If you are just starting out in BJJ, you’ve probably realised how addictive it is! For beginners, it is important to follow the below tips to get the best out of your training, to see optimal results, and avoid injury:
Pace Yourself
Jiujitsu is a very exciting experience. During a roll, fight or flight instincts kick in, especially for those who have never experienced this kind of encounter before. However, it is important to learn as soon as possible to pace yourself during class. This goes for both drills and rolls. That’s not to say that you shouldn’t give it your best shot, but don’t go so hard that you tire yourself out and can’t finish the class. Also, keep in mind, that you may not attain submissions in every roll, however, even achieving escapes and dominant positions is also an achievement, especially for beginners.
Keep a Training Schedule
When you’re new it can be easy to overthink suitable times to train, especially if you are busy juggling work, family, and friends. Unfortunately, this can become a roadblock for many white belts to continue training. This is why it’s important when you first start BJJ to sit down and decide on the most suitable times for you to hit the mats. Make sure that these times are realistic and work for you. If you prefer to train at night, there are plenty of classes or if you feel you have more energy throughout the day, morning or lunch express classes might be more suitable for you. The main thing is to commit to your schedule. Once you have those times locked in as training hours, everything else will fall into place. Before you know it, you’ll be training a few days a week and start excelling at jiujitsu.
Be Patient
When you’re a beginner, it may seem like everyone around you has coloured belts and stripes. It can feel like everything to achieve these goals; however, this is only part of the journey. Stripes and belts are a reflection of your progress in BJJ and will be awarded in due time. The important thing is to learn patience as it is one of the greatest attributes learned through this gentle art. It can be helpful to remember that even black belts had to wait for their first stripe. If you focus on improving your performance and doing your best during every class, the stripes and grading will follow in due time.
Ask Questions
If you have a question, ask. The coach will usually make time after explaining and demonstrating, for questions, but if not, you can always raise your hand. If your question is more specific to you, it can be a good idea to ask the coach after class.
Get Enough Rest
As a beginner of jiujitsu, your body is going through a lot of change. Small, weaker muscles that may have never been used prior are growing and becoming stronger. This is one of the great advantages of the sport, and over time, will create a stronger, healthier body. However, it is important to recognise that these changes require a substantial amount of recovery hours. Make sure you are getting enough rest at night.
Above all, enjoy yourself and trust the process! Jiujitsu is a complex sport but it is also meant to be enjoyable for all that attend. If you focus on the love that you have for the gentle art, the rest will easily follow. For more info on classes at Gracie Parramatta, you can contact us on 96875480 or visit our website.
