The Brazilian jiu jitsu (BJJ) scene in the Philippines is rapidly growing, capturing the interest of both children and adults alike. One of the biggest reasons why people are drawn to this martial art is that it doesn’t merely teach practitioners any striking techniques. Instead, BJJ teaches how to neutralize opponents by using a variety of takedowns, grapples, joint locks, and submission, regardless of a person’s height or weight. As such, practitioners are empowered to believe in themselves and take control of any situation in the most efficient way possible.
Because of the uniqueness of BJJ, joining a Brazilian jiu jitsu Philippines class can be productive and a lot of fun. However, aspiring practitioners should also understand that perfecting the art of BJJ takes time. After all, mastering a new skill, whether it’s a martial art form or a musical instrument, doesn’t happen overnight. Fortunately, Lucas Lepri Philippines—the first-ever BJJ academy that’s an affiliate of multiple-time world champion and jiu jitsu black belt, Professor Lucas Lepri—has shared some tips on how beginners, such as yourself, can greatly enhance your BJJ skills and still have fun.
Be Open to the Learning Experience
Being open to learning makes you more receptive to your training sessions. You’ll feel a sense of humility when your instructors and training partners impart their BJJ knowledge to you, inspiring you to do better each time you enter the academy. Having an open mind also allows you to be more flexible, so you can adapt and develop a style that suits your strengths and preferences without feeling hindered. When you come to your BJJ class with a positive attitude, you get to build confidence and enjoy showcasing your self-expression on the mats.
Stick to Your Training Schedule
As mentioned earlier, mastering the art of Brazilian jiu jitsu doesn’t happen overnight. To get good in this combat sport, you’re required to train consistently. You should also expect to make a lot of mistakes in the beginning. Practicing regularly and learning from your mistakes helps reinforce techniques, build muscle memory, and improve your overall performance. The routine of attending your classes also fosters discipline and a sense of commitment to the art. Moreover, it gives you the opportunity to see your progress and be proud of how much you’ve improved.
Focus on Fundamentals
As a beginner, you’ll be practicing the fundamentals of jiu jitsu several times over. Although it can get tiring performing the same moves repeatedly, keep in mind that perfecting the fundamentals plays a vital role in advancing in BJJ. Focusing on the fundamentals of Brazilian jiu jitsu gives you a solid foundation for more advanced moves.
Through repetition, you also get a better understanding of how to execute the basic movements and positions. This helps prepare you for the more advanced techniques later on. Moreover, as you become more proficient in BJJ’s core concepts, it’ll be easier for you to expand your repertoire of techniques as you progress in your training.
Focus on Defense
Apart from the fundamentals, you should also focus on improving your defense training. Learning effective defensive techniques will teach you how to protect yourself during sparring, making you feel more secure and confident to explore other positions and submissions. Enhancing your defense techniques also ensures that you can stay calm under pressure, making you more resilient and confident in your skills.
Spar with Different Partners
Although the majority of your lessons will be conducted by your Brazilian jiu jitsu professors, your fellow BJJ practitioners can also teach you more about this martial art. When you spar with other students, you’re exposed to the diverse styles of BJJ. This experience lets you try out various techniques and develop a style that allows you to adapt to diverse body types and strategies. Facing different opponents also challenges you to think on your feet and improve your problem-solving abilities. This way, you can apply what you’ve learned when handling real-life self-defense scenarios.
Learn to Breathe and Relax
BJJ can be physically and mentally demanding, especially for beginners. That’s why it’s important to control your breathing so that you can remain relaxed during training. This will also help you conserve your energy, enhance your focus, and reduce your anxiety. Cultivating a calm and composed demeanor, especially when training, will allow you to think more clearly and make better decisions when you’re sparring.
Be Patient with Your Progress
Improvement in BJJ takes time, and beginners should practice patience. Celebrating small victories and staying committed to your training, even during plateaus, will ultimately lead to more significant advancements in your skills and overall confidence in the sport. By maintaining a patient approach, you can avoid feeling frustrated and enjoy the journey of continuous learning and growth that Brazilian jiu jitsu offers.
With so many techniques to learn and training to attend, getting into BJJ can feel daunting. But thanks to these tips provided by Lucas Lepri Philippines, you can enjoy the learning experience, develop your skills, and advance to a higher level at your own pace.
