What to expect in your first few days of Jiu Jitsu
On your first day trying jiu jitsu you might feel nervous, and you know what? That’s OKAY. Everyone you see already on the mats had their first day in jiu jitsu once too. You’ll get there eventually. To make it easy for you, you need to accept and understand that you don’t know anything, that is why you have coaches and teammates. We are all here to help you. Check your ego at the door- jiu jitsu will humble you immediately.
Starting out, the most awkward thing is putting on the uniform. I always tell new students that the hardest part of jiu jitsu is tying your belt. Here is a link to show you how to get started with the ins and outs of your new uniform and belt (https://youtu.be/9NL2BIL3tso?si=NeXOKPYWRuDT8gkq).
After you figure out how to look good on your first day, what should you expert in your first class?
Some gyms have beginner classes and some will have you jump right in with the team. Both are normal and each method has its own advantages. I personally like new students to jump in with the team. I will partner you with one of our higher ranked students to help guide you through the class. We all have patience for the new students because we have all been in your shoes; so don’t ever feel like you are wasting anyone’s time.
I’m not going to sugar coat it for you- jiu jitsu is a difficult sport to understand, but everyone who trains jiu jitsu will tell you it’s absolutely worth it. We all learn at different speeds; do not compare yourself to others. Something to keep in mind is that everyone expresses the art of jiu jitsu in a different way. We are different ages, sizes, athleticism levels and have different goals in jiu jitsu. But, the cool thing is that you can express jiu jitsu in your own way and find ways to make each move or style work for your body type and style.
The last thing I will leave you with is this: don’t make excuses! Every day is hard for every person on the mat in different ways. This is a place to improve at your own pace, it’s not a race! We will all progress at different speeds. Enjoy the ride, not the destination.
As American jiu jitsu legend Chris Haueter says, “It’s not who’s good, it’s who’s left. It’s not who’s fast it’s who can last. The time will pass anyways- you might as well be a black belt when it does.”