Beginner Jiu Jitsu Portland Tips for Beginner White Belts

So, you decided to finally come to the first BJJ class and are a lil nervous? That’s ok! This blog will have you confident for your first days or weeks of class!

Honestly guys, you have made a huge decision and ngl it’s a scary one. I remember my first real hard roll as a White Belt. An instructor No-Gi rolled with me while I spastically thrashed, huffing and puffing and feelin’

Like I was fighting a guy with like 8 arms. And I got subbed. A lot. But, because I had a HUGE ego at the time, this is the type of roll that I needed to teach me that A) I wasn’t $%^& and B) I had a lot to learn about martial arts.

Wash Your Gi, Trim your Nails, Take A Shower

This could be a blog in and of itself, but hygiene is a very important part of Jiu Jitsu. Showing up to class with a smelly gi, reeking of B.O. and also having Freddy Kreuger Nails is a great way to not make friends. However, everyone NOTICES AND LOVES that one guy whose Gi always smells and looks fresh and whose hygiene is on #fleek

Listen to your coaches and pay close attention in class

if you are lost in the sauce, physically move to pay closer attention or so you can hear better. Also, please address your coaches as “Professor” or “Coach” not “Hey Matt” or “Hey Omar”. They will really appreciate that sign of respect greatly.

Don’t be like me and smash around like the hulk when you are rolling.

I’ve met one dude ( and I am not going to embarrass him) but his name starts with L and I met him when I was a blue belt. The thing about this kid is that he never really went hard on the rolls with me, he was a true student of the game. It’s rare to find someone who will flow roll as a white belt, but this kid did so. I guess the point that I am trying to make is this: If you don’t know what you’re doing, doing it harder is probably not the answer.

The first couple months of training are going to be challenging. Your good attitude is your best bet.

When it really comes down to it, this is a strong determinant of whether or not you will succeed and graduate to higher belts or whether or not you will get frustrated and quit. The white belt is sometimes considered

the most difficult belt to obtain because it’s like trying to surf past the breakers. However, this is why it is worth it.

If you are in the portland area and want to get started or continue your jiu jitsu training come check us out for a FREE trial at: http://www.mataleaocs.com.