I'm about to start Jiu Jitsu classes. Any tips?- ex: where to keep my hands in certain positions?

Question

I would like any advice you could offer, but specifically about the actual Jiu jitsu. I already have a pretty good attitude.

Answer 1

Learn from your teacher.

After all... that's what you are paying him for, right?

Answer 2

good call by tao j...ive been there before...just keep your mind open and soak up all the information...ask questions about everything you dont understand...you should be fine...

yeah..and to agree with others...when i say soak it all up, or take it all in...i mean doing that without trying to overload and get everything right...it will take time...

Answer 3

Excellent answer by Tao j. Nothing I really can add except have fun on the journey friend.

Answer 4

Keep you elbows glued to your ribs if your in a bad position and be ready to tap. When you get tapped, ask what the counter is every time.

Answer 5

i would wait till the class. last thing you want to do is develop any bad habits before your classes.  especially if you get wrong advice.

best of luck!

Answer 6

do what they say when they say

Answer 7

Basically, just show up and get ready to learn.

But especially for beginners:

1) Don't try to understand everything at once. Many beginners get boggled down in details and want to get the technique "right" on the first try. It's not going to happen. Getting things "right" takes years of practice. So just start practicing and don't try to bite off more than you can chew.

2) Don't be constantly worried about whether something "works". A lot of beginners want to see a direct application for everything they learn. But much of what you do will be exercises designed to train your body. Not everything is a full technique. If your teacher is qualified, let him worry about what you need to learn to make it work. Again, refer to number 1 - Rome wasn't built in a day.

3) Don't forget to have fun. Don't take it too seriously. The brain learns better with a relaxed attitude.

Answer 8

Good luck!  Stick with it!

Answer 9

just do what he says

Answer 10

you are eager to get more info before you start ? look at

http://www.ultimatejujitsu.com/learn-juj...

http://www.ultimatejujitsu.com/learn-juj...

and it also good to look at others and try to analyze their movements, what is not easy in the beginning

Answer 11

I'm pretty sure THAT's what you'll learn in class, at least I hope! :O

Always protect your face, the nose gets hit, the eyes water, and you can't see...Good for me who is kickin' your @$$ old skool.

There is no such thing as a fair fight. LMAO!

Answer 12

From a jiu jitsu student....

Good tips that I learned when first beginning...

1. Whatever you do, resist the urge to use strength.

When you are just beginning your initial reaction will be to use strength in your arms, particularly when working off your back, or when sweeping. What newbies don't realize is that the strength comes from the entire body which is enhanced by your leverage. Which leads to the next point.

2. Angles. Pay a lot of attention to the body angles and positions in relation to your opponents. If you have the proper angle, you will have proper leverage, if you have proper leverage, you will be in a position to utilize your whole body to perform a move and thus increasing your strength. The leverage in jiujitsu is designed to disperse your power at various points on your opponents body and you will be using mostly core muslces for this.

3. Move slowly. A lot of white belts try to speed through randori and sparring because they concentrate on "winning" as opposed to learning to perform the technique. Keep in mind winning does not equate to learning. Go slowly, pay attention to your opponent's movements, and apply the techniques you learned in a slow, calculated, intelligent manner.

4. Indicators. Often times white belts try to FORCE their way into a submission or a move. This never works against someone who knows what you are trying to do. If you try to force your way into something, the other person will resist with more strength and you are now waisting energy and time. Use your opponent's movements as INDICATORS as to what moves you need to perform.

For example: instead of using your strength to force a kimura (while in the guard), wait for your opponent to hold himself up with his hand while trying to posture up, this will be the INDICATOR that the setup is ripe for a kimura.

Remember, let your opponents movements dictate what your response is.

5. Have fun. Dont get frustrated. so many white belts leave class with a bad attitude. Dont be one of them.

Answer 13

Tip #1 - don't take techinque tips from Yahoo Answers until you know enough to filter out the fools from the people who know.

Tip #2 - Wait to get trained by your instructor.  In jiu jitsu there are as many exceptions to the rule as there are rules.  There are times to create space, close space, keep hands on your opponent's chest, and put a hand on the mat...the reason for each is dependent on the situation.  It's far too complex to get from this forum - even the best answerer can't make it simple enough to put into a few hundred words.

Tip #3 -  Rather than trying to get technique before class starts, I'd focus on getting your core muscle strength up.  Do crunches, sit-ups, deadlifts, etc to get your lower back, abs, and glutes in good shape - you'll be able to focus on technique in class if your muscles are able to keep up with your mind.

Right now...that good attitude you have and some hard work will do the most for you! Good luck.

Answer 14

always stay relaxed i cant stress this enough espescially when first starting out...breathe properly....and of course if it hurts TAP no shame in tapping out during practice plus most guys if you dont tap they will put it harder tap if it hurts it will save injuries....being relaxed only use the muscles you need for that move it will keep you going longer and less possibility of injury