First BJJ class is tonight!

[JFG]

Alright I watched a class and liked what I saw. It's also convenient as I finish up boxing, walk across the hall, get changed and bjj starts.

For my first class at the end when it is time to scrimage/spar... since I know no techniques yet, am I basically just trying to stall the submission? Keep him in a tight guard etc?

Any other tips on how to go about the first class would be appreciated.

[danfaggella]

You know a bit abot grappling, but just do as they say, if they want to show you a few moves/reversals than let you roll, so be it, who knows. If you do roll, and you may, try to work some submissions and fight for a better possition, don't get used to laying in gaurd, even as a newbie.

GOOD LUCK!

[Big Kahuna]

I agree with Dan. Also, I've been training for about 1/2 a year, so I am not a beginner per say... Having said that, I was a wrestler and started BJJ with the assumption that I would get throttled in the first class. Well, I kind of did, but I wasn't going out as a "tapper"... I did get tapped and you will, but the key is to make them work for it.

I tend to get the "break in the new guy" roll in class since I am a junior member. For the most part, it is a cock-diesel strong 18-20 yr old that thinks strength will get them by. First thing I tell them is to relax and don't think that strength is the key. Inevitably they do anyway, so I use it against them - quick tap. The ones I have problems with are the ones who recognize the positioning and space is the key - ex-wrestlers for the most part. So, suck up all the empty space and try to maintain some sort of control.

[mixwell]

Since you are new I think the best thing and the most you will work on regardless if you want to or not will be defense. At least when I first started, all I did was defend because I didn't know any subs. Also the guys I rolled with were experienced so the knew what they were going for. Now that I have a lot better defense, I work on submissions.. Also I don't see anything wrong with playing guard, but you should know submissions or at least a couple of sweeps so it might not be good when your first starting out. I think the best thing for you right now is learning some guard passes and proper posture because when i first started, I was always in the guard and got tapped a lot from there.. So how did you like the class?? fun huh ???

peace

[Hardball]

Alright I watched a class and liked what I saw. It's also convenient as I finish up boxing, walk across the hall, get changed and bjj starts.

For my first class at the end when it is time to scrimage/spar... since I know no techniques yet, am I basically just trying to stall the submission? Keep him in a tight guard etc?

Any other tips on how to go about the first class would be appreciated.

Be Humble and don't run your mouth. Two good rules for any Dojo.

[LoneHusky]

Be Humble and don't run your mouth. Two good rules for any Dojo.

Unless of course you're Muhammad Ali.

[aseepish]

For your first five or six classes, try to partner up with someone who is a purple or blue belt. Sparring against a white belt will be hard, because they are used to being in inferior positions and tapping all the time. They'll probably go all out, in an effort to be dominant for once. As for the more advanced guys, they will quickly recognize that you're a beginner, and let you experience different positions without trying to pretzel you. In sparring relax, and give the other guy a "good game", but after you tap, ask some questions: "How do I escape from that position?" is a good one.

The first few months of sparring are crucial because this is when you learn through your mistakes. You quickly learn where your arms and neck are exposed, and when they are safe. You learn a lot about position and base. It's tough, but this is the way you get skilled.

[Hardball]

Unless of course you're Muhammad Ali.

There will only be 1 Ali. Only he can get away with that. LOL I've seen guys come to a new and strange dojo and start running their mouths and challenging people only to get pile drived right through the floor when they least expected it. LOL

[aseepish]

I've posted this link before, but it's got some very good information for people who are new to BJJ.

http://www.grapplearts.com/Starting-BJJ-Classes.htm