Resources

So, you have decided you would like to participate in a martial arts program and you think Brazilian Jiu Jitsu might be the right fit for you. The first step is walking through the doors for the first time. For some this isn’t a challenge, but for the vast majority of us this can be an intimidating experience. This can be especially true if you haven’t previously participated in a martial arts program, haven’t had a lot of athletic experience, or feel that you’re physical fitness level is a little less than ideal. I was nervous going into my first class too. That was a just over thirteen years ago, and I don’t think about that initial apprehension much anymore. I recently took some time and asked a few of the gyms newer students what made them nervous as they were beginning their Jiu Jitsu journey. I would like to share some of these thoughts, questions and concerns. Hopefully this will give you a better idea of what you should expect on your first visit, and help you feel a little more prepared.

Getting Started

Getting started can sometimes be intimidating. Remember that everyone you meet in your first class has gone through this as well and want to help you learn and grow in BJJ. We have an excellent atmosphere at Muncie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. We are all training together in order to improve and not in order to find out who is the toughest person in the gym. We understand when one of us gets better it makes us all better so we are going to do everything we can to welcome and help the new student in class.

What do I need to wear to my first class?

You do not need to have a Gi (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Uniform) the first night you come in. Once you become a member you will be required to wear a gi to class, but we will make due if you don't have one during your trial week. We also have a few extra at the school if it is necessary that you have one. For your first class wear something clean and comfortable that doesn't have any zippers or buttons. A t-shirt and shorts or sweatpants would be just fine. You will also need to remove any jewelry.

Do I need to be in peak physical condition when I start?

I hear this a lot from people that have an interest in starting Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Unfortunately this often holds them back and sometimes prevents them from starting at all.

You don't need to be in great shape when you start Jiu Jitsu. No one expects you to conquer the world on your first night at the school. Training martial arts, especially BJJ, is a great way to get into shape and maintain your conditioning. We will ease you into this process at a pace that you are comfortable with. For many people BJJ becomes a fitness lifestyle.

Is BJJ like MMA (Mixed Martial Arts)?

No. Jiu Jitsu can be translated from the the original Japanese as “gentle art”. Many people may have the perception that the two are very similar but this is due to the history of MMA in the United States. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioners started the UFC led to an explosion of Mixed Martial Arts events. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gained a lot of popularity through MMA as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu fighters dominated those early fights. The dominance of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in these early bouts led many mixed martial arts fighters to seek out Brazilian Jiu Jitsu schools. Most students have little interest in competing in MMA the number of mixed martial artist in any given Jiu Jitsu school is likely very low. Most students are training for the purposes of physical fitness, self-defense, or for Jiu-Jitsu competition. Cooperation, camaraderie, and safety are of the utmost importance within the school.

Am I to old to train BJJ?

Do I have to worry about getting beat up as the new student?

If you come to class ready to learn and work in cooperation with other students you have nothing to fear. Will you loose the first time you spar with a more experience partner? Yes. Will you be a little sore the next day? Probably. That is the usual result of participating in physical activity that is new to you. Will another student tap you as many times as they can to boost their own ego? No. We leave our egos at the door. We are team and we want to see each other improve.

Will I fit into the group?

Joining any new group can be intimidating. I think anytime you join a new group there is going to be a period of time where you do feel like an outsider. Regardless of how open and friendly the atmosphere in the gym is, it’s natural to feel this way. Fortunately, this feeling doesn’t have to be long lived. I am incredibly proud of how well the students at our school integrate new students into the group. I feel the diversity of our group is a testament to this.

*** We will be working to add additional resources and information in the near future.