by Mike
Flipper's series on Beginning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu got some more interesting comments.
This time we got a question that asked:
The short version goes something like this:
The conditioning will be similar but not the same. BJJ can be fast or slow, technique or strength (but hopefully more technique than strength!), etc. Especially in a gi game, you'll need to temper the all-out explosiveness for a more patient gripping game (where you can expect to roll for 1/2 hour rather than 3 two-minute periods). Just remember to be patient and take advantage of openings when they present themselves and you'll be well on your way to getting through the first couple classes without gassing.
But keep in mind that gis get very hot very fast, be prepared to deal with this aspect of things.
To be sure, conditioning will turn out to be the least of your worries as a new student. You'll pick it up as you go along, just like all the other tips and techniques that find out any time you start studying something new. I've found that the thing people have the hardest time with after starting BJJ is not boring their friends by talking about nothing else.
As for the transition, one of the wonderful things about BJJ is the variety of styles that can work within it - there's a 'big guy' game a 'little guy' game, an 'athletic' game, an 'acrobatic' game and so on. You'll be able to build a game that fits you and what you do best. If you're a better wrestler than your classmates, you'll probably develop a much stronger top game than they have. Nothing wrong with that as long as you remember to train the other parts of the art as well.
Most likely, the biggest difference will be that being on your back is not necessarily a bad thing in BJJ. New wrestlers often go to great lengths to not go to their back and end up in bad positions because of it.
But you'll figure that out soon enough. Good luck and have fun!
Anyone got any other comments for our friend?
2 comments:
Thanks for answering my question. This article helped a lot. I'm excited to start my first class. :D
If you liked wrestling you are going to love BJJ. And the fact that you are 15 is awesome and makes those of us older very jealous. I am only 28 and started at 26 but wish I started at 16. By the time you are my age you will be dominating 99% of the people out there if you stick with it. Also, you could go back into wrestling as many of the kids at my bjj school wrestle in a top state program and do BJJ in the offseason. Good luck and remember to tap. Tapping out means you can train tomorrow.
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