1. Find a gym with a great reputation.
The first thing to do for any new white belt should be to make sure that you're at an accredited BJJ gym. The other suggestions in this list are more difficult to implement if the club is not a supportive location. It's also easier mentally to move gyms in when you're starting your adventure rather than later. An excellent BJJ school includes the following components:
The instructor is warm and supportive, especially for novices.
The instructor is clear in his history (search to find them, or the instructor they trained on BJJ Heroes)
The instructor holds either a black belt or, at the very least, the BJJ brown belt.
A significant proportion of belts with coloured colours (blue belt and up) train regularly in the gym.
The coloured belts are welcoming and helpful, particularly to newcomers.
The gym is suited to your needs, e.g. the competition aspect, MMA, self-defence or a gym that accommodates various objectives.
There's nothing odd or cultish about the behaviour
The gym is easy for you to get to and also has a convenient schedule
2. Make sure you train consistently
A regular training schedule will ensure that you're constantly moving (sparring with respect to the BJJ Roydean), getting new skills from your instructor, and getting practice on the mat. A five-day training schedule within a week and only one day during the following week are not sustainable; it will disrupt your learning and lead to injuries. Pick a schedule you're at ease with, and then keep it up to.
3. DON'T WAIT UNTIL IT HURTS.
As a novice you are still figuring out the limitations to your own body.
It's possible to think that just because the joint lock isn't "hurting enough," you should continue trying to escape instead of tapping. It's possible to escape, but it's going to take its toll on your body and keep you in the hospital for months or even weeks.
If it's hurting, it's because it already is harming. In fact certain submissions don't harm much, like toeholds or heel hooks, therefore, if you hold them too long, something's likely to explode!
4. MASTER THE BRIDGE AND THE HIP ESCAPES.
They are two of the most crucial movements you need to master in order to build a strong escape game.
If you're a novice then you will encounter yourself in Mount or Side Control quite often, and much of your time will be spent trying to get out of these places.
The positive side is that nearly every escape is based on these two motions.
Perform the Bridge to upset your opponent. Then, using your Hip Escape will create a gap between you and them. I will cover everything thoroughly within my course online, the Ace Of Escapes.
5. THERE IS NO MAGIC PILL.
I often hear students ask "what's the secret to becoming good at Jiu Jitsu?"
The same formula for becoming successful and good in any field: perseverance, determination, consistency and dedication, hard work, willingness to study... This is how you become skilled in Jiu Jitsu.
Jiu-Jitsu can be extremely complicated and sometimes overwhelming and even after you've earned the Black Belt you still feel that there's a lot to master and learn. It's certainly an ongoing journey.
6. SLOW IS SMOOTH, AND SMOOTH IS FAST.
When drilling techniques, ensure you don't miss any steps. Drill them slowly to ensure that the correct motor patterns are embedded.
If you don't remember a step or detail, ask your instructor for help. The importance of quality reps is greater than the quantity.
If you are successful in executing the move flawlessly several times, you are able to begin to increase speed, so long as you maintain the perfect form.
The pressure on the nervous system operates more quickly than it's been trained to will only result in you not knowing how you're performing.
7. MASTER HOW TO DO BREAK FALLS AND FORWARD/BACKWARDS ROLLS.
These are two of the most important exercises to be taught in order to avoid injuries.
Knowing how to prevent falls is important for Jiu Jitsu, as otherwise you'll be injured at some point or another, and that is a guarantee.
Additionally, it's a crucial ability to have to be able to use in your everyday life. It helped me out a few instances when I was skating for instance.
The ability to perform forward and backwards roll is important to ensure your safety. Learning how to properly place your chin into a pocket and roll it over your shoulder can protect your neck from serious injuries.
8. BE OPEN-MINDED.
The more you are aware the more you are aware, the more you will know.
Learn all the aspects that comprise Jiu Jitsu, with no judgement. Self-defence sports, gi, no-gi, leg locks, takedowns, top games, bottom game.
You may eventually have your own preferences But what is the point of limiting your understanding?
9. DON'T COMPARE YOUR PROGRESS TO OTHERS.
You are unique and you have your own unique journey.
Students train three times every week, while others train 3 times per day. Some are young and athletic while others are more mature and suffer from physical limitations. Some of them will attain their blue belts in less than one year, while others require 10 years.
Do the best you can. Be the best that you are, and always remember the number 5 tip.
10. DON'T LET YOUR EMOTIONS TAKE OVER, ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU ARE IN A BAD POSITION.
If you get anxious or let your partner know that you're exhausted or uneasy you will allow them to take advantage of this and make matters more challenging, and eventually overwhelm you.
Make sure your mind stays in a calm and peaceful state as you progress with the strategies you've learnt step by step and, if you have to apply these techniques in a real-world situation outside of training, you'll become able to concentrate clearly and be a sharp runner when under stress.
11. BONUS TIP.
If you're a total beginner or considering taking up BJJ Make sure to check out my Jiu-Jitsu For Roydean videos, in which I explain in depth how the martial art works.
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