For many years, I didn't use my body. My name is Stan and this is the story of how I discovered the joy of exercise and sports. As a little kid, I hated my body. I was overweight and I found running around a football pitch very tiring. The other kids would tease me and I would want to cry. I reacted to this by hiding away and eating chocolate bars, which did nothing to improve my weight. A couple of years ago, I made friends with this guy who suggested I start power walking. I did and I lost a few pounds. Then I started running and eventually found the sport I love: Tennis! I hope you enjoy my blog.
A BJJ class can be an intimidating place for a newcomer: the mere sight of dozens of strangers rolling around, all seemingly engaged in life-or-death struggles, can send many running for the door. Never fear: this brief article will give you everything you need to take the plunge and begin training in one of the most popular and effective martial arts in existence.
What is BJJ?
BJJ is Brazilian jiu-jitsu, a grappling art that allows individuals to control and submit opponents through the skillful use of positioning and leverage. This can often be in the face of large discrepancies in size or weight, as famously demonstrated in UFC 1 by Royce Gracie.
Is BJJ effective?
BJJ has continued to prove to be one of the most effective arts and an essential component of MMA (mixed martial arts), which must be mastered to be a truly effective fighter.
Isn't going to the ground dangerous in real-life situations?
A common misconception about BJJ is that, since it is ground-based, it is ineffective as a self-defence art. The reality is that people do not always have a choice where a real-life conflict takes place. In a one-on-one situation, there is no art that is more effective in controlling and subduing an opponent by non-violent means. In instances where it is more prudent to remain standing than to fight on the ground, there is no better art for training how to effectively escape from under an opponent and regain a standing position safely: in fact, this will likely be the first thing that you learn on your first day.
Do you need to be very physically fit?
This is another common misconception. In fact, BJJ is about the efficient use of your energy through leverage. A key principle is to stay relaxed, and allow your opponent to tire in the process. For free-rolling training sessions, you will find BJJ an excellent workout, but only at a pace that you can manage.
Do you need any special equipment?
BJJ is generally divided into 'gi' and 'no-gi' (that is, the typical karate-style outfits that are associated with traditional martial arts or more typical gym attire). For your first class, a sports t-shirt and shorts will be perfectly adequate, and specialised gis and rash guards can be purchased later on as you progress in the sport. All you really need to begin is your own body and a willingness to learn.
BJJ schools are based around the sharing of skills, safety and mutual respect. You will never meet a nicer group of people capable of choking you unconscious with their bare hands. Get in touch with your local school and become one of them!
Share27 October 2020
