One of the best and most effective forms of self-defense is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It is used by most MMA fighters and taught in many dojos. If you are getting started with training for this martial art, you’ve made a great positive step toward health and fitness. Before you go off to your first Jiu-Jitsu class, however, there are some things you should keep in mind.
Proper Clothing
The training you will receive requires grappling with a partner, which means that you must take measures to ensure mutual safety. Make sure that the clothes you wear for class don’t have any sharp metal pieces or zippers. These can get caught in someone’s hair or cut their skin in the heat of a session. Many dojos will provide a training gi, which is perfect for the grabs and maneuvers that take place on the mat. Men may want to wear a cup, while women should consider using tights, a rash guard, and a sports bra.
Grooming and Hygiene
Jiu-Jitsu training requires that partners be in close quarters. Make sure you shower before class and apply deodorant if necessary. Brushing your teeth beforehand is a polite thing to do and can avoid embarrassment. Bear in mind that some people may be allergic to certain scents and oils, so try to avoid wearing strong perfume and go easy on the lotion before class.
If you usually keep long nails, you will need to let go of that for the sake of training. You don’t want to accidentally scratch your partner or break off a nail in the middle of a match. Makeup products will get rubbed off when rolling around on the mats, so save the face powder for outside of your training. The dojo is a place to hone martial excellence.
What to Expect
When you go into your first Humble Jiu-Jitsu class, don’t worry if you don’t know the first thing about grappling or even wrestling for that matter. Your instructor has likely trained many people before you and knows exactly where to start with beginners. You won’t be jumping right into full-blown grappling practice right off the bat. Classes should always begin with a warm-up workout routine, including stretching and cardio.
The Instructors
Instructors will typically choose one or two techniques to focus on for each class session. Your instructor will demonstrate in front of the class, usually calling up a more experienced student to help demonstrate what the move looks like. You will learn about real-world scenarios where the technique can be applied, and then get some lessons on how to execute the technique correctly.
The Moves
Of course, what would a good martial arts class be without a little bit of sparring? Once you have drilled the moves enough times to be able to use it spontaneously, you are ready to try your stuff in a grappling match. The goal will be to submit the other fighter, which typically involves using a choke, joint lock, or armbar applied slowly until the other fighter taps out. You will learn about all of the proper etiquette and submission practices before you go into an actual match.
You may not spar during your first class, and if you do, it will always be observed by the instructor. At the end of every class, there should be a cool-down, including deep stretches to keep the muscles from cramping. You can certainly expect to leave the class with some moves in mind to practice. Just remember, you should be careful when practicing these moves at home. With the knowledge you learn at a Jiu-Jitsu Houston school, you are like a honed weapon, and the techniques are dangerous if used to their full extent.
Between classes, make sure your uniform is tidy and clean. If you have any questions on the details of techniques, after class may be an excellent time to ask the instructor if you did not get a chance during the session.
Get Started Today!
You can find a training schedule that fits your needs when you enroll in a local dojo like Elite MMA. At Elite MMA you can learn mixed martial arts, kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or some combination. You will be able to work out a program that best fits your needs and training goals.
