Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the program cost?

A student subscription to Online Training costs $24.99 per month.

Seriously, why should I subscribe to Jean Jacques Machado Online Training when I either have, or I could just buy, a bunch of instructional DVDs?

Books, DVDs, and even other instructional programs provide users with a static learning experience. You view the media and assume you the way you are interpreting it is correct. In addition, your learning is limited to the fixed amount of material presented. The Online Training Program provides its members with a progressive, interactive learning experience. The T.A.P.™ console helps you find answers to the questions you may have. In addition, you have the ability to interact directly with Jean Jacques Machado himself via the programs' community forums. It is the goal of this program to be the ultimate tool for learning the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Do you offer both Gi and No-Gi?

Gi techniques currently make up 75% of the material in the program. We are currently focusing on no-gi material to help balance the curriculum.

What kind of techniques can I expect to see when I sign up?

New members have immediate access to over 800 instructional clips. This staggering amount of information makes Jean Jacques Machado Online Training by far the most comprehensive, the fastest growing, and the most effective online jiu jitsu learning tool available anywhere today.

Do you reuse any of the material in Jean Jacques' DVDs for the program?

No. All instructional media in the JJ Machado Online Training Program, with the exception of Jean Jacques' competition footage, was filmed exclusively for the program.

What if i'm not impressed?

Whether you are a beginner or a skilled practitioner, we are so confident Jean Jacques Machado Online Training will improve your jiu jitsu better than any book, DVD, or any other online jiu jitsu instructional program that we back it with a risk-free 72 hour money-back satisfaction guarantee.

What exactly is T.A.P.™? How does it work?

T.A.P.™ stands for Technique Assimliation Program. Developed by Jean Jacques Machado, T.A.P.™ is a patent pending technology that replicates the natural flow of jiu-jitsu techniques through a sophisticated web application.

T.A.P.™ consists of a technique browser that contains all the video lessons in the online training program. When you view a technique from the T.A.P.™ browser, the program recognizes the technique, provides you with specific information about the move and will dynamically present you with variations, defenses, and counters. For the first time, users have a progressive, interactive learning experience. There is also a technique search function to help assist you with any specific areas you would like to address.

Does my membership allow me to download clips?

No. The instructional media is designed to work within the program using the TAP™ browser and your online technique library. However, you can purchase Quicktime® and/or iPod®-compatible versions of the instructional clips on a pay-per-download basis. In addition, extended uninterrupted membership awards benefits, part of which include receiving free credits that can be applied to technique downloads.

Can I earn a belt just by being a member?

This is not a mail order belt program. Membership does not guarantee belt ranking at any level but extended membership will provide you with rank eligibility. As with any reputable Jiu-Jitsu academy, proper technical skills and time in grade are two important factors in determining rank advancement. Your active participation in the program and interaction with Jean Jacques demonstrates your committment to improving your Jiu-Jitsu skills. It's not enough to view the lessons, you need to participate in the forums, practice with your training partners and ask Jean Jacques questions. Get him to know you and your game. Upon meeting Jean Jacques' criteria, an evaluation can be requested. This must be done face to face with Jean Jacques and involves either traveling to Jean Jacques academy in Tarzana, California or meeting him at a seminar.

Jean Jacques has very strict standards, there are no guarantees that you would receive a belt promotion. At the very least he can begin to evaluate your skill level and provide you with feedback essential to your development - where you excel and what areas you need to work on.

Jiu-Jitsu is one of the most difficult arts to earn rank in. A rank endorsed by Jean Jacques Machado is highly coveted, previously only attainable by students at his academy. The online training program provides an avenue for people who are unable to train directly with him to become his students, learn his style of Jiu-Jitsu, and now for the first time earn the right to be evaluated and ranked by him. But it takes time, committment and a lot of hard work.

Is this all I need to get good at Jiu-Jitsu?

The Online Training Program provides you with all the information necessary to learn the technical aspects of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. However you need responsible partners to physically train with. We also recommend you always work with a qualified instructor to insure you are applying the techniques safely and correctly. Regular practice with responsible partners will greatly increase retention of the techniques and instruction.

I'm interested, but I have a concern. The website makes it look like when you sign up you are considered a JJ Machado student. I already belong to a school and I certainly don't want to step on my instructor's toes. Is this program intended only for those who do not have access to a nearby BJJ school? Can I join without creating an unwanted situation with my current instructor?

The program was designed not to replace your current jiu-jitsu training, but to enhance it. It also provides anyone who does not train at a jiu-jitsu academy a place to call home. That said, we also have many members who have been in the program since its inception who choose to remain anonymous.

All members who have completed 3 months enrollment in the program are eligible to receive an accreditation packet complete with a set of gi patches as well as a certiticate of appreciation personally signed by Jean Jacques Machado. Members also earn various level accreditations the longer they remain in the program.

Members are free to do what they like with the packet. We do not require any member to "fly our flag". The packets, accreditations, etc. are all benefits that members can utilize at their discretion.

Any member who joins can do so under complete anonymity.

Do I have to commit to any contracts?

No. Membership is strictly on a month to month basis. Although your credit card will be billed automatically on a 30 day cycle, you may cancel at any time.

Who is going to be billing my credit card? How safe is it?

You have a choice of using either PayPal or Authorize.net for your monthly payments. PayPal payments are processed off-site so we never have access to your payment information. Credit card payments on-site are processed by Wells Fargo Online Merchant Services, a division of Wells Fargo Bank. Wells Fargo has more than 25 years of merchant card processing expertise and was one of the first financial institutions to process secure online merchant payments in 1995.

Are there association fees due with this program?

No. Association fees only apply to active students who train at the Tarzana academy.

Do I need DSL or a broadband connection?

The website was designed to be as easy to use for dial up users as well as those using a high-speed connection. Of course dial-up users must wait longer for clips to load, but this should not affect general access to the program and its features.

What are the system requirements?

Please refer to our system requirements page.

What kind of technical support can I expect?

The online training program is administered by Studio EFX, LLC, the company responsible for the design of the official Jean Jacques Machado website. Both the website and online training program are monitored and maintained daily. We do not outsource any facet of the program, so members will never be forced to contact a third party for support of any kind.

In addition, the program has a comprehensive "My Account" section that allows members to automatically update billing information, change passwords, cancel memberships, etc. There is also a section on the private forum for technical support inquiries, as well as email contact information.