Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is a highly competitive and effective martial art with its roots in the Japanese martial art Judo. Even though the basic submission techniques like choke holds and arm bars are pretty much the same in both martial arts, BJJ eventually has turned into a submission oriented martial art driven by innovation as Judo became a grappling sport focusing mostly on throws and pinning the opponent on the ground.
It is no surprise that with the emergence and unexpected acclaim of Mixed Martial Arts, the popularity of this martial art also increased. Nowadays, in addition to having a competition aspect similar to Judo or other grappling sports, BJJ is also taught as a tool for self defense.
Chances are that if you have decided to attend to a BJJ class, you know its history and basic aspects. What this article aims to do is giving you enough practical knowledge to survive your first class and the first few months of your training.
The equipment
Academies or instructors won’t usually expect you to go to your first class fully equipped if it’s your first time on the mat. All you need for your first lesson are a tight fitting t-shirt and comfortable shorts. It’s important for safety reasons that your outfit isn’t extremely loose or comes with baggy pockets. Toes and fingers tend to get tangled in the excess material in the heat of training, causing unnecessary delays at the least, and injury if you’re unlucky.
But, once you decide to continue the training, you’ll eventually need to buy at least one BJJ Gi, rash guards and grappling shorts depending on whether you’ll be doing Gi classes or No-Gi classes. Here is an article on the comparison of Gi and No-Gi training.
The Attitude
This is probably the most important factor that will make it or break it for you. It depends on your attitude whether you will enjoy your first few classes or not. That first hour or so will usually go in a flash of excitement and confusion. But with the following classes, the novelty slowly wears off and frustration might take its place. A positive attitude will go a long way on making sure that the wear on both you and your partners is minimal.
You should accept the fact that BJJ is a physically and mentally challenging sport, and the learning curve reflects that simple fact. Keep an open mind and try to see it as a learning process.
But, what is "Spazzing"?
You’ll hear that word a lot. "Spaz" (or "spazzing") is a very popular informal term used for people panicking and losing their control on the mat or acting recklessly. It’s not unlikely to see a beginner BJJ practitioner panicking and trying to get out of a situation using brute force and unpredictable moves.
Your instructor will tell you that BJJ is all about proper technique, and he is right. Focus on the technique and try to resist from powering through moves. Your life as a white belt will be hard and tiring simply because it’s all new and confusing but also because you will try to use more strength than it’s necessary.
Think about the technique first, trying to find a way to get out of the hard spot you’re in and if that doesn’t work you should simply tap and ask your training partner for advice. It will be a lot more productive than simply trashing around and hoping to get out of a submission.
Safety
BJJ is a combat sport, and therefore has its inherent dangers. The techniques used could be harmful in some cases, if not outright lethal. Luckily, there is a safety mechanism called “tapping” for exactly this reason. Tapping is letting know your training partner that you submit. It keeps you and your partner from getting injured.
But knowing when to tap isn’t simply enough. You also need to learn to become a good training partner. One thing to keep in mind while practicing martial arts like BJJ is that you’re responsible for your partner’s health and learning process as much as yours. And as you become a good training partner, you should also learn to avoid bad ones. You shouldn’t hesitate to turn down an offer if you feel uncomfortable training with a certain person. It is your health after all, and you should not be taking chances.
Hygiene
BJJ is a very close-quarters martial art, and good hygiene is extremely important for both safety and mental reasons. Keeping good personal hygiene is a must and that means trimmed fingernails, and clean equipment. Also, as a courtesy to your training partner consider brushing your teeth and showering before the class. One way to get unpopular extremely fast is to come to the class with a dirty Gi and smelling of onions and cigarette.
A final advice
Leave your ego at the door, as grapplers like to say and enjoy this amazing martial art!
* This article is meant for educational purposes, to give you an idea about starting to train BJJ. You should also do your own research. Take your time and choose a good gym with quality instructors who care about their students. And above all; train hard, but train safe.
S. M. Ongan - S. M. Ongan
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