20 Tips for White Belts in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
During your first years in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, especially at the white belt stage, there will be a great deal of information to learn. During this initial phase, it's crucial to establish a solid foundation in the martial art.
As a white belt, these 20 tips will help you improve during this crucial stage of your BJJ journey. These tips are designed for both beginners and those who have been practicing for some time, from the perspective of an instructor with eight years of experience in the discipline.
Enjoy the process
It's essential that you enjoy your journey in BJJ, no matter your goals, whether it's learning self-defense, getting in shape, or simply improving your art. The important thing is to have fun while you progress through this experience.
Leave the ego out
Your previous experience and strength don't matter. Remember, you're a beginner. Don't obsess about always winning; the goal should be to constantly learn and improve.
Give more importance to concepts than to techniques
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is vast in its techniques. Instead of trying to memorize every step, focus on understanding the concepts and ideas behind the techniques. Don't rush; develop your style as you go.
Don't be afraid to give up
It's natural that you'll have to give up often during this phase, but it's part of the process. Remember that tapping is necessary to avoid injury. The responsibility for a technique falls on the recipient, so always do it respectfully and on your partner's body, not on the mat.
Familiarize yourself with the key positions
The core concept of BJJ is stance. Familiarize yourself with the main stances (Clinch, Guard, Turtle, Side Control, Knee to Chest, Mount, and Back), as understanding them will help you advance much more quickly in the martial art.
Learn some basic submissions and moves
Learn at least five submission holds: armbar, rear choke, and triangle are essential. Also, focus on basic moves like the scrape and throw. It's better to master a few effective moves than to try to learn too many without going in-depth.
Prioritize defense and survival
In BJJ, a white belt should focus on learning self-defense. Defense is essential to surviving in combat. Practice hip escapes and guard retention to avoid feeling vulnerable at all times.
Know the rules of BJJ
BJJ rules are closely tied to the positional hierarchy. The better your position, the more points you'll accumulate. Make sure you understand the basic rules, as they will help you both in training and competition.
Participate in competitions
Now that you have a basic understanding of the rules and positions, it's time to test your skills in a competition. Competition is an excellent opportunity to improve, set goals, and learn from experience.
Don't obsess over belts and grades
Progress in BJJ is slow. Earning a black belt can take anywhere from 8 to 12 years, so don't get frustrated if you're not progressing as quickly as you'd like. Time and dedication are key.
Be consistent in your training
Regular training is essential for progress. It's recommended to train at least two or three times a week. Consistency is the best way to ensure continued progress.
Respect the rules of behavior
Mat manners are essential. Beyond respect for the higher belts, it's a gesture of respect for the art and tradition of BJJ. Nod to the mat and your partners to show your gratitude.
Maintain good hygiene
To train, you must be clean, with your nails trimmed, and wearing appropriate clothing. Hygiene is a basic but fundamental aspect of training.
Make friends
BJJ offers a great environment for making friends. Take advantage of the opportunity to interact before and after training. The camaraderie will strengthen your experience and allow you to learn more.
Be patient
Results won't come immediately, but patience is key. There will be days when you feel like you're not making progress, but over time, everything you've learned will become meaningful. Patience and perseverance are essential.
Learn from everyone and don't compare yourself too much.
Every colleague has something to teach you, whether technical or personal. Don't constantly compare yourself to others; everyone has their own path. Focus on your own progress and learning from each experience.
Warm up and stretch
Before and after your workout, be sure to warm up and stretch properly. This will reduce your risk of injury and improve your performance in every class.
Don't hesitate to ask
Don't be afraid to ask questions. It's important to clarify your doubts to improve. Just wait until the teacher finishes explaining before intervening.
Don't fight to the limit and learn to roll
Remember that in BJJ, fights aren't to the death. It's important not to take fights to the limit; you can be competitive and fun without pushing it too far. Also, learning to "roll," or adapt the intensity of the fight to your partner's level, is a crucial skill.
Control your breathing and stress
It's normal to feel overwhelmed or stressed at first, but with practice, you'll improve your ability to control your breathing and blood pressure. Breathe efficiently to stay calm and improve your endurance.