Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art and combat sport based on grabbing and fighting on the ground. It was derived from multiple exciting martial arts styles including Japanese jiu-jitsu and judo.
The original purpose of Brazilian jiu-jitsu was to prove that a person of small stature could overpower an opponent who was bigger and stronger than themselves by using specialized techniques and taking the fight to the ground.
Today, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is one of the most prevalent forms of martial arts being taught worldwide. Whether you’re young, old, tall, or short, you can learn a lot of useful moves inside of a BJJ class. If you are considering joining a dojo and learning BJJ, here are some things to expect during your first class.
Before Class
Before you start your first class it would be beneficial for you to introduce yourself to your teacher and check out the dojo. You could do this by coming a couple of minutes early or by showing up during another class and just watching. You’ll also be told what you should be wearing; some classes require you to be wearing a martial arts Gi while others let you wear regular clothing.
Warm-Ups
It’s common for teachers to make their students do warm-ups before actually engaging in combat. These warm-ups can include push-ups, sit-ups, and running laps as well as specialized jiu-jitsu warm-ups that you probably haven’t had to perform before. The purpose of the warm-ups is to loosen your body and prepare your muscles for the training you are about to endure.
Basic Technique
After you’re all warmed up, the actual lesson will begin. You will be shown a few different techniques by the instructor and then you will be paired with a partner to practice the new techniques. The teacher will typically walk around the dojo watching everyone practice and will intervene when he spots you doing something incorrectly. Then after you’ve practiced some moves, they might have some sparring towards the end of class; if this is your very first lesson, you might not have to participate.
If you’re worried about your first day in BJJ training, don’t sweat it. Everyone was a beginner at some point, so don’t be too hard on yourself. Learning martial arts takes time and practice, and attending a class is a great place to start your BJJ journey.
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Javill Byron is an accomplished martial artist, entrepreneur, businessman, and philanthropist based in Miami. As the owner of Top Shot Miami and WMB Martial Arts, Javill strives to serve as a valuable resource for individuals who want to improve their physical abilities and learn to protect themselves. Javill is especially passionate about helping children with disabilities and children who are bullied.
As a philanthropy-minded person, Javill Byron devotes much of his time to his nonprofit, WMB Foundation, Inc., which provides services to families and children diagnosed with ADHD, ADD, or Autism and aims to promote academic success and generally enrich their lives.