Starting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) can feel a little overwhelming—like learning a new language… while someone’s trying to choke you. 😅 But don’t worry. Every black belt was once a white belt who didn’t quit.
If you’re new to BJJ, here are simple but crucial tips to help you build a strong foundation, enjoy the journey, and make progress faster.
1. Focus on Surviving, Not Winning
In the beginning, your main goal isn’t to tap everyone out—it’s to learn, stay calm, and survive. That means:
Tapping early and often (no ego!).
Staying relaxed when you roll.
Learning from every position, especially the tough ones.
Winning will come later. For now, be a sponge.
2. Drill. Drill. Drill.
Techniques are like tools—you have to know how to use them. Don’t just rely on sparring. Make sure you’re spending time drilling:
Shrimp escapes 🦐
Bridging and hip movement
Basic guard passes and sweeps
Drilling = muscle memory.
3. Ask Questions (Even the “Dumb” Ones)
There are no dumb questions in BJJ—only missed opportunities to grow. Your coaches and higher belts are there to help. Ask:
“What should I do from here?”
“Why did that sweep work?”
“Can we review that escape again?”
You’ll learn faster and build trust with your team.
4. Don’t Skip the Warm-Up
We get it. You want to get to the “cool stuff.” But the warm-up builds:
Essential movement patterns
Joint mobility and flexibility
Injury prevention habits
Skipping warm-ups = skipping progress (and risking soreness or injury).
5. Track Your Progress
Keep a notebook or app and jot down:
Techniques you learned
What worked during rolls
Questions for your next class
It’ll help you stay motivated and see how far you’ve come. 📓
6. Keep Showing Up
This might be the most important tip of all: just keep showing up.
You will:
Get tapped out a lot (normal!)
Have off days (also normal!)
Improve in ways you won’t notice until one day… it clicks.
Consistency beats talent every time.
Final Thought
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a marathon, not a sprint. Be patient with yourself, support your training partners, and have fun with the process. Every class is one step closer to your goals—whether that’s self-defense, fitness, confidence, or competition.
See you on the mat! 👊
Interested in starting BJJ in Mebane? Come try our 2-week trial class for teens and adults at Champions Martial Arts!
👉 Visit ChampionsKick.com to learn more