Starting Up BJJ
Hey all first post,
I've been watching MMA for about a year now quite a bit and I've always had a respect and interest in BJJ. I am thinking about taking classes this summer but for now what are some things I can work on before starting? So far I've been starting to get back in shape, and flexibility is going to be another thing I've been planning on improving (I'm six foot 5 so my flexibility is poor, i grew fast).
Thanks
I've been watching MMA for about a year now quite a bit and I've always had a respect and interest in BJJ. I am thinking about taking classes this summer but for now what are some things I can work on before starting? So far I've been starting to get back in shape, and flexibility is going to be another thing I've been planning on improving (I'm six foot 5 so my flexibility is poor, i grew fast).
Thanks
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Geckoboy on -
Conditioning is going to be key I would strongly suggest being in pretty good shape cardio and otherwise before you start. The reason is if you have never done jiu-jitsu or wrestled before you are going to find out that it's going to be tough sledding for awhile until you start to figure out what's going on. With new people starting out with no grappling background and it's just natural don't take it the wrong way but new people tend to gas out quite quickly. It's hard having someone lay on your chest and you trying to breath if you have never been in that situation before. What ultimately tends to happen is the new guy on the bottom will start trying to rely on muscle strength and when that fails and it will as you get tired their is no technique that you can rely on. The end results is that guys in poor physical conditioning will fatigue much faster and will retain little to nothing due to their fatigue level.
Regarding your flexibility I would stretch at night and in the am when you get up if time permits. I would also suggest going to youtube and look up some yoga stretches that may help your flexibility. You can also check out the crossfit.com website they have some excellent conditioning excercise routines you can do to help start getting your body in shape.
Regardless you should always try to have an open mind while training you have to take your lumps like everyone else did before you. You are going to have good days and bad days on the mat that's to be expected. Above all else have fun and train hard.
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Permalink Reply by WaffleFries on -
Wow thanks for the advice, I'll admit, I'm not in great shape right now but I used to be a high performance rower and I'm pretty savvy in the gym. I've never grappled or anything... I'll try to be as prepared as possible. I went for a run and my cardio is decent, I also heard that ab strength is important... is this true? Are there any muscles in particular that gas earlier than others? For example what muscles do you use the most, and what muscles/ tendons is it important to have flexible specifically? I'll let you know my progress, I'm trying to gain weight also right now (6 foot 5, 180 lbs isnt what I want to be lol)
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Permalink Reply by WaffleFries on
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Wow thanks for the advice, I'll admit, I'm not in great shape right now but I used to be a high performance rower and I'm pretty savvy in the gym. I've never grappled or anything... I'll try to be as prepared as possible. I went for a run and my cardio is decent, I also heard that ab strength is important... is this true? Are there any muscles in particular that gas earlier than others? For example what muscles do you use the most, and what muscles/ tendons is it important to have flexible specifically? I'll let you know my progress, I'm trying to gain weight also right now (6 foot 5, 180 lbs isnt what I want to be lol)
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Permalink Reply by Geckoboy on
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Ab strength is very critical in jiu jitsu, submission wrestling, and wresting period. The reason of course is the stomach is our core especially when you are on the bottom regardless of the position a strong stomach is needed to help in your movements. I'm not talking about a six pack of abs i'm talking about a strong core so no need to try to develope a wash board stomach if you have it great if not you don't need it you just need a strong core.
If you are going to be learning jiu jitsu with a GI some of the muscles that will fry for the first several training sessions will be your grip strength. You will grab your training partners GI so tight that by the time you are done rolling you will not be able to open and close your hands because they will be swollen from gripping too tight. The inside of your thighs will burn due to trying to keep someone in your guard this eventually will go away in time and will never be a problem again. Your body will just have to get accustomed to the new movements and the strain after that you will be just fine. You will be exhausted physically and mentally after training especially the first few days but this is part of the game.
Running is great cardio but you should incorporate plyo's and the website that I mentioned before is great for that. You want to do circuit style workouts with very little rest in between. Here's the best way to get in shape for grappling stay on the mat don't get off stay there and sweat even when your body can't do it anymore stay on the mat. If you look at guys who are really good that's what they did they stayed on the mat and got in shape now these same guys can roll for hours.
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Permalink Reply by WaffleFries on
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Wow thanks for the advice, I'll admit, I'm not in great shape right now but I used to be a high performance rower and I'm pretty savvy in the gym. I've never grappled or anything... I'll try to be as prepared as possible. I went for a run and my cardio is decent, I also heard that ab strength is important... is this true? Are there any muscles in particular that gas earlier than others? For example what muscles do you use the most, and what muscles/ tendons is it important to have flexible specifically? I'll let you know my progress, I'm trying to gain weight also right now (6 foot 5, 180 lbs isnt what I want to be lol)
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Permalink Reply by WaffleFries on
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Thanks for the help, ill take any advice, I'm going to be in the vancouver BC area, do you have any suggestions for gyms there? Marcus Soares is there I know. My grip strength is horrible, I will look into the website I just sent. Thanks again,
any more advice u think of i will take
where do you train/ what belt?
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Permalink Reply by WaffleFries on
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I tried plyos last night, they take a lot more energy than just regular lifting... I'm not sore today, maybe thats a good thing, but I'll try to implement more of what you said today of plyos with no rest. and grip strength, ugh. I'm also trying to put on weight, im 6'5 177 a week ago now im up to 181.... and I know it varies, but this is a good sign
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Permalink Reply by Geckoboy on
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I really would not be so concerned with trying to get your weight up right now just work on your conditioning. Laughing it's going to be hard anyway trying to gain weight while trying to get into shape. Hope you can see what I mean first you need to stablize your body by getting into shape then gain weight hope that makes since for you. When is your first class by the way?
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Permalink Reply by WaffleFries on
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Very good point, I don't see myself making huge gains but I'm going to make an effort to make that weightlifting pay off. I'm moving to Van on april 27th, so shortly after will be my first class I am thinking about universal mma. Tonight the plan is...
running a course I have set up, weightlifting plyos back legs forearms, shoulders. followed up by a swim and stretch in steam room.
all while studying for exams haha
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Permalink Reply by WaffleFries on
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Just started my first bjj class the other day, it was no gi because i dont have one yet, any suggestions on where to order one off the net? The first class was great i did muy thai before it but i definately enjoyed the bjj a lot, I am going to keep going to the classes and learn the basics i will keep you posted.
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Permalink Reply by WaffleFries on
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Had my second class yesterday just rolling the whole time. I got dominated but the guy has been doing bjj for 8 months that I was against... I managed to sweep him once and sub him twice though! armbar and a triangle. Learned quite a bit last class just from rolling I mostly tried to hold onto guard haha. Will update after today.
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