If you're not a natural athlete, or outgoing, or much of a risk taker... I can see how starting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) can feel like a near Herculean task. You're expected to walk into an environment where people you don't know, who very likely have superhuman abilities, are going to judge you and then pounce on you... and then choke you / crush you / pull your arms off.
Fortunately, that's not what you're likely to find (if you do, run home, email me, and I'll try to help you find a better school in your area).
What you're likely to find is a group of people that are serious about their training, but welcoming of newcomers. If they're sizing you up when you walk in, it may be because they're curious about your background and attitude. Are you a former all-American wrestling champ? Are you a loon that's just looking to pull someone's arms off?
Your first experience on the mats will be tiring and come with a few bruises. It's a physical sport. But it's a game that people of all sizes can learn and excel at. My training partners have included 130lb folks with amazing skill and 230lb giants that've shown excellent restraint and concern for others.
Yes, you may run into the occasional "future Xtreme champ of the RAWR!" Realize that those people are the exceptions. If you find that they're not - it may be time to find a new place to train.
Always realize that you do have options. Find a school you feel comfortable with. When you begin training, remember that you don't have to do anything you don't feel comfortable doing physically. Your instructor (coach) and training partners are going to push you. That's a good thing. But if you run into something you really don't feel comfortable with - don't do it.
Remember, if something hurts. Tap the mat with your hand or feet. Say, "Tap" loud enough for your partner or others to hear. Hell, snap your fingers on the arm closest to the person's head (though I suck at snapping my fingers).
If you panic or feel smothered - try calm down or breathe in a controlled manner (try counting to 3 or 4 mentally for each breath). Talk to yourself. It'll help you breathe. If you can't - tap. Don't be embarrassed to tell people what happened. They'll teach you how do deal with it. It happens.
People are allowed to take a break and catch their breath; work within the limits imposed by an injury; elect to not spar in favor of watching or drilling technique. Don't feel that you can't speak up about what's right for you.
The people you meet during your journey - a phrase describing the path from White Belt to Black, Brown, or where ever you end up - these people will become friends and family.
The journey is challenging and exciting. You're going to learn things about yourself and when you look back a year or even 6 months from now, you'll be amazed. All you need to do is step through the threshold and be open to learning.
As will be the standard on this site, I'm not going to get into all of the details of what you'll need to wear or what you'll experience, etc. There are plenty of excellent write-ups with that information already in existence (written by people a lot more experienced than me). I'll point you to them.
- Here's an excellent post from David Thomas on what to bring / wear. The only thing I'd add is that buying a gi (a sturdy sport specific top and pants) can be an investment. I think most places will let you show up without a gi (nogi or no-gi) to check out even a gi-specific class.
- There's also a link on that page to a background on BJJ.
- Slidey has a wonderfully detailed FAQ for Beginners.
- Also, the rest of his site is the best example of a training log I've seen
- Check out Aesopian's quick tips for White Belts and nuggets of advice.
- Stephan Kesting's website has good tips for people of all skill levels and he's published an ebook specifically for beginners.
- On the Mat has a wiki that includes a glossary of terms and other fun facts.
- And dig around on this site to see what it has to offer (especially if you're an older grappler)
- Check the forums links to the right (Bullshido, BJJ Board, Jiu-Jitsu Forum, etc) and join an online community
That's it for now. I'll update this post when I find some more info or if someone submits a helpful link.
Remember: you just have to step through a door and say, "hi." A few months later, you'll be glad you did.
