So my friend talked me into trying a class, and I ended up signing up to train BJJ at a local gym! I'm really excited, I loved the competition. Background: I've never trained any type of wrestling / MMA before, so this is all new, and it totally feels like drinking from a fire hose.

Does anyone else train? Any pointers for a shiny welt belt?

I haven't in years, but once you get rolling (double meaning) it is a great workout and a lot of fun. It takes time to actually know what you're doing. You're going to get your ass kicked by people barely trying. Don't get frustrated. Don't try exert a bunch of energy trying to overpower someone. Focus on technique and commit to given it a good amount of time before you decide to quit or continue.

Edit: and it couldn't hurt to learn some of the lingo.You don't need to memorize it all, but knowing a few of the positions will be helpful. http://www.slideyfoot.com/2007/03/brazilian-jiu-jitsu-glossary.html

Thank you! I've been looking for a glossary of sorts. Even in the one class I've been too, there was a lot of terminology I wasn't familiar with. Just like anything new I suppose!

Also know that at some point you will get hurt. It comes with the territory.

Are you doing gi or no gi?

I assumed gi since he said white belt.

I always did no gi. It was more enjoyable to me.

And to be clear hurt is not the same as injured. I did it for years and was never injured. You'll be covered in bruises, maybe some mat burn, and have a sore elbow at worst with good training partners.

I'm doing Gi to start - the gym I'm training at has a no gi day, so I may get into that at some point.

Yeah, I'm planning on getting hurt at some point. If I get injured, I'll likely lay low to recover, maybe observe and take notes, etc. The workout is terrific though. I feel sore after just one class, more sore than at the regular gym where I get bored easily.

cool. gi training will really build up your grip strength.

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cool. gi training will really build up your grip strength.

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I thought "gi" was the uniform? How does that help grip strength?

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cool. gi training will really build up your grip strength.

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I thought "gi" was the uniform? How does that help grip strength?

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You handle your opponent by grabbing and manipulating their gi. Grip is really important.

I see. From a real world standpoint it seems like non-gi training would be more beneficial. Bad guys probably won't be wearing a gi.

I've been considering getting into either Krav Maga or BJJ. Just not sure which one would be more useful to me in a real world scenario.

If you've been doing bjj for a year you'll roll anybody who hasn't whether they're wearing a gi or not (And you can always grab a tshirt or whatever).

Also consider judo.

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I've been considering getting into either Krav Maga or BJJ. Just not sure which one would be more useful to me in a real world scenario.

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Hmm...

Krav Maga /krv m/ (Hebrew: [url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA_for_Hebrew][kav maa][/url], lit. "contact combat") is a self-defense system developed for the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) that consists of a wide combination of techniques sourced from aikido, judo, boxing and wrestling, along with realistic fight training.

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I see. From a real world standpoint it seems like non-gi training would be more beneficial. Bad guys probably won't be wearing a gi.

I've been considering getting into either Krav Maga or BJJ. Just not sure which one would be more useful to me in a real world scenario.

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In no gi you don't grab shorts or shirts. In a real work scenario you can grab whatever you want.

OP - its really fun. I did it from 2005-2006 until I had kids. My daughter does it now and I find myself with the itch again.

Don't get frustrated if it is slow to come to you. Its not like traditional sports where speed, power, and strength dominate. Its all technique and recognition...and the more you do it, the quicker you'll recognize your openings.

Have fun!

Thanks for all the replies!

Finished my first couple of weeks training, 3 classes a week but 2 days. It's a terrific full body workout, and I'm already recalling some techniques we drill whenever I have a 'live' roll.

Already banged up pretty good too. BJJ is really addicting....

Been doing this for over 6 years.

-still get my assed kicked
-has some real world application but you need to mix in striking but if anything bjj has taught me to avoid fighting
-judo is a must but it will hurt and injure you
-your hands will adjust on grips. Will be sore for a while. I keep one grip loose with my tips hooked and the other semi tight. Alternate to rest
-only workout I've ever done that I hardly flake out on like i would running or going to the gym.

My advice is to remind yourself to breathe. Take deep, controlled breaths. If someone's mounted you don't respond by squirming around as you'll only waste energy (this is hard sometimes, I know). Also, make an effort to pair up against darker belts, big guys too.

Over a month in, still going strong. Right now I'm training twice a week, but going to start adding in a 3rd day and maybe some open mats.

Wish I started sooner.

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but going to start adding in a 3rd day and maybe some open mats.

Wish I started sooner.

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Open mats are a must. In about 6 months, add in a tournament.

you really need to train 3x a week...the standard of 2 years per belt is built on this metric. Of course, it goes up or down depending on certain physical/mental gifts.

Tap, Tap, Tap, Tap...being a hero in bjj or submission grappling will get you on the sideline for extended periods of time.

Wash your gi after every freaking class! There are times when your partner will be in uncomfortable positions and its extremely gross to rolling with the funky guy in that situation.

Don't worry about the belts...enjoy and embrace the journey and lifestyle; You will make some of the best friends you've ever had.

learn to tie your belt properly and bow on/off the mat!

learn to pass guard before you start playing guard

great tip from Ryan Hall: I'd also learn passing with your left leg forward thus putting them on their left hip since most people are stronger and more coordinated off their right

Thanks for these tips! Definitely following this advice.

Another thing I'll add, as this may turn into a resource for someone interested in getting into it -

Trim your nails! I had a dude cute open my foot a bit because his big toe nail was long.

OP, where are you training at? I persoanlly just switched from a Krav gym to a BJJ/Muy Thai gym since the former is about to close.

I train at a gym in Austin

If you like or enjoy instructionals as a supplement, I cannot recommend ryan halls stuff enough. Guard passing, triangle, arm triangles, back attacks, leg locks (5050) are all incredible

I train up in North Austin. I can probably answer some questions on some of the gyms/instructors in the area.

Where do you train?

My advice if it helps you:
-do not worry about belt color. Enjoy the journey. There will always be something new to learn.
-do not get frustrated or discouraged if you cannot do a certain technique. Keep practicing. You need to repeat the drill 1 million times before you master it.
-give your 110% every practice. There is always going to be someone better than you. But it is up to you in giving the best you have every time you get in the mat.

Good luck the rest of the way!

metro fight club

Took my first bjj class today. Ive had over a year of Krav/kickboxing/muay thai training. Holy crap. Talk about a different kind of tired and an eye opening experience.
Looking forward to adding bjj to my training. The wednesday at our gym is a competition day. They PT the crap out of you then you roll for the rest of the class. Luckily i got paired with some awesome white and blue belts who were a huge help. Id have to say the bjj and mma community is something of the most welcoming and open group of people I have come across, besides aggies!

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Took my first bjj class today. Ive had over a year of Krav/kickboxing/muay thai training. Holy crap. Talk about a different kind of tired and an eye opening experience.
Looking forward to adding bjj to my training. The wednesday at our gym is a competition day. They PT the crap out of you then you roll for the rest of the class. Luckily i got paired with some awesome white and blue belts who were a huge help. Id have to say the bjj and mma community is something of the most welcoming and open group of people I have come across, besides aggies!

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what gym?

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Another thing I'll add, as this may turn into a resource for someone interested in getting into it -

Trim your nails! I had a dude cute open my foot a bit because his big toe nail was long.

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Not only that, but it helps prevent ringworm and other nasty fungal infections.

Revolution in Katy. Jeff Messina is the owner