Fitness.
I would like to join the BJJ classes but I'm not fit enough. I'm going to start with some fitness or running first, then I'll come join soon! Probably every Jiu-Jitsu instructor has heard this from a beginner.
Clever or brilliant? (example)
I want to learn French but I don't know a word of French!
Instructor : Of course, you are more than welcome! We will guide you through it.
Beginner: But I first need to learn some French, then I'll get back to you!
Sounds a bit strange, don't you think? That's what we thought too.
The truth.
You absolutely don't have to be fit to start Jiu-Jitsu. You can be incredibly fit from soccer, CrossFit, kickboxing, boxing, bootcamp, you name it, and still get tired from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
How is that possible?
It has to do with the efficiency of your techniques. Someone who has been practicing Jiu-Jitsu for ten years and can easily participate in a 2-hour class will not be able to participate in a 2-hour soccer training session with the same ease without walking off the field panting. This also has to do with technique, think of running technique, dribbling a ball, and so on.
Logic
You become efficient and good at what you practice. A fairly simple principle that I think we all understand. The same goes for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. George Carlin long ago interviewed the world-famous cellist Pablo Casals at the age of 93. The question was why he was still practicing the cello for three hours every day at the age of 93. His brilliant answer. “I’m beginning to show some improvement.” I think I’d better get to work.
The journey.
We all have to start somewhere, so begin your BJJ journey regardless of your age, fitness, or any physical limitations. For inspiration, read the story of Kyle Maynard, a boy who was born as an amputee and sees Jiu-Jitsu as therapy. Furthermore, he also climbed Kilimanjaro without aids (Wow).
What should I do now.
Sign up for a trial class and we will guide you through it!
This article was originally published in Dutch. Read the Dutch original.
