As a Jiu Jitsu Beginner you will no doubt be interested to know what takes place in a standard BJJ class. From my experience this normally comprises of a warm up, learning a technique(s) and then drilling what you have learned.
Warm up
The warm up session normally involves, among other excercises, “shrimping”. This is a fundamental movement which is applicable to many situations so it is encouraged for both the jiu jitsu beginner and those more experienced. It involves lying on your back and pushing your body backwards with one foot flat on the mat and the other straight, ending on your side in a “L” shape. Click here for demo. This motion is great for escaping positions off your back. The warm up session may also involve guard retention drills, backwards rolls and even cartwheels all intended to prevent injury during training and reinforce fundamental jiu jitsu techniques. For some warm up techniques you will need a partner so if you’re on your own this is a good time to find someone to train with for the session. It is ideal to find someone who is also a jiu jitsu beginner though to be paired with someone more experienced is also good as they will no doubt give you some knowledge about techniques.
Learning a technique
After the warm up period your jiu jitsu instructor will demonstrate a technique to the class (normally with an experienced member of the class rather than a jiu jitsu beginner). A good teacher will break down the technique slowly, going over it 4 or 5 times increasing in pace and fluidity. For a jiu jitsu beginner it can be very difficult to pick up on every element of a technique so I’d advice you pay close attention. If you feel you’ve missed part of it you can discuss with your partner and/or ask your instructor to go over the technique to you personally. The instructor will often wander around the room giving advice to anyone they see having problems. Typically you will learn a basic version of a technique followed by variations on it.
Drilling
Near the end of the class the instructor my opt for you to begin drilling the technique. This involves attempting to use the learned technique on your partner while they try to resist your attack. If you are unable to achieve the technique your partner should apply less resistance and if you are able to achieve the technique regularly your partner should resist more. This proves that the technique works and may highlight any elements of the technique you have overlooked.
At the end of the class the instructor may recap on what you have learned.
If you’d like to learn some techniques from Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt Keith Owen click the link below.
