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| Matrix Gym

Currently, approximately 350 million people around the world practice martial arts. Among the most popular martial arts in many parts of the world is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), thanks to its many amazing benefits.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is based on grappling and fighting on the ground. The martial art focuses on controlling an opponent by using techniques that force them to submit.

Perhaps the biggest allure of Jiu-Jitsu is that it allows smaller, weaker individuals to defend themselves against bigger, stronger opponents through leverage and submissions.

In this definitive guide, we focus on Jiu-Jitsu for beginners. We’ll give you all the information you need to get better faster as a Jiu-Jitsu white belt. Read on to learn more.

The Biggest Challenge in Jiu-Jitsu for Beginners

Getting started in any kind of martial art can be quite daunting. As you’re going to find out, there are hundreds of techniques contained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Knowing about these techniques can be overwhelming, let alone mastering them.

The variations of sweeps, locks, chokes, pins, guard passes, and escapes are staggering. As a BJJ white belt, it’s difficult to know where to start.

If you follow the following ten BJJ white belt tips, you’ll be well on your way being okay.

1. Don’t Be Scared of Making Mistakes

When it comes to learning any new thing, you should never be afraid of making mistakes. Every error you make as a beginner gives you the opportunity to learn and become better. Recognise the mistakes you make and learn how not to repeat them.

2. Avoid Comparing Yourself to Others

A big mistake many learners make is by constantly comparing themselves to other, more accomplished learners. What you need to do instead is to improve your self-awareness.

To determine whether you’re making progress, analyse whether your present self might defeat yourself two months ago. Doing so gives you confidence that you’re naturally getting better.

Comparing yourself with higher belts around you will hardly give you a sense of improvement. That’s because they’re also improving, and it’s unlikely that you’ll catch them.

3. Be Consistent in Training

Consistent training is an essential Jiu-Jitsu tip for anyone who wants to get better.

Of course, it may not be possible for you to attend each training session. However, it’s vital that you have a consistent approach to Jiu-Jitsu training.

Consistency in training helps you stay up to date with the most recent developments in your class.

Usually, your instructor will demonstrate five to seven techniques during a full class. You want to be present yourself throughout the time your teacher is teaching, not at the end when they’re completing the schedule.

You’ll find that BJJ techniques and moves stick with you a lot easier if you’re consistently training.

4. Work on Your Physical Conditioning

The benefits of physical conditioning are many when it comes to martial arts. You need good muscular endurance, cardiovascular endurance, and physical strength to perform at an elite level.

Without adequate physical conditioning, you’ll find that it’s harder to execute coordinated movements precisely.

As you attend BJJ classes from week to week, you’ll notice a dramatic improvement in your general fitness. However, it takes extra effort to improve faster within the shortest time possible. That’s why you should focus on getting enough exercise besides your BJJ training.

5. Focus on What Your Instructor Teaches You

Understandably, you want to be able to execute those cool and flashy techniques you’ve seen on TV. Unfortunately, many of these moves will never really work when you come up against a skilled opponent.

Your instructor knows this, so they focus on teaching you the techniques and positions that really work. Some of these moves may look basic but trust your instructor.

Usually, the instructor will show you the techniques they deem appropriate for your experience level.

6. Roll/Spar as Often as Possible

All the learning in class solidifies in your mind as you roll more often. Your instructor may teach you many essential positions, techniques, and submissions, but sparring helps you learn things you couldn’t have learned through other ways.

Once you start to spar more often, you’ll notice a dramatic improvement in your game. You get to understand the strongest areas of your game and the areas you need to work on.

7. Roll With a Clear Purpose

Never enter a sparring session without a clear purpose. Sure, stepping onto the mat and sparring for multiple rounds with many different partners will challenge you, but is it really helping you learn anything new?

Utilise rolling sessions to implement a new technique you learned in class, for instance. You could also use that opportunity to practice defending a particular submission.

Try to stay relaxed during sparring so you can learn as much as possible.

8. Ask Questions

How many times have you been in class and your teacher said something you didn’t understand? It happens to everyone, and you should never be afraid to ask for clarification.

Believe it or not, your instructor wants you to ask all the questions that may help you up your game. If there’s a specific submission or technique you’ve not understood, speak up. Questions offer you a prime opportunity to increase your knowledge.

9. Tap If Necessary

During sparring, you’ll frequently find yourself in a situation where you need to submit to your opponent. There’s never a reason to refuse to tap. Remember, it’s never really about the result in such situations, but the opportunity to learn from the experience.

10. Don’t Always Tap Too Early

When your opponent clearly has you in a position you cannot escape, you can go ahead and tap. However, if they have your back, then you need to focus on finding a way to escape the position. Try to gain a dominant position once you escape.

Avoid tapping when there might still be a way to escape. Remember that if you ever enter a competition someday, holding out during such moments of desperation can make the difference between winning and losing.

You Can Take Your BJJ Game to the Next Level

Training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has many mental and physical benefits, but it’s getting over the starter’s hump that many people are scared of.

Fortunately, there are many gyms offering Jiu-Jitsu for beginners that will make you feel right at home. As you get started, put in place the tips outlined in this article to help you get better much faster.

Would you like to hone your BJJ skills? We can help. Contact us today for more information.

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