Okay, so I started trying this BJJ thing. You know, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. I saw some videos online and thought, “Why not?” I’m not getting any younger, and it looked like a good way to stay in shape and learn some self-defense. Plus, I heard it’s pretty safe compared to other martial arts where you get punched in the face. I mean, I’m not about that life.
So, I found this gym near me and signed up for a trial class. First thing I did was buy a gi – you know, the uniform they wear. Felt kind of official, like I was really doing this. I walked into the class, and there were people of all ages and sizes. Some looked like they could be on the cover of a fitness magazine, others looked more like me – just regular folks. It was cool to see that.
The instructor, a big dude with a black belt, started us off with some warm-ups. Lots of stretching, some light jogging, and some basic movements like shrimping. I tried to follow along, feeling a bit clumsy, but hey, I was there to learn. After the warm-up, we got into the technique for the day. It was some kind of armbar from the guard position. The instructor showed us the steps, and then we paired up to practice. My partner was a patient guy with a blue belt. I fumbled around, trying to remember the steps, but he was helpful, correcting my grip and showing me how to position my legs.
- First Day: Mostly warm-ups and learning a basic armbar. