The Day you realize sh*t just got real: A white belt’s (noob) guide into the world of the gentle art

Our minds have been curious bastards since the dawn of man. The day Eve gave Adam a taste of the forbidden fruit was the beginning of our mind’s unending desire to see the world and discover its mysteries. Little did we know that wearing a hard cotton weaved kimono with rubberized collars partnered by 8-loop drawstring pants pieced together by a piece of woven (colored) cloth - which we shall call a belt, could have such a great impact on our minds, bodies and souls.

You have chosen your academy (gym, dojo, Mc Dojo, sanctuary, happy place, etc.)

You’ve signed up and paid your fees

Bought your Gi

Watched documentaries and “bjj basics” on youtube

And now at about two weeks into training

You slowly realize that sh*t just got real

This turning point happens to most, if not, all white belts. This is the determinant as to whether you decide if this is for you or its time to do something else (make sure it’s not something boring).

There are many reasons, excuses, half-hearted decisions that would make you take the easy way out and just quit – and if you do, chances are you’re an idiot.

But if you do decide to continue with this journey, let me remind you of certain things, so that you will remind yourself later on:

White Belt is the sponge level of any martial art. absorb all that you can.

NOBODY gets it the first time

ALL black belts, world champions, even your instructor didn't get it the first time. Their first upa-shrimp out transition probably looked as shitty as yours. Getting on their knees was a pretty unusual move, and the whole north-south position was awkward to look at unless you are at the privacy of your room. But that doesn't mean you can’t and won’t get better through time. Repetition is the key. Patience is your greatest ally in mastering the basics.

Be PATIENT

Remember the last line of the first reminder – keep that in your head. Doing reps over and over can tend to be dragging, borderline boring. It’s no fun. But WE ALL HAVE TO DO IT. There is no other secret way to learning techniques and making it your own if we don’t make an effort to ingrain it in our muscle memory and make it part of our jiu-jitsu identity.

the Closed Guard is the commonly used position from the bottom

YOU WILL GET SMASHED, SUBMITTED, OBLITERATED as a white belt

This is a reality. This will happen. So many times that you will ask yourself at a certain point “What the f*ck am I doing here?”

Keep in mind that there is always someone out there who is better, stronger, and more technical than you. This does not mean you’re not good. It simply means that your training partner(s) exposed the things you have to work on so that you will get better .Wise men have said that “There is no losing in jiujitsu. You either win or you learn.”

Aggressiveness is an ally during tournaments but should be toned down while doing reps

Want to learn the Berimbolo? Lasso in X-guard? Inverted gogoplata with knee bar? Transition from reverse dela riva to the inverted rubber guard? Cool!

In order for you to learn the new techniques, you must first learn the basic guard structures they originated from. Learn the concepts. Learn the basic sweeps. Make them your own. When you can pull them off comfortably is the proper time to transition into the more fancy ones. The common mistake white belts have now are their weak foundations. They are so engrossed with what’s new out there that knowing the berimbolo is more important than a scissor sweep.

Make techniques your own and branch out from there

This takes time. Enjoy the ride.

The first rule (hopefully) of BJJ is to have fun doing it. It’s an outlet. It’s a way of making new friends and learning a valuable martial art that can be beneficial as a sport and as a form of self – defense.

BJJ IS ADDICTING – prepare yourself for the lifestyle change

It’s true. Learning techniques, sparring, flying fist bumps all over, smiling, laughing, eating as a team after training, playing pranks on each other, cutting weight together for tournaments, and all other “team bonding” activities that will have a positive effect on your life will happen. You will soon realize that you eat cleaner, you have a happier disposition in life. Getting mad is a tasking thing to do. Instead, take your energy on the mats and have a good roll.