Starting anything new can be an intense and daunting process, and learning to grapple is no different. Below I have listed some tips for beginners in our martial art, however these are also my recommendations for anyone looking to maximize their growth in the world of Jiu-Jitsu.
- Journal: The first thing I recommend to new students is picking up a blank book to begin your BJJ journal. You can spend lots of money on something like this, and while I don’t think you have to spend an arm and a leg, I also see buying cheap materials as a reflection of how much you value the art form. So shoot for somewhere in the middle price-wise. Journaling helps your brain absorb and remember techniques in another dimension. Think of attending Jiu-Jitsu class as the physical learning of the method, and journaling as the mental side of it. Journaling helps you to put together the “Big Picture” of Jiu-Jitsu and allows you to see how moves flow into one another. The best time to write is immediately after class. Be sure to write down anything and everything you can remember from your previous session or rolls.
- Watch and Learn: There is a massive wealth of information on the internet and in tutorials. Back when I started Jiu-Jitsu in 2010, there was some content online but you really had to sift through a lot of junk techniques to find what actually worked. Nowadays every teacher and competitor has some form of social media where they share technique or match footage that is of real substance. So my suggestion is to find some people who you connect with style-wise and absorb their skills via observation. Obviously some techniques are more flash than substance but we can always sort that out on the mats.
- Use time wisely: One pet peeve I have is when people show up for class early and use the mats to just sit around and stretch. This is prime time to rehash technique from last week, or drill a move you saw on Instagram. Usually the other students “stretching” are simply too intimidated to ask others to help with their training. This is also the case for after class. We have set aside time on the schedule for open mat after every class at Chroma, and the students that hang out even for 5-10 minutes afterwards see huge leaps in their understanding. So look inside, and find the courage to ask someone to drill or spar before and after class. At Chroma anyone can ask anyone for help and that includes black belts!
- Keep your eyes on the prize: It takes a minimum of 10 years to earn a black belt in BJJ, and oftentimes you’ll hear the old adage “ after black belt is when you truly begin your martial arts journey.” As a student of martial arts, it is necessary to take a long term vision of what you want to accomplish. No one wants to be a 36 year old purple belt with two bum knees, arthritis, and lower back issues because you pushed it too hard in the first years of training. Listen to your body, set long term goals and realize that it’s gonna be a fun, long journey to the top.
- Just show up: It’s that simple. To get proficient at anything you have to put in the time. Others will help you along the way, and if you put your belt on and walk in the door, you are guaranteed to learn.