If you finally decided to start training and get your body in order, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu might be the thing for you. However, don’t forget that it will take years to master all the skills, and it will take time and patience to get there.
In this article, we will give a brief introduction to the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and we will mention some of the most important lessons for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu beginners.
Forget About Strength
When you start training, you will need some initial strength until you learn the basic techniques. On the next step, your instructor will make you forget about your strength and solely focus on moves. If you start your training with too much force, you will quickly burn or hurt yourself.
By focusing on your breathing and improving your condition, you will notice how you are using less energy to overcome other fighters. That’s one of the best things about Brazilian jiu-jitsu, controlling the opponent with the right moves and without force.
Get the Right Equipment
Before you get a new Gi, make sure it’s IBJJF certified and comfortable to follow you on your journey. When you decide to get your starter bjj gi, make sure to find the right size and color. The three officially approved colors are white, blue, and black for official competitors.
Another important thing is to check if your Gi has been pre-shrunk or shrunk-to-fit as it will influence how comfortable you’ll feel while training.
Keep Your Hygiene
When you’re exercising dynamic martial arts like Brazilian jiu-jitsu, your partners will be very close. That means that you should shower regularly, wash your Gi after every training and keep your nails clean and trimmed.
Don’t forget to remove jewelry, necklaces, rings, plugs, or anything that might hurt yourself or your opponent.
Be Ready to Fail
Once you start training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, be ready to fail over and over again. Most probably, you’ll fall on your first attempt to fight with someone. Since failure is an integral part of your training, you’ll have to overcome it to succeed.
It takes anywhere from five to eight years to master all the skills and finally get a black belt for most people. Of course, all this depends on your training and motivation to develop your fighting style. Keep in mind that the belt itself doesn’t mean anything. It’s more about the fighter that wears it, and it’s a symbol of its determination, persistence, and state of mind.
Take Regular Brakes
Unless you have a lot of experience with other martial arts, make sure to take regular breaks and allow your body to rest. Sometimes it’s easy to train a lot and fail to realize when it is time to stop. Once you start feeling you are losing focus and start feeling exhausted, it is time to give yourself a few days to rest.
Creating a regimen that you can commit to will take time. If you feel like you are struggling, talk to more experienced fighters. Ultimately, everyone has their way of dealing with things.
Respect and Communication
Respect is fundamental in the world of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. It would be best to show it to your training opponents, trainers, professors, academy, and everyone you encounter. One of the basic gestures that show respect is a bow.
One of the best ways to learn about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is to watch other fighters and replicate their technique. Once you start communicating with other people in your class, you will notice how much you can learn from them.
Even if you don’t know how to perform some of the more complex moves, remember that others have been in your spot and know how it is.
Learn the Basics
If you spend a few years learning Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, you will notice that all techniques, however complicated, always originate from the basic ones. Once you know and understand how to use basic moves, you will have tools to learn complex ones without the beginner’s mistakes.
Since self-defense stands in the essence of Jiu-jitsu, you’ll be able to defend yourself once you see the connection between moves and their consequences.
The Art of Self-Analysis
Brazilian Jiu-jitsu is a martial art that continually tests your commitment and persistence. The way to become a better fighter is also a way of getting to know yourself better. You’ll gain more confidence through all your failures and how to fight regardless of the outcome.
Every fighter has a path in the world of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, and even if it’s not easy, it’s rewarding in many ways.
Follow Us