How to get the most out of your white belt journey
It’s challenging to be a white belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as you’re learning new skills, but you’ll also find yourself spending a lot of time mastering new techniques/skills and generally tapping out to other practitioners, but it’s all part of the learning process. Here are some tips to help you on your journey.
Come to training regularly at least twice per week
Regular training will ensure that you’re continuously rolling, maintaining what you learnt previously, building muscle memory, learning new techniques from the classes attended, and gaining experience. Whether you come twice or more per week choose a workout frequency that’s comfortable for you and stick to it as best as you can.
Train with people of all different shapes, sizes, and skill levels
Have an open mind to try new things such as roll with opponents of various sizes, body kinds, and skill levels. This allows you to observe and learn from different Jiu Jitsu styles and techniques while also exposing you to the diversity of Jiu Jitsu. Also, don’t be afraid to ask your partner for help or assistance during the sparring session, such as asking for help with a certain technique or areas for improvement.
Focus on yourself
Everybody trains at different levels, learning BJJ is lifestyle not a race, BJJ is a complex martial art with many techniques, don’t be discouraged if someone learns at different pace than yourself, the human body and mind is unique we all have different traits, strengths, and areas for improvement. Be patient, train regularly, and focus on your own fitness and conditioning. We’re all unique in our own different way, enjoy your time during training and try to have fun on the mats don’t compare apples and oranges.
Respect & Etiquette
The journey of BJJ relies on practising with a partner whether you’re practising a technique, drilling, or sparring. Taking care of yourself and your partner is just as important to help avoid injuries. This means being a good sport, being friendly, leaving your ego at the door, being humble, acknowledging your training partner, checking on your training partner if they’re not tapping out when you have attempted a submission, and following the rules of the dojo.
Acknowledge & Tapping Out Early
In the early days of your white belt journey you may be tapping out quite a lot this is part of the journey, eventually you will become more familiar with the techniques learnt, you will eventually make it harder for your opponent to tap yourself out, and ultimately you may then submit your opponent as well. Though prepare yourself for the long haul as BJJ is about tolerating the losses as well as acknowledging the wins. Also, its essential to tap early and the opposing training partner will also check up on their opponent to ensure they’re ok to ensure all practitioners train safely to remain injury free.
Enjoy The Experience
Most people train BJJ as a hobby therefore above all else try to enjoy the journey and have fun. Don’t take it so seriously that you stop enjoying yourself. Accept failure as part of the BJJ journey as its part of the learning experience and make friends at the dojo. BJJ is a life journey don’t be discouraged if one class you’re doing great but then another class you had to tap out. Also advancing to higher belt ranks on average takes 1-2 years or longer depending on a range of factors such as classes attended, skill level, etc… so be patient with your BJJ journey.
