Being a beginner in a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) class can be a bit overwhelming, as you see your more experienced peers bringing their A-game to the class while you’re still trying to grasp the basics. However, there’s something undeniably exciting about getting started with a new sport.
The initial learning curve of Jiu-Jitsu isn’t as steep as other fighting sports, and you can instantly appreciate your progress with each class. Furthermore, we’ve compiled some comprehensive tips from seasoned Jiu-Jitsu players to help you make the most of your training and smoothly work your way towards your first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu belt.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Tips
1. Find a Supportive Gym
Before getting into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, you first need to consider finding a supportive gym. It’s easier to switch classes early on, as you haven’t built an emotional and mental connection to your gym yet.
This means you shouldn’t be afraid of experimenting and trying different gyms before finding a supportive environment that encourages you to push yourself the extra mile in each training.
Nevertheless, you don’t want to overthink too much about your gym and start nitpicking the minor inconveniences that can tip you off. Be mindful, as there’s no perfect gym, and you’ll have some rough days. However, as long as your gym gives you the good vibes and motivation you need, you’re in the right place.
It’s worth noting that the gym you opt for should align nicely with your goals, whether you’re getting into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for self-defence, MMA, or to become competitive. If people within your class have the same goal as yours, they’ll keep you on the right track.
Furthermore, you need to do your homework and know more about your instructor. It would be best if you were looking for someone who has a black belt or at least a brown belt and is working towards the final belt.
It would be best if you also looked for a diversity of belt colours within your class. Having peers at different levels of experience will help you learn from their journeys to avoid many beginner mistakes that they went through when they were starting.
2. Consistency Is the Name of the Game
Progress builds over time, so you must follow a consistent training schedule. This way, the lessons you’ve learnt in previous classes will always be in the back of your head, and you’ll have more opportunities to learn from your mistakes and be exposed to new fighting techniques.
So, attending 2-3 classes per week should be a good start. Don’t let your beginner’s excitement sway you over to take too many classes, as you’ll be increasing your risk of injuries and burning yourself out in the first few weeks, as you won’t be able to keep the same training frequency down the line.
3. Don’t Miss Any Opportunity for Rolling
Understandably, it can be intimidating at first to face your peers in the ring. However, rolling, the fancy term Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu uses for sparring, is an integral part of your training.
You’ll have the opportunity to see how your fighting techniques fare under stress. You won’t have the chance to evaluate your balance except while rolling. No matter how much work you put into perfecting your stance, it would be best if you had an actual opponent to push you to the edge and put your skills to the test.
You won’t learn how to swim until you get into the water. It’s the same here, so make sure to spice things up in your training sessions and partner with opponents of different skill levels, body sizes, and weights. Even if you have to play defensively, you’ll learn a lot.
4. Drilling Should Be a Key Part of Your Training
Drilling and rolling go hand in hand in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. So, drilling is repeating a specific fighting technique until you develop the needed muscle memory to make it second nature.
Make drilling a daily habit even when you don’t have a class. During your classes, you’ll have too many things to capture your attention, whether learning a new technique for the first time or rolling with your peers.
So, adding drilling on top of all that won’t be feasible. Once you know the technique, take your time to practise in your room, or meet up with your classmates and practise after your training sessions.
There are different types of drilling that you should know when getting into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu like:
- Single: As the name implies, here, you’re repeating a single technique over and over. This can include a submission, a guard, or a sweep.
- Sequential: Once you’re confident in performing each technique independently, you can take your drilling to the next level and start combining different techniques in one fluid movement. This way, you can work on your choreography and learn how to smoothly transition from one movement to the next.
- Responsive: If you can get a partner to drill with you, they can start to mix things a bit to interrupt your sequence and see how you can respond and adapt to your opponent’s different movements. This is especially useful leading up to a tournament, as you don’t need to become too comfortable in your bubble and forget that jiu Jitsu matches can be unexpected.
5. Work on Your Breathing Techniques
In Jiu-Jitsu, the mental aspect is as important as the physical one. A competitive mindset can be a good motivation; however, don’t let it sweep you over to the point where you become overly competitive and tense during training.
You need to be relaxed and not feel bad about yourself if you have to tap your way out of a challenging grip. One way to get over your stress while rolling or drilling is by working on your breathing techniques.
Practice steady inhalations and exhalations, and feel the air flowing into and out your lungs. Panting and gasping for air in the ring will make your movements anything but coordinated.
6. Set Milestones for Yourself
As you progress along your white belt journey, you can set some milestones to keep yourself motivated. To stay fresh as a white belt Jiu-Jitsu player, you can aim to learn different guard styles, study the escape techniques for each significant grasping position, and be well prepared for grading.
Get Your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Belt!
One easily overlooked benefit to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is the self-discipline that players learn first-hand as they get deeper into the values, legacy, and rich history that the fighting technique accumulated over the years.
We hope our guide has helped you set the right footing when starting BJJ, and you’re now ready to experience the numerous benefits that the sport brings to the table.
Our team is always here to assist you in purchasing BJJ gear and uniforms if you need any help. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Good Luck!