So this is your first day at a new Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gym, and you might feel a little like this.
What do I do to prepare?
What will the community be like?
I don't know anything!
What am I thinking?
Am I too old for this?
Should I be bigger for this martial art?
What do I wear?
Will there be other girls/women there to train with?
Will my Child be scared?
That is what I am here for! Do NOT let the voices in your head stop you from what could be the most rewarding experience of your or your Child's life. I have compiled a short list to help you feel more comfortable when you first come in for your trial classes.
Here's what you can do to prepare for your first day at a new Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) gym:
1. Research the gym: Look up it online and read reviews or check out their social media accounts to get a sense of their training style and community. Here is our Facebook group. Here is our website!
2. Dress appropriately: Wear comfortable clothing that allows for easy movement. Bring slippers or flip flops. We do not walk in bare feet outside of the mats. You will wear your flip-flops when you enter and exit the mats and there are no shoes on the mats. For No Gi, you will need to wear spandex shorts or tight boxers under a regular pair of athletic shorts as you are on your back often, and gravity will pull the legs of your shorts towards the floor, so something tight-fitting is required. For women/girls, yoga pants or shorts and a t-shirt is fine; a rash guard for women or a men's rash guard is even better, but you are just in for a trial class, so purchasing all the gear is not required. For your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Gi, Here are links for reasonably priced and pretty high-quality Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gi's for Children, Men, and Women when you decide to sign up. These links give you an idea of what you are looking for. But, again, these purchases are only necessary once you sign up for classes. *I must disclose that I get a small commission for these links, but they are of no extra cost to you, and these items are proven to be a great option for beginners and experienced practitioners. We have been very impressed with the quality.
3. Arrive early: Plan to arrive at the gym at least 15 minutes early so you have time to sign in, change, and get ready for class.
4. Be open-minded: Be open to learning new techniques and approaches to training, and be prepared to make mistakes and learn from them. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a challenging martial art, so it is essential to approach it with a beginner's mindset and be open to learning, even if you have prior experience in other martial arts. This means leaving your preconceived notions at the door and being willing to start from scratch to master the techniques and concepts of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu truly.
5. Respect: Respect the instructors and other gym members by being on time, paying attention during class, and following gym rules and etiquette.
6. Get comfortable: Introduce yourself to the instructors and other gym members. They will be happy to help you and show you around and lets face it, this is grappling, you are about to get very close to each other for the next two hours.
7. Ask questions: Ask questions if you need clarification on something, such as the schedule, how to tie your belt, or what the traditions are within the gym. Nobody expects you to know what is going on, and if you do not know, ask!
8. Maintaining good hygiene is crucial for any Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, both for your own health and the health of your training partners. It is important to wear clean workout gear to the gym and wash it regularly, as sweat and bacteria can build up on clothing and spread germs. Additionally, showering before and after training can help to prevent the spread of germs and minimize the risk of skin infections. By taking these simple steps, we can all do our part to promote a clean and healthy training environment, and keep ourselves and our training partners safe from germs and infections.
As far as your Kiddos!
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is an excellent way for kids to build confidence and self-esteem by learning new skills and techniques and being able to apply them in a safe and controlled environment.
By practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, kids can develop essential life skills such as discipline, perseverance, and focus, which will serve them well both on and off the mat.
At our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school, we prioritize the safety and well-being of our students, creating a supportive and welcoming environment where kids can learn and grow without fear.
At many Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu schools, traditional beginner classes are not always offered. Instead, new practitioners are thrown into the mix and assimilated into the community by learning from those with higher belts. While this may seem intimidating initially, new students are encouraged to embrace the challenge and approach the learning process with an open mind. Everyone in our community has been lost at points in their journey, and we all get excited when something finally clicks, no matter what belt color we are. Experienced practitioners are willing to lend a helping hand and guide those who are just starting, and teaching is part of learning.
So, whether you're a kid, a teenager, or an adult just starting your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey, remember to approach the experience with an open mind and a willingness to learn. By following these simple tips for navigating a new gym, you can set yourself up for success and maximize your training. And for parents looking for a fun and challenging activity for their kids, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is an excellent choice that can instill valuable life skills and foster a lifelong love of learning and growth. So why wait? Sign up for a class today and see the benefits of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for yourself!
Comentarios