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Being a little nervous or experiencing a racing heart when stepping onto the mat is totally normal. Everybody has these feelings in their first days. In these situations, you, and many other beginners, may wonder what to wear to a...
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a grappling martial art and combat sport built on leverage, position and submissions. Instead of striking, you take the fight to the ground, control your opponent and finish with a joint lock or choke, which lets...
Brazilian jiu-jitsu is more than just a martial art or even a sport... it's a culture, and it wouldn't be a culture if it didn't have it's own language.
If you have ever had to learn a second language, you already know that if you spend enough time immersed in it, you'll be speaking in no time. So, there's no doubt that the more you hit the jiu-jitsu mats and advance through the ranks, you'll become fluent eventually.
However, just as with learning a second language, you're going to stumble on our words and make mistakes - sometimes to your embarrassment and everybody else's amusement. We've all been there. If anything, the friendly jibing is just another way to build camaraderie and add color to your own jiu-jitsu story. But we also understand the all too human need to avoid such embarrassing moments. So we're taking pity on you.
Here's a summary of important BJJ words - and related words - that you should know...
As much as each of us would like to spend all day, every day on the mat, most of us don’t have that luxury. Even those who do, would quickly find that they don’t want to.
No, the fact is, we can only handle so much time on the mat. Physically, but also mentally, too much time on the mat is counter-productive to actually learning Brazilian jiu-jitsu efficiently and effectively. That’s great news for those who have other obligations – work, family, other interests and hobbies – that limit their time in the jiu-jitsu academy. Those who spend most of their waking hours on the mat actually don’t have as much of an advantage over those who don’t. There is a little benefit, not going to lie, but it’s not as large or unattainable as one might think.
What does make a difference, is the amount of time spent studying the gentle art. The act of studying can take place both on the mat and off, and there is an optimal balance between the two that is unique to every person. However, there are a few things that contribute to whether that time spent studying is going to be produce real benefits to your jiu-jitsu game.
If you’re reading this, odds are you’ve already experienced the power of Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Somehow, somewhere, your interest was sparked, you took that first, intimidating step onto the mat, and you never left. And now your life is irreversibly changed.
You’ve also probably already tried to convince every friend and family member you have to try it out too… and have subsequently been disappointed by their “it’s not for me” response, despite never having tried it. You are not alone. We’ve all done it, and we’ve all met with the result.
But 2024 will be the year it all changes, because we’re here to give you a few tips on getting your friends and family to start BJJ.
