Any tips for a beginner...

[Americana]

From the bjj schools I'm aware of, I believe you will find that there is very little attention given to training beginners. Short of privates, about the best you can hope for is that the instructor recognizes that you're new and assigns someone to do basics. This won't last very long.

I don't know if your school has them, but try to take off peak classes. Everyone and their dogs show up at the peak classes, i.e., 6:30 p.m. weekdays. It can be pandomonium and the instructors really don't know who's doing what. Off peak classes are smaller and, generally, very beginner friendly.

Another alternative is to take private lessons. It's expensive. But you will get to know the instructor. In fact if you're a consistent enough customer, many instructors will start to look out for you. You can get a little bit of the star treatment. Instructors who teach bjj for a living do not want their consistent private customers to be injured in training. Although, they can sometimes be a little too protective.

[SweepEm]

with comments like the beginners get eaten up by the other guys sparring or that you get ignored when you're a beginner.......

I would have to ask:
Where are these schools?

These are the ones to avoid at all costs.

I've trained with many Black belts and all were very conscienscious of beginners and who they trained with and also the attention and instruction they got.

Now this is bad business to neglect anyone, whether they are a beginner or a seasoned pro.
Well, maybe if you're there for free........
But still.
When you pay your hard earned money, you should expect certain minimums when it comes to training, at least I would.
Otherwise, just stand along the side and watch.

Getting back to the original question, cardio is the most important key to being a good athlete in any sport.
Many have already pointed out this and other areas.

Bottom line, have fun.

[Hookah Smokin Caterpillar]

At my school, we usually do the stretches before class with the instructor so he'll tell you what you need to do to stretch based on his beliefs. Also, don't muscle your way out. At first this will be hard to avoid, but you'll learn better that way and you won't piss off your training partner. Don't let them push you around, but also don't fight like its the end of the world. Who are you going to train under?

[buhbuhbuhbuh]

I will be training under Dave Terry at the Brazillian Jiu Jitsu Academy in Sacramento. He is an affiliate of Rickson Gracie. Any thoughts on this instructor or Rickson schools in general?

Thanks AGAIN!