Essential Tips for Beginners in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Beginners Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Welcome to the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ); a grappling based martial art. Many academies throughout the world are filled with children and adults looking to improve their fitness, confidence, and problem solving skills. Whether you are joining for self-defense, sport, or recreation, our comprehensive guide will help navigate you to your first BJJ Class.
What to Wear
- Choose the best-fitted gi or no-gi attire for optimal comfort.
- Gi – a lightweight two-piece white garment worn in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and other martial arts. A gi typically consists of loose-fitting pants and a jacket that is closed with a cloth belt.
- No-Gi – Rashguard / Compression shirt, & Board Shorts. Essentially sporting attire with no buttons, zippers, or anything hard that could cut into you or the mats.
- Mouthguards are recommended for sparring and positional training.
- Headgear is preferred by some students for sparring but is not a requirement.
Basic Etiquette
- Arrive early to engage in the start of class.
- When a class is in session, remain quiet in the lobby.
- Embrace BJJ etiquette: bow upon entering and leaving the mat.
- Display respect for your instructor and fellow training partners.
- Ensure your BJJ attire is clean, properly sized, and in top condition.
- Maintain well-groomed nails to prevent injuries.
Hygiene
- Prioritize personal and gear hygiene.
- Come to class clean
- Keep your nails short and filed.
- Brush your teeth.
- Shower after every class.
- Consistently launder your equipment.
Tap Out Etiquette
- Tapping is the signal to our partner that they must stop. This can be done by tapping our partner, the mat, or saying “tap.”
- Recognize the significance of tapping out to avoid injuries.
- Tap when caught in a submission or when something feels dangerous.
Communicate
- Prioritize open communication with your instructor and training partners.
- Share any injuries or concerns and actively seek feedback from experienced practitioners.
Mindset
- Embrace the learning process and cultivate patience.
- Know your limits and develop your capabilities
- Successful training is giving your best attempts and learning from your mistakes.
Beginners Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Conclusion:
Congratulations on taking the first step into the enriching world of BJJ! Keep an open mind, stay consistent, and relish your transformative journey on the BJJ mats. Please note that this is a general guide, and we recommend reaching out to any academy you plan on visiting to further understand the rules of their unique dojo.