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The decision you made to begin training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is worthy of congratulations from us all from MTG. However, congratulations alone won't prepare you for the future. Like any other new venture, you're likely to be overwhelmed, anxious and have many questions. We put together eleven suggestions to help you through the beginning phases of your education. Here. We. Go!
Being addicted to the essential principles of every master of every discipline will teach you something at the beginning of the journey. Concentrate on basics. This is especially relevant to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu since most techniques can be found in a handful of fundamental concepts. For instance, once you can master the closed Guard, you'll be able to understand what and when to take on this type of position.
Moving from complete beginner to the first and second stripe white belts, we aim to move away from bridges and hip escapes to more advanced techniques. Since, let's face it, we aren't just looking to take down our adversaries and ensure that it looks good. This is completely normal since we all desire to explore possibilities that aren't there in what we are passionate about.
While this move away from the basics can provide you with new knowledge, it could make you more vulnerable than before. This is the reason the 3rd-degree black belt, who is also multiple world championships, Bernardo Faria, recommends `get obsessed with the fundamentals in the video below.
In the clip, Bernardo emphasizes the significance of fundamental concepts of BJJ. If you did not have time to sit down and watch the video, here are the essentials:
Concentrate upon this closed Guard and master two essential submissions and the two fundamental sweeps from this position.
Always be aware of your posture when on closed Guard.
Learn to open the closed guards and complete them with the pile pass and tornado pass.
Make sure to keep your elbows close to your ribs.
Learn to hip to escape.
While Bernardo admits that he is not the biggest fan of drills, Bernardo can see the immense impact they played on his performance when he started. Once you have mastered the foundations, the rest will be more straightforward.
It takes a lot of training and dedication to be a master. Be patient and get addicted to the basics.
1. Let your ego be at the door
One main reason I enjoy Jiu-Jitsu is the people who train in it. There isn't a more accessible, more healthy and well-rounded bunch of individuals. There are many reasons why that is.
The first thing to do is you need to defend yourself against a stranger who is trying to suffocate you and smash your arms. The nervous system reacts by inundating your body with dopamine and adrenaline to ensure you're safe. Your brain isn't aware it's not an emergency. These chemicals can make us feel happy.
The other reason I believe the reason BJJ individuals are so relaxed is that our egos get destroyed in every class. It's not a problem. I believe having an active ego is crucial, particularly in the event you are planning to participate in tournaments. I'm talking about the type of ego that frustrates you when you are beaten repeatedly. It's normal to be annoyed, but don't let your anger dictate your actions. Leave your ego at the door.
2. You can also supplement your training.
I've seen this every time. A new guy joins BJJ. Then he becomes addicted. Trains every day of the week. Three weeks pass by. He's injured and has to rest and doesn't know the reason.
Training BJJ is a massive strain on your body. The muscles in your upper back tighten upwards, your shoulders begin moving forward, your lower back is constantly sore, as do your hips, which are swollen, your knees constantly inflamed, and the list goes on. These are only a few of the most common symptoms.
If you're like most BJJ players, then you'll probably want to continue training until at least 90. Although I'm not a fortune-teller, when you're only doing BJJ without incorporating other routines unrelated to sports, it is unlikely that you're to be a good-looking BJJ grandpa/grandma.
Introduce one bodyweight exercise and one HIIT session weekly to your workout routine, and then see what you're feeling after the first month. I can assure you that you'll be faster, stronger, and possess greater endurance. Your BJJ game's quality will improve due to your athleticism, and all the minor muscle aches caused by only one-sided physical strain will gradually disappear.
There's a reason BJJ is frequently referred to as a way of life. This is because to gain maximum benefits, you must integrate the other areas of your life to help you grow within the game. That includes eating healthy and sleeping healthily, as well as balancing the methods you exercise your body.
3. Rinse your gi following each exercise
What is so evident to me now was not clear when I began training in BJJ. It is essential to wash your gear following every training session. It is standard procedure at (hopefully) every gym, and If you haven't attended a BJJ class, the trainers, colleagues and coaches could inform you of this.
I recall playing with a man who had forgotten to clean his rashguard. The entire time, all I could imagine was breathing the smallest amount of air possible. He was a lovely man and a lot more knowledgeable than me, but two years on, I recall his smell like a sweaty, sweaty sock you put in your sports bag but didn't.
Don't imprint your image on someone else's mind as he did in mine by consistently showing up in good-looking training equipment.
4. Survive
Survival is the essential attitude for a BJJ beginner. Learn to survive training, fight back and, perhaps most importantly, withstand the demands of your self-esteem. Surviving means that you can make it to the next class. Uninjured.
If you've never engaged in any wrestling or grappling, your body isn't acquainted with the patterns of movement used in BJJ. This can lead to the risk of injury to you and your teammates. If you're not vigilant, adopt a survival mentality. This implies being able to escape and defend. You aim not to be a victim rather than trying to force someone else to tap you.
If you follow any sports involving teams, you'll notice that teams who excel over a long time do not score and concede many goals. They are the ones that create a challenging environment for opponents scoring against them, which are at the top of the list after the season has ended. They're comfortable with attacking because they have their defence.
However, after playing for some time, it becomes an art of balancing defence and attacking. A survival-minded mindset can provide a solid base for your offence and will make you more of a well-rounded Jiu-Jitsu player.
5. Relax
When you're beginning to learn, you'll probably exhibit the behaviour often referred to as'spazzing out'. It will manifest as bursts of uncontrolled, random, rapid movements that do not improve your performance and can cause trouble for your sparring partner.
While sputtering around is typical for beginners, you must be careful not to follow the signals your brain sends since it is trying to move out of a tricky spot.
Relax, concentrate on your breathing, and If you are unable to achieve anything, using the tools you have, you can tap.
6. Be sure to take good care of your hygiene at home
In BJJ, you'll sweat often and will be very close with your trainers. It would be best if you were tapping on chokes and armbars but not smelling someone's disgusting body odour. After a certain point in training, we are all smelly wet rats, but there's that smelly, and there is the worked-all-day-in-blistering-sun kind of smelly.
If you spent the entire day on a scorching summer, you probably have built up some sweat and dirt over your face. Do your fellow trainers the favour of getting into the shower before starting to go to class.
Another crucial aspect of your hygiene is your nails and fingernails. There are few things more annoying than getting cut when you roll. Be sure to trim your fingernails and toenails before they become too long. One person I know is a guitarist and must keep his fingers long, on the one hand, to be able to grasp the strings. The glove is on him in his BJJ training, and everybody appreciates it.
7. Tap and study
"You either lose or learn" is possibly the most commonly used yet undervalued tip you can find in BJJ. The winning side is naturally more enjoyable than losing. We want to win every chance we can. The issue with this approach is that even though your confidence could increase, your abilities aren't growing.
The technique is the same to get to the same place and prepare for a similar attack. This is a great strategy to play in competition; however, when working in your gym, you should try making a point of what you could learn. This approach eliminates the idea that you need to demonstrate something. It is better to work with the proper technique, and If your partner does end up with you being rejected by them, you can describe your thinking process and observe what they thought of it.
In this way, you'll benefit from a more significant amount of your jiu-Jitsu and find yourself engaging in lots of meaningful discussions about methods and ideas with your trainers. Tapping and trying to figure out why you did it will help your BJJ knowledge expand quicker, making you a better instructor.
8. Make sure to ask questions and then apply the solutions
For a newbie, it can be intimidating to glance at a black or brown belt or ask questions. But, it is essential to remember that these ladies and guys were similar to you. They all began with an all-new white belt and didn't know how to squirt.
It is common for masters and experienced practitioners in any discipline to wish to share the lessons they have learned. In my experience, I can say that all black and brown belts I've ever asked questions about a technique made an effort to explain the technique in complete detail to me. They did not do it because they felt they were required to. They chose to participate because they're passionate about the game and are thrilled to see fresh faces rise to the top of the line.
So, don't fret because good Jiu-Jitsu players are eager to help you improve and share their expertise with you. The most important thing is the ability, according to Bruce Lee once said, to use what you've learned, as knowing is not enough.
9. Don't be a comparison to other people.
This is good advice that can be applied to all areas of our lives. As I said before, I believe you must have a healthy dose of competition in your work. Be careful not to get caught in the trap of continually trying to do something superior to someone else. This ultra-competitiveness might be an excellent short-term strategy to get some motivation, but it will surely take the fun out of the sport in the long run.
Our development in BJJ is different for each member. Some are quick to learn and spend much time training; others are content to attend a weekly class. Both are valid, and both are superior to not having any training. A worthwhile goal is to work on improving your capabilities.
American President Theodore Roosevelt once said, "Comparison is the main culprit in the loss of joy", and boy was he right. Don't let anyone hinder your happiness, especially not you. Feel excited about learning, and don't compare yourself to other people.
10. Develop a powerful habit
It is said that a Black belt can be described as a White Belt that has never stopped. Being consistent is the only way you can continue to improve in your game and reach your goals. Be sure to attend BJJ classes and practice into a routine.
When you have an effective routine for the person you are, you will not worry about whether you want to do some exercise or not. It will not matter as it will be an integral part of your routine. It's similar to taking your toothbrush to the bathroom. It's not a matter of whether it's a good idea. You do it. A positive habit is an effective system. Be consistent and keep your eyes on the task at hand.
Here you go. 11 valuable tips that will aid you in progressing from a complete beginner to an experienced BJJ player. We are passionate about Jiu Jitsu and would like to know if you have found any value in the information. If you would like to share with us what you think or have a suggestion to share, don't hesitate to post a comment in the comments section below.
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