BJJ beginner

SmileyPSU · 12-03-2006, 10:26 PM

Hey everyone, I was hoping to get some advice about starting out in BJJ. I just found these forums today, and I'll dig through the archives looking for answers to my questions, but I figure asking for some help can't hurt. I'm interested in taking BJJ classes, which I plan to begin in January. Unfortunately, I'm not in very good shape at present, so I was hoping the experts here would be able to help me remedy this.

I'm 25 years old, 5'6, and 165 lbs. I should be weighing in around the neighborhood of 140-145 lbs, but too much beer/cheesesteaks and too little (or absolutely no) gym time has destroyed that for the moment. I have exercise-induced asthma which makes running a pretty awful experience, but I was on the track team in HS so it's not crippling or anything of that nature.

What I'm looking for is a basic program that will help me get into shape and not have me embarass myself when I begin training BJJ. I want to start by doing some work on the stationary bike for a week or two before going running and lifting on a regular basis, and I am looking for a basic training program to follow. Would anyone be willing/able to help me put something like this together? Any help's much appreciated.

Gary Peters · 12-04-2006, 10:25 AM

BJJ is a whole new workout in itself. The only way to condition for it, is to roll (spar) in class. We have new guys come in from the military in great shape who get gased. The hardest part will be the first couple months until your body gets used to the punishment. Work on your diet mostly, the cardio will come with time. There isn't an easy fix.

Also, if you start fight through it. You will be discouraged in the beginning. There are two kinds of people though, the quiters and the ones with enough heart to follow through.

JIU-BOX-FU · 12-04-2006, 11:02 AM

well in my class, there is plenty of warming up and stretching, about a third of our time is dedicated to conditioning and strecthing, BJJ is plenty of work out by itself, when i started 4 years ago i was 5'5 170 lbs, now after years and grownin some, 5' 9" 160 lbs. is great, i recomend goin 2 days a week at start, when you get use to the warmups and stretchin, and of course rolling, move on to 3 days, thats what i do and i got a blue belt in 4 years, i dont know if by your standards thats slow or fast, but i failed my first blue test, and waited a year to take it again

you will get in shape, maybe not phsically at first, but in time BJJ+ weights will put you in great shape, good luck, and by the way, whats the name of the academy your going to train at?

sucuri · 12-04-2006, 11:17 AM

Take your time. Learn as much as you can. I love this sport.

SmileyPSU · 12-04-2006, 12:39 PM

Thanks for the information, everyone. I wasn't looking for a quick fix, but mostly just wondering if I need to attain a certain level of fitness before taking this on. I know it's going to be difficult and I'm going to spend many classes getting tossed around before getting the hang of everything, but I'm a scrappy dude and not worried in the least about quitting. I'm really excited about taking this on.

As for where I will be taking classes, I haven't decided yet. I'm going to spend January checking out various schools in my area to see how they structure their classes, and make my decision towards the end of the month. I'm sure it would be easier to make a decision if I knew where I wanted this whole thing to go (ie just a hobby, or to compete sometime down the road) but I'll definately put in my due dilligence before making a decision.

Again, thanks for the help and guidance. Really looking forward to getting started with this.

qsnoopy74 · 12-04-2006, 11:40 PM

u don't need to be in shape but hitting the treadmill for 20-30 min every 2 days will help u drop some weight and make u feel better but like Honra said bjj is a whole new type of workout and the only way to get used to it is to roll as much as you can. It took me a couple months to get used to it,in fact the first couple of classes i thought i was gonna die and i was in good shape.go slow and stick with it and in know time you'll get the hang of it

Brandinho · 12-05-2006, 11:07 AM

Honestly, just go to class and listen to your body. Working out to get in shape to work out doesn't make much sense to me. Your classes will run according to a training regime like some other posters stated. Follow that.

IrishJudoka87 · 12-05-2006, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmileyPSU

Hey everyone, I was hoping to get some advice about starting out in BJJ. I just found these forums today, and I'll dig through the archives looking for answers to my questions, but I figure asking for some help can't hurt. I'm interested in taking BJJ classes, which I plan to begin in January. Unfortunately, I'm not in very good shape at present, so I was hoping the experts here would be able to help me remedy this.

I'm 25 years old, 5'6, and 165 lbs. I should be weighing in around the neighborhood of 140-145 lbs, but too much beer/cheesesteaks and too little (or absolutely no) gym time has destroyed that for the moment. I have exercise-induced asthma which makes running a pretty awful experience, but I was on the track team in HS so it's not crippling or anything of that nature.

What I'm looking for is a basic program that will help me get into shape and not have me embarass myself when I begin training BJJ. I want to start by doing some work on the stationary bike for a week or two before going running and lifting on a regular basis, and I am looking for a basic training program to follow. Would anyone be willing/able to help me put something like this together? Any help's much appreciated.

You'll be amazed at the changes in your body/fitness level once you start rolling...in the meantime before you start training I'd say do 3 mile runs aiming to get as quick a time as you can and do plyometric exercises such as varitations of push ups,squats,lunges etc.

The Technical · 12-05-2006, 08:07 PM

Try to focus on calisthenics, as the whole gripping/pushing/pulling will require a lot of muscle endurance.

FIGHTING TALK · 12-06-2006, 09:24 AM

You're not going to embarrass yourself, BJJ shouldnt be like that. You are going to gas badly though the first few times you roll. As someone else has said, BJJ is a different kind of workout in itself.
Before long though your cardio will magnificently improve and you will learn to relax a little more so you arent exerting your energy as you might do in a no-skill street brawl kind of way. You follow??

When guys first hit the mat they seem to go hell for leather for 3 minutes then just collapse. Which is great and is what I did first. Then when you start learning you gain confidence in your ability and use your hips to save that important energy and generally just relax when you roll. The difference is quite amusing.