

Many advanced students, including purple and brown belts, are more than happy to help beginners find their way in BJJ - plus, the feedback they can provide you on specific positions will always be superior to that of another white belt.īJJ training is a great way to make friendsĪ ranked belt at any reputable school will not try to hurt you, and if the class is geared towards all levels, there are more than likely a few upper belts looking to hone their teaching skills and build relationships with new students. Do not be intimidated by coloured belts or cauliflower ears. You may even be directed to a specific partner by your coach. A good recommendation is to try to pair up with a more advanced student who can guide you through the class. If you find yourself in an all-levels class for both beginning and advanced students, you may wind up quite lost during the “move of the day” sequence.

It is quite rare for someone without grappling experience to pick up a move the first time they are shown, and even advanced students will need many reps before they can expect to perform a newly learned move.Ī new BJJ student learns an armbar submissionĭiaz Combat Sports head BJJ instructor Stuart Cooper demonstrates a basic escape from side control Try to follow along, but as always do not stress if you cannot master the move during your first class. Your instructor will demonstrate a simple move that will become the focal point of the day’s lesson, such as a basic escape or passing sequence. Learning to recognize these positions is one of the first big conceptual hurdles you will face as a new BJJ student. Your first jiu-jitsu class should be specifically aimed at beginners, and you will likely begin learning about fundamental positions such as mount or full-guard. Stick with it and listen to the instructor, with a few weeks of practice you will be moving through the class warm-ups without issues.Įxample of a traditional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class warm up demonstrated at the famous Marcelo Garcia academy Learning BJJ: The Moves of the Day Don’t be discouraged if these seemingly simple motions stump you at first - the body mechanics, while sound, are often unusual and may take a few classes to fully grasp. The forms of motion contained in these drills form the essential building blocks of proper grappling movements, so it is essential to familiarize yourself with them.
#Essential jiu jitsu moves series
These drills commonly consist of a series of hip-escapes, bridges, forward and backward rolls, and perhaps a few other variations of moving your body across the mat with or without a partner. Typically, all jiu-jitsu classes from beginner to advanced begin with some form of specific grappling drill as a warm-up.

Most other students should be happy to conduct specific positional training with you instead, helping you become familiar with essential positions and brushing up on the fundamentals themselves. The latter portion of the class is often reserved for either live training or sparring, known in BJJ as “rolling” - however, you should not feel obligated to participate until you are comfortable and have a few classes under your belt (some instructors may even make this a matter of policy). While BJJ is an incredibly complex martial art that takes years to master, your first jiu-jitsu class should be an enjoyable experience that introduces you to some basic moves and positions. Whether you are starting Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at a BJJ gym in Vancouver or anywhere else across the globe, attending your first class can seem intimidating - after all, it is difficult to know what to expect. What to Expect at Your First Jiu-Jitsu Class
