Entering a Brazilian jiu jitsu school for the first time can be filled with anxiety and apprehension. You will have many questions before the class even starts. Where do I change into my gi? What do I do? Will I fit in? Will I survive warm-ups? Will my instructor have me spar with a training partner? Plenty more questions will be going through your mind.
Below are some tips to help make that first grappling class just a little less stressful.
Do some cardiovascular and strength training a few weeks before you begin training BJJ - Nothing can prepare your body for the rigours of Brazilian jiu jitsu but being physically fit before your first class will make it easier to concentrate on technique and focusing on learning Brazilian jiu jitsu.
Hygiene - Its amazing that some guys still need to be told to take showers. Don't be "that" guy. Come to class clean. Nobody wants to train with a grungy guy with a smelly gi. Cut your nails and if you have long hair put it in a pony-tail so your training partner doesn't get a mouth full of hair.
Eat and Sleep - Eat healthy, sleep at night, and avoid excessive substance abuse. You might be thinking "this is common sense" until you show up for an open mat on a Saturday morning and get a buzz going from your opponent's sweat.
Respect you instructor and your training partners - Follow your academies rules. Some Brazilian jiu jitsu schools foster a more traditional training atmosphere while others little less so. Pay attention and take training BJJ serious. You don't want to cause an injury to yourself or your training partner because you were not paying attention to a crucial aspect of a technique.
Be willing to learn - Leave your ego at home. Listen to your instructor and the higher belts. Remember that your Brazilian jiu jitsu instructor knows more than you so it would be a good idea to listen to him.
Don't' be afraid to ask questions - If you are not sure of a technique make sure to ask your instructor what you are doing wrong, you don't want to develop bad habits. Also, BJJ instructors like when a student asks questions. It shows the instructor they are engaged in the class and willing to learn.
Have fun - For the majority of us, this is a hobby. An obsessive hobby, but a hobby nonetheless. Enjoy your bad days training Brazilian jiu jitsu just as much as your good days training Brazilian jiu jitsu. Whatever your aspirations are in BJJ it the journey that matters not the destination.
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