There’s a common saying in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, “Either you’re the hammer or the nail.” As a beginner in BJJ, you’re often considered the nail. Here are 8 tips that will be helpful as you begin your journey in BJJ.
#1: Focus on Defense rather than Attacks
As you begin your Jiu-Jitsu training, understand the significance of learning defensive techniques. While mastering sweeps and submissions is exciting, prioritizing effective defense tactics is crucial. Focus on mastering essential defensive maneuvers like escaping the mount and defending against an armbar before getting into offensive strategies. For beginners, emphasizing defense over attacks is paramount.
#2: Relax!
Beginners often exhibit excessive tension and unnecessary strength, hindering their defensive abilities. Relaxing will help your defense and endurance and allow you to focus on improving your defensive skills. Therefore, remember the importance of staying relaxed on the mat.
#3: Focus on Concepts and Principles of BJJ
As a beginner, embrace learning new techniques. Understanding the underlying concepts behind these techniques is crucial. For instance, it’s essential to prioritize position over submission. This means that during a move like an armbar if your opponent is defending effectively, it’s wise to recognize when to release the submission and focus on maintaining your advantageous position. Another fundamental concept is maintaining a top position whenever possible. This principle emphasizes the importance of staying on top rather than on your back. These foundational principles are valuable for beginners to grasp and apply in their Jiu-Jitsu journey.
#4: Be Humble
Most beginners in jiu-jitsu may often feel like an amateur. Like the saying: Either you’re the hammer or the nail. If you have a big ego, your ego may get bruised. You may want to quit because you don’t like to lose. In this particular Martial Art, it’s a good idea to practice being humble. Keep your head down, train hard, and leave your ego at the door.
#5: Know when to let go of a Submission
As you deepen your understanding of Jiu-Jitsu techniques, students will recognize the importance of when a particular technique isn’t working for them. This ties into point #3. Beginners should understand that when attempting a cross choke from the mount if the opponent defends and tries to escape, it’s crucial to release the choke and prioritize maintaining the mount position. Embracing this principle early on will accelerate your progress in Jiu-Jitsu.
#6: Inferior Position- get to a Superior position
The main goal of Jiu-Jitsu is to transition from a disadvantaged position to an advantageous one. If you find yourself stuck on the bottom, your priority should be to escape and secure a better position. Once you have achieved a superior position, that’s the ideal time to seek a submission. For instance, a choke attempted from the bottom mount while your opponent is on top isn’t productive. So, it’s better to concentrate on escaping from less favorable positions and attacking from stronger positions.
#7: Know your Physical Limits.
New students sometimes want to train excessively, but this isn’t advised because it can lead to burnout and a longer break from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It’s recommended that training 2-3 times a week is a suitable average, emphasizing that BJJ should be approached as a marathon, not a sprint, to highlight the importance of consistency and long-term commitment.
#8: Focus on the Foundations or Basic Techniques.
During your Jiu-Jitsu journey, the priority should be developing a solid foundation and proficiency in basic core techniques. Honing these fundamental skills is important to move into advanced moves such as the Berimbolo and other intricate guards. Establishing a solid foundation is imperative before exploring complex techniques.
So here’s a quick recap:
•Defend first before you attack.
•RELAX.
•Remember the concepts and principles of BJJ.
•Practice being humble.
•Know when to let go of a submission.
•Work toward a superior position and attack from that position.
•Know your physical limits.
•Focus on the basic techniques.
These tips will guide you, making your journey both long-lasting and smooth.
Pendergrass Academy of Martial Arts proudly serves Wake Forest, Wakefield, and Raleigh, NC. For more information about us, visit www.bjjnc.com.
For details about our adult program, visit: https://bjjnc.com/program/bjj/