Every newcomer has their worries about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It’s a new experience, you don’t know what to expect, and you might even feel a bit nervous or intimidated by the more skilled martial artist there.
All of this is normal, but you shouldn’t let worries stop you from taking action. As with most things, we often get anxious, and getting started helps us rid ourselves of fears and limiting beliefs.
With that said, we’ve put together a list of four things you should know before starting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training. These will help you understand what to expect and get a smooth start with the sport.
1. Choose Your Instructor Wisely
The first and most important thing you need to do is research who you want to choose as an instructor. This can make a huge difference in your long-term development and love for the sport.
Many students get discouraged if their initial experiences aren’t that good, especially if that relates to the coach they’ve chosen. Your trainer should be positive and encouraging to everyone, not just their favorite students. You should feel appreciated and encouraged there, regardless of your abilities and talents.
If your coach feels distant or doesn’t pay any attention to you, don’t consider it normal. Talking it out might help, but you should also consider looking for another trainer.
2. Be Open and Communicate
Learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can be difficult and confusing. Despite your trainer’s best efforts, you might experience the occasional bottleneck where you have a hard time grasping a concept or applying it successfully.
It’s never a bad thing to be open about your shortcomings and communicating your worries with more experienced students or your trainer.
What’s great about BJJ is that most people are incredibly welcoming and more than happy to help newcomers. Everyone remembers their first days of frustration and confusion, so they are more than glad to help you go through yours with grace.
3. Be Open to Sparring
Sparring is learning. It allows you to take what you’ve learned and put it to work. It might work, and it might not. It’s your job to figure out why something works or doesn’t. Ask questions. Share your concerns, and don’t hesitate to apply what you learn.
Of course, this isn’t to say you should roll if you don’t have any idea of what you’re doing. But once you start learning BJJ and begin to understand the basics, you shouldn’t be afraid to apply and refine them.
In the same line of thinking, sparring with more experienced people can be incredibly rewarding, so long as they are up for it and are willing to help you improve.
4. Most Importantly, Don’t Think About It Too Much
Many people imagine all sorts of scenarios for upcoming events, especially for things they’ve never done before. Relax. Take a breath. Don’t worry too much about it. Most importantly, get out of your head.
The truth is, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training is enjoyable and empowering. The environment is positive, and everyone works as part of a team to improve and grow.
Before you let fear paralyze you or make you give up before you’ve even begun, take a breath and remember this:
You don’t need to be great to start. So long as you show up, learn, ask questions, and keep an upbeat attitude, you will make fantastic progress.
Conclusion
Getting started with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can be intimidating. But the rewards are amazing, so long as you overcome the initial anxiety and get started.
If you’re in the Santa Clarita area, come down to Dream Martial Arts and Fitness for your first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class.