Starting BJJ

[kebam]

nybjj,

type 2 diabetic is why I started trying to get in to shape in the first place, if I had found this place earlier I wouldn't be in this boat. I have a 6 and a 3 year old that are good for motivation also.
Because we are close in age, how long did it take for you to start putting it together? After 3 weeks my pacing is better but I still am having trouble putting together moves (seeing and doing are to different things, where did my muscle memory go?). I am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel as far as how different positions tie into each other.

kebam

kebam

[NYBJJ]

No big deal... Just check them all out and see which one you feel would fit you best. I came to this site and a few other sites and asked lots of questions before choosing a gym. I have never wrestled or had any other formal training (with the exception of Karate when I was 19 for 6 mon). The one response I recieved from each of my posts at the different sites was related to getting to the gym early and seeing how the people there get along and what kind of enviornment it is...

Most people felt this was one of the most important aspects of choosing a school.

Having Matt Serra as an intructor (not usually for me, I dont often train when he teaches, I train with his brother and one of their other instructors) is very cool. But the people you will be rolling with are gonna be the ones who really help you learn and progress.

[jaymackz]

Argh....you're so lucky you get to train at such a good gym...I live in Canada (laugh all you want LOL) but yah..i train at Perfection Kickboxing Academy but i might either train at Revolution Martial Arts where "Kalib Starnes" who was a fighter on TUF3 (The Ultimate Fighter 3) on TV ....he lost but yah that gyms alright...or i might train at this other gym which is closer to my house. I'd give you the sites of the gyms but i dunno if thats allowed in this forum....

[NYBJJ]

You will do fine in BJJ... It is a lot of fun. Be smart when training and don't push too hard. Remember to stretch before and after, that alone will help a ton. You will gain some confidence over time especially doing this. You will be up close and personal with people, it should help you.

I'm in the same boat as Kebam, I am 36 and just started BJJ 5 months ago. I have been lazy as hell and loving it! I'm married (eating good!, bad food but it is sooo good!) and have a one year old son. I work full time and take college courses online. I have little to no time, but my little guy is my inspiration... he has so much energy and I want to be able to keep up and be active as he grows up. I'm too lazy to go to a formal gym and lift weights or get on a bike/run... I like this because it is all those things plus you learn something.

Where are you from and where will you be training?

I'm in NY, on Long Island. I train at Serra Jiu Jitsu... One of the best things about the school and something you should look for in a school is how the other student communicate and get along. The atmosphere where I go is very relaxed and people are extremely friendly. It makes the wholo experience much better and you wont be worried one bit when you start meeting the people, and getting to know them.

Rich

[jaymackz]

jay,
life got in the way, work, kids, etc. I've always been interested in grappling but didn't have any way to get into it. I have watched mma since ufc 1 and have always had an interest in bjj. I was driving by a strip mall and saw a studio, the price was right and here I am. I'm 6'1, 235 and my teacher is 140 lbs. We have another black belt that is my size and he has never got the best of the smaller man, so how is that for a shot of confidence. bjj is all leverage. Cardio is a big deal because I just don't recover (age). I would like to go to three classes a week but at this point my body won't take it. You should have no problem. It is very physical so be ready for that.
Don't be afraid of new things. The worse that can happen is that you won't like it.

yah..i understand that theres other things besides martial arts....i'll probably like BJJ....im nervous/excited at the same time ahah but i guess you're right i shouldnt be afraid to try new things...lol...

[kebam]

jay,
life got in the way, work, kids, etc. I've always been interested in grappling but didn't have any way to get into it. I have watched mma since ufc 1 and have always had an interest in bjj. I was driving by a strip mall and saw a studio, the price was right and here I am. I'm 6'1, 235 and my teacher is 140 lbs. We have another black belt that is my size and he has never got the best of the smaller man, so how is that for a shot of confidence. bjj is all leverage. Cardio is a big deal because I just don't recover (age). I would like to go to three classes a week but at this point my body won't take it. You should have no problem. It is very physical so be ready for that.
Don't be afraid of new things. The worse that can happen is that you won't like it.

