Starting your journey in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) can be both exciting and overwhelming. As a beginner, you’re stepping into a world that combines physical skill, mental strategy, and a unique culture. Whether you’re looking to get in shape, learn self-defence, or compete, BJJ offers something for everyone.
To help you navigate your first steps on the mats, we’ve put together a list of essential BJJ tips for beginners. These tips will not only help you improve faster but also ensure you enjoy the process and build a strong foundation for your training.
1. Embrace the Learning Curve
BJJ is often called "human chess" because of its complexity. As a beginner, it’s normal to feel lost or overwhelmed. Remember, even the most skilled black belts started as white belts.
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Tip: Focus on learning one technique at a time. Don’t worry about mastering everything right away.
2. Prioritise Defence Over Offence
In the beginning, you’ll likely spend a lot of time in disadvantageous positions. Learning how to defend yourself is crucial before you start working on submissions or sweeps.
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Tip: Practice escapes from common positions like mount, side control, and back control.
3. Focus on Fundamentals
The foundation of BJJ lies in its fundamental techniques. These basics will serve as building blocks for more advanced moves.
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Tip: Spend time drilling positions like guard, mount, and side control, as well as basic submissions like the armbar and rear naked choke.
4. Be Consistent with Training
Consistency is key to progress in BJJ. Regular training helps reinforce techniques, build muscle memory, and improve your overall fitness.
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Tip: Aim to train at least 2-3 times per week. Even if you can only make it once, show up and give it your all.
5. Tap Early, Tap Often
BJJ is a martial art that involves joint locks and chokes. Tapping is a sign of respect for your training partner and a way to prevent injury.
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Tip: Don’t let your ego get in the way. If you’re caught in a submission, tap and learn from the experience.
6. Stay Calm and Breathe
It’s common for beginners to panic or hold their breath during rolls. Staying calm and controlling your breathing will help you think clearly and conserve energy.
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Tip: Practice deep, controlled breathing during drills and sparring.
7. Ask Questions
Your instructors and training partners are valuable resources. If you’re unsure about a technique or concept, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification.
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Tip: After class, take a few minutes to review what you learned and ask questions if needed.
8. Take Care of Your Body
BJJ is a physically demanding sport, so it’s important to take care of your body to avoid injuries and burnout.
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Tip:
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Warm up properly before training and stretch after.
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Stay hydrated and fuel your body with nutritious food.
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Get enough rest and recovery between sessions.
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9. Invest in the Right Gear
Having the right gear can make your training more comfortable and enjoyable. For beginners, the essentials include:
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Gi or No-Gi Apparel: Choose high-quality gear that fits well and meets your gym’s requirements.
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Mouthguard: Protect your teeth during sparring.
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Rash Guard: Essential for no-gi training to prevent mat burns.
Check out the Huge Collection of premium gear at Continuous Flow BJJ to get started.
10. Be Patient and Trust the Process
Progress in BJJ can be slow, and it’s easy to get discouraged when you don’t see immediate results. Remember, every black belt was once a white belt who didn’t give up.
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Tip: Celebrate small victories, like successfully executing a technique or lasting longer in a roll.
11. Respect the Culture
BJJ has a rich culture rooted in respect, humility, and camaraderie. Show respect to your instructors, training partners, and the art itself.
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Tip: Never wear shoes on the mats, and always thank your coach and training partners after rolling.
12. Have Fun!
At the end of the day, BJJ is about enjoying the journey and challenging yourself. Don’t take yourself too seriously, and remember to have fun on the mats.
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Tip: Focus on the joy of learning and the friendships you build along the way.
Gear Up and Get Started with Continuous Flow BJJ
Starting your BJJ journey is an exciting step toward personal growth and self-improvement. At Continuous Flow BJJ, we’re here to support you every step of the way. From premium gear like the No Gi Collection to expert advice, we’ve got everything you need to succeed.
Ready to take the first step? Visit Continuous Flow BJJ to explore our products and resources for beginners.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received as a BJJ beginner? Share your thoughts in the comments below or tag us on social media with your training journey!