A Guide For Our New BJJ Students
Here at Kombat Arts Training Academy we have the best BJJ program in the Mississauga area. We have worked hard to make a place that is open to all experience levels. Especially beginners, which is why we wrote this guide for our new Brazilian Jiu Jitsu students and potential students. It can be really exciting and also stressful thinking how your first Jiu Jitsu class is going to go. After reading through our guide, you’ll be ready and see why we have the best BJJ program in Mississauga.What is BJJ?
You probably already know what Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is, but here is a quick history lesson. The art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a ground based grappling art that was created around 100 years ago. It was created by Carlos and Helio Gracie, who wanted to make a self defense system for a smaller person. Giving them an equal playing field against bigger people on the ground using techniques that require leverage and timing. Throughout the years BJJ continued to develop and is now one of the most practiced martial arts in the world. Jiu Jitsu also proves that in order to be a complete martial artist, you must have knowledge of ground fighting.How Should I Prepare Before My First Day of Training?
Here is everything you should do to prepare for your first day of BJJ training at Kombat Arts Training Academy:- Relax: You might be either excited, nervous, or a mix of both. This is a good thing, but just remember to relax and everything will go fine.
- Cut You Nails: Please have your fingernails and toenails cut before coming to class. Long nails are a hazard that can cut training partners and cause infections.
- Take A Shower: It’s proper etiquette to always be clean before coming into the academy to train. Be sure to always have hygiene and shower before class if you need to.
- Learn To Tie Your Belt: If you’re doing a Gi class it would be a good idea to learn to tie your belt. There are numerous videos on Youtube that will help you out with this.
- Arrive Early: Please arrive early to fill out paperwork and sign a waiver if you haven’t already. This will also give you a chance to tour the academy and meet your new teammates.
- Be Positive: Remember to come into your first Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class with a positive attitude and everything will be fine.
What Should I Bring to Class?
Here is a list of what you should bring to your first BJJ class:- Gym Bag
- Training Clothes (Depending on what type of class you’re trying, don’t forget either your Gi, rashguard, and BJJ shorts.)
- Water
- Inhaler or any medication you might need
- Flip Flops/Sandals
- Mouth Guard
- Change of Clothes
- Positive Attitude
Breakdown of a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Class
Pre Class Time
As stated above it would be a good idea to come to the gym 10-15 minutes before the class starts. That way you can get your paperwork done and get acquainted with the gym and new teammates. It’ll also give you time to stretch and get ready for class Right before class, you’ll get on the mat and greet all of your training partners. Be sure to shake everyone’s hand and talk to the instructor. Then the class will line up and you being the new student will stand at the end. The instructor will then bow the class in and the class will start.Warm Ups
Warmups are the first phase of class, where students do different movements and stretches to warm up. The head instructor will take the class through this for 10-15 minutes before getting into technique. Either the instructor or one of the high ranked belts will help walk you through the warmup.Technique
The technique portion is the most important part of class, where you learn new techniques by drilling. It’s start’s by the instructor going over the technique of the day and demonstrating it for the class. During the demonstration, they will point out important details you will need to remember when practicing the move. Once the instructor demonstrates the move, the class partners up. Don’t worry about picking a partner, you’ll be partnered up with a more skilled teammate that will help you out.Rolling (Live Sparring)
After the technique portion of class, you go into live sparring or rolling. This is where everyone will test out their skills in friendly rolls and try to submit each other. It’s your choice if you want to roll light with the higher ranked teammates or sit and watch.Tips to Make Your First BJJ Class Great
Your first Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class can go really great or really bad depending on how you carry yourself. Here are some important tips to remember before your first training session.- Always ask for help: Don’t be afraid to ask for help whenever you need help with technique. All of the best BJJ athletes got their level by asking for help and still asking for help.
- Ask questions: On top of asking for help, always ask questions. That way you’ll always understand what is going on and have a better idea how to do techniques.
- Don’t resist during drilling: Drilling is the part of class, where you and your teammates let each other practice techniques. Don’t be a bad partner by resisting and defending your teammate, when they’re practicing a technique.
- Tap: Remember that rolling is just practice and not a fight to the death. Never try to fight out of submissions that are locked in and just tap. That way, you’ll continue to train and avoid injury.
- It’s not about winning: It doesn’t matter if you win or lose when rolling. The important thing is it’s all about progress and keep improving your skills.
- Slap, bump, and roll: A slap, bump, and roll is a handshake that is done before and after every roll. It’s a show of respect to your teammates.
- Have fun: The most important thing about your first Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class is that you have fun and learn.
