Three Things to Know Before You Start BJJ
As Brazilian jiu jitsu continues its rise in popularity, this sport is on more radars than ever. More and more people are showing interest in getting started, and at Guerrilla Jiu Jitsu in the Freestyle Martial Arts Academy here in Reno, we’re welcoming them all.
To help you understand a little more about what you might expect if you’re interested in training, here are three things to know before you start BJJ.
It’s hard work
Understanding this intellectually is one thing, but experiencing it is another. Still, it’s the kind of functional, full-body training that leaves you sweaty, drained, exhilarated – and craving more. Training BJJ consistently is a great way to change your physique, drop some body fat, improve your flexibility and endurance, and bust stress. And all of that comes through good ol’ fashioned hard work.
Because BJJ is as much a mental exercise as it is physical, you’ll find that you often train to failure, just because you’re focusing on technique and strategy. And that’s one of the best ways to see serious physical results.
Ego will get you nowhere
Tapping is a fundamental part of training BJJ, and it’s a lesson in humility and safety. You will be tapped by people twice your age, half your size, the opposite gender, other white belts, you name it. And that’s part of the experience.
While it can be disheartening, as you feel like you aren’t learning anything, the opposite is actually true. With every tap, you’re learning more about your own game, about limitations in your technique and what you can to better defend yourself. This is the kind of stuff that will serve you throughout your BJJ journey, so put the ego aside, suck it up, and see it for what it is.
Be willing to start at square one
Maybe you have a background in wrestling or another martial art. Maybe you’re exceptionally fast, agile and strong. Those are great skills, but they don’t automatically mean you’re going to be great at BJJ from day one. Everyone starts as a white belt. Everyone starts as a beginner. Take the opportunity to watch and learn, and maybe you’ll even enjoy being in a place where those around you expect you to make mistakes. Don’t let your personal history or background get in the way of what you’re doing now – learning BJJ.
The takeaway
The decision to start BJJ, and then to stick with it despite all the effort and frustration and a steeper learning curve than you maybe anticipated, will have a profound impact on your life. The biggest hurdle is just getting on the mat that very first time. So let us help. Check out our introductory offer, come and visit the school, borrow a loaner gi if you need one, and see if your hunch that BJJ is something you’ll love is true. We’re betting it is.