makes everyone feel comfortable and valued. She fosters a supportive and inclusive environment where all young girls, ladies, and moms feel welcome on the mat. Her workshops, which take place across the United States receive high praise for their depth, effectiveness, and comprehensive nature. These workshops are designed to go beyond mere physical training, encompassing mental and emotional growth as well. Abbi's unwavering commitment to excellence extends beyond the mats, as she continually inspires and uplifts her students, helping them achieve their personal best. Her dedication to her students' progress is evident in the way she tailors her instruction to meet each individual's unique needs, ensuring that everyone, from beginners to advanced practitioners, can benefit and grow under her guidance. Together, Thalys and Abbi form a dynamic duo that embodies the spirit of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Their combined expertise and dedication have made our school a premier destination for those seeking to learn and master this martial art. We are proud to have them lead our team, and we invite you to join us and experience the transformative power of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under their expert guidance.
