4 Ways to Get Ready for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or BJJ is growing as one of the most popular forms of martial arts sports. It’s a powerful combat method to learn, and almost anyone of any age, shape, or size can take part.

If you’re curious about trying this sport, we’ve put together a list of the things you’ll need to get ready.

1. Get the Right Kit

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu isn’t something that you can show up to in a hoodie and a tracksuit. To get into BJJ, you need a kit that looks and feels the part. Specifically, you’ll need a Gi and a belt.

There are lots of different BJJ Gis out there to choose from, as well as several factors to consider when getting your BJJ Gi, including:

• Size
• Weight
• Use type
• Material
• Price

You may need some extra advice to find the best BJJ Gi, based on when, where, and how often you intend to use it.

2. Get Flexible

You won’t be ready to start fighting the moment you put your new kit on. First, you need to ensure that you’re flexible enough to make the right moves during BJJ combat. If you don’t do this, you either won’t be able to reach your full potential — or worse, you could succumb to injury that could leave you unable to fight for months.

An introductory yoga course can be a good way to prepare if your body hasn’t been used to intense stretching for some time. This will allow you to work out how flexible you currently are and how much you can push your body.

It’s also worth figuring out what your body type is. Once you know, you can adjust your stretching routine to suit the moves you’ll likely use in BJJ combat. 

For example, if you have long legs, you’ll be better at entanglement on your opponent, or if you have long arms, a collar grip may be the most appropriate fighting method.

3. Find a Gym

Find out where your nearest BJJ gym is by consulting a BJJ gym directory. However, each gym will operate differently. For example, some BJJ centers run trial sessions or beginner’s training programs that’ll set you on the right track without being too intense.

It’s always worth speaking to the instructor to find out more about what form BJJ takes at a particular site and whether it’s right for you. Have a chat with some of the current members to see how they’re enjoying their experience.

4. Build a Routine

OK, so you’ve got the kit, you’re flexible, and you just had your first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu session. Job done? 

Not quite. Now you need to start thinking about how you’re going to fit BJJ around your life.

Consider how regularly you want to practice jiu-jitsu:

• Is it something you want to do occasionally?
• Are you looking to develop your skills, perhaps even reach the professional level?
• Is this an activity you’d like to learn with a friend?

These considerations will impact how you plan around your BJJ routine and what you want to get out of it. You may also want to take into account whether you want to better get in shape by making regular gym visits, as well as how to adjust your diet accordingly.

Get Ready for BJJ

Aside from helping you out of a dangerous situation, learning BJJ can have some great health advantages. The emphasis on character building and self-improvement will help you build mental resilience and come in handy throughout your entire life.

 So get your Gi on, get to a club, and get fighting!