what can i expect for a first timer going to a trial class?

[Nocturnal]

im gonna try this gracie school in hawaii. im a first timer. i took karate in the past, but that was a while ago. what can i expect when i go to the first class? im over weight a little so should i expect a harsh work out where i might quit during the middle of the session or what? any and all help is appreciated.

[Angel_of_Pain]

Expect to learn thats all go see the guy who will teach you and explain him your situation and everything will go fine...

[SweepEm]

Each school is different in their curriculum.

When I was at Torrance years ago, it was a solid hour of techniques and training. No warm ups or cardio.

Since that time, I've been to two other schools and warm up, stretching and cardio was included.

I assume, this may not be correct, but if you're overweight, your cardio may be lacking. If I were you, I would try to build up your cardio before you attend this class since that will help and add to your enjoyment of the class. If this school does some excersises in the beginning, you may be huffing and puffing to get oxygen and not concentrate on the techniques being taught.

Our school usually has stretching and cardio warm ups, then some techniques and then sparring. But sometimes it totally changes. It's never the same, which keeps training from being a routine or a rut.

To enjoy Jiu Jitsu or any other martial art or sport, you first need a solid base of conditioning to start off. There are many ways to build this up. If you have been sedentary for a while, start to walk a lot and go from there to running or maybe a tread mill or bicycle.

If I were you, I'd go to this class, watch and see if you can hang with what they do. Also talk to the instructor about your present conditioning and any concerns you have.

[Nocturnal]

ok, what i want is to gain confidence in myself and some self esteem back. all my life ive been scared to fight people. like i can talk the talk, but when its time to get down, i get really scared sometimes. but i mean ive fought many fights, but im still scared, and i really want to learn self defense. im hoping to go in there and gain confidence in my fighting, a little more self esteem, and a little more patients, and whatever else martial arts or bjj can teach me.

[Szczepankiewicz]

First rule of self defense is to keep your mouth shut. You wanna talk the talk and walk the walk? Sounds like you want to be able to dominate others around you. Talking smack with people and then backing it up is not self defense.

First level of SD is communication, talking your way out of a situation, or not putting yourself in the situation to begin with.

Now, if you wanna learn BJJ to beat people up, that's a different story. But if you are fooling yourself from the beginning, you are in for a rude awakening.

Before you even start, I suggest you figure out what you want from your training. If it's to beat people up, or defend yourself, or compete, all of that is up to you. But there are huge differences in how you will train for each of these.

Good luck and Good training.

SZ

[Nocturnal]

like i said, this was before. i didnt say its now. ive grown up quite a bit, but i would like to gain some confidence in myself, and get into shape. im not going to try and learn bjj to beat people up. i know the consequences of doing this, and it could possibly land me in jail. i dont want to go in that direction. maybe competing, or just self defense. i just wanna gain some confidence that if some **** tries to talk shit to me and i walk away, then i can handle my own. instead of ****ing walking away and then getting my ass beat down. you honestly dont know me just by a few posts on a msg board. you dont know my life story, or what ive been through. and let me tell you, ive been through some ****ed up shit. anyways thats besides the point. i just came here for some advice from people who already train. again like i said, i want to gain confidence in myself that i can handle my own, i want to get into shape, be fit, so that i dont get diabetes or some other shit by just eating sleeping and shitting. thanks for your advice.