[jaymackz]

In any sport where you ahve alot of leg movement you should wear at least a jock. Your testes hang by a cord in your sack and when you twist, jump, run whatever they can twist into a knot. I have been taking classes for three weeks and you do get bruises and burns. I even went to wearing socks and just purchased knee pads. I'm 38 and in bad cardio, my muscle memory has been slow coming back (didn't do anything for 15-20 years). I'm the guy that has to see it a bunch of times before I can do a move but everyone is patient. I would go for it, the cardio carry over will benifit your other disciplines. but then again I'm already pronouncing my "r"s as "h"s

kebam

damn.....15-20 years....without doing any activity?? i'd wouldnt even have the motivation to even take BJJ or w/e the hell it is you're doing..what made you say "you know what, i think ill take BJJ class" lmao....and im planning on buying a jock/cup for sure...i just hope it wont feel uncomfortable...i really reallllly want that shock doctor looks comfy as hell....ahhaha as for cardio....i'm fine with it...im still in highschool and i dont do any sports...other than boxing/kickboxing and i do a lot of running/swimming and HIIT...so im fit enough for BJJ (i hope)......im really nervous when it comes to new things.......and i have no confidence in myself whatsoever in anything i do....i need motivation...badly lol

[kebam]

In any sport where you ahve alot of leg movement you should wear at least a jock. Your testes hang by a cord in your sack and when you twist, jump, run whatever they can twist into a knot. I have been taking classes for three weeks and you do get bruises and burns. I even went to wearing socks and just purchased knee pads. I'm 38 and in bad cardio, my muscle memory has been slow coming back (didn't do anything for 15-20 years). I'm the guy that has to see it a bunch of times before I can do a move but everyone is patient. I would go for it, the cardio carry over will benifit your other disciplines. but then again I'm already pronouncing my "r"s as "h"s

kebam

[aseepish]

That's a good point

I'm glad I can train judo at my university club for $30 a month (for five hours a week of instruction).

[jaymackz]

I personally don't wear a cup when training - It's personal preference.

Most clubs will let you try a class for free - My advice would be to take advantage of that as soon as possible. You might enjoy it, you might hate it. If you start in January and end up enjoying it, you'll wish you could have had those four extra months of training!

true.....but when i come to the poitn where im about to decide..theres always the thought of "income"...im paying $85 for boxing/kickboxing and if I add the $100+ it'll come to 185...........lmao...thats why i have a hard time deciding...plus i have to buy the damn GI......and theres always the starting extra fee which is like 45 bucks..lol

[aseepish]

I personally don't wear a cup when training - It's personal preference.

Most clubs will let you try a class for free - My advice would be to take advantage of that as soon as possible. You might enjoy it, you might hate it. If you start in January and end up enjoying it, you'll wish you could have had those four extra months of training!

[jaymackz]

^ i see thanks for all the advice..i'll def buy this "shockdoctor" when the time comes..lol i aint too worried about bruises/getting twisted up lol...ill definately try not to be the tough guy because thats one way i'd get into peoples nerves... well since im trying to gain weight..maybe ill take BJJ once im done bulking up and maybe doing BJJ is a great way for my cutting phase! i cant wait ..but most likely ill start BJJ probably In january or in spring time....(i know its along ways from now) ..im still thinkin though

[NYBJJ]

*shivers*....hmmm ill definately invest my $ into buying a shock doctor along with some compression shorts...i have no clue where to buy these....but ill find it some how hahah

ohhh sorry, the Shock Doctor I purchased direct from the manufacturer at their website.

http://www.shockdoctor.com

I honestly never looked anywhere else... so I can't really help you there. Maybe try a google search on "Shockdoctor".

My opinion on BJJ... it's a great thing. I have lost ten pounds in the past 5 months I have been traiing (I am very new). I have gotten stronger and feel much healthier. I don't get as tired as I used to when I roll... all in all it is helping me. Plus I am learning something. On the negative side... you get bruised up and twisted in ways you shouldn't. Dont be a tough guy and not tap... don't fight submissions while you are very new... you only hurt yourself... I learned this the hardway also.

Well good luck to you!

Rich

[jaymackz]

I had purchased a cup originally from Target (I think a bike) and every time I squeezed my own legs together it would dig in, stretching alone was hard with it. The shock doctor has rubber edges, so when you squeeze your legs together it flexes inward and doesn't hurt.

As for getting kicked... not likely, but when you have someone in your halfguard and they are trying to pass, their knee is right there. When you go for an armbar, there arm is in your crotch. There are countless possibilities... I found out the hardway. I let it happen twice, and figured that was enough.

*shivers*....hmmm ill definately invest my $ into buying a shock doctor along with some compression shorts...i have no clue where to buy these....but ill find it some how hahah

[NYBJJ]

why do you get kicked a lot in the naughty bits when you practice BJJ? lol ..also at what retail store may i buy cups from? walmart???

I had purchased a cup originally from Target (I think a bike) and every time I squeezed my own legs together it would dig in, stretching alone was hard with it. The shock doctor has rubber edges, so when you squeeze your legs together it flexes inward and doesn't hurt.

As for getting kicked... not likely, but when you have someone in your halfguard and they are trying to pass, their knee is right there. When you go for an armbar, there arm is in your crotch. There are countless possibilities... I found out the hardway. I let it happen twice, and figured that was enough.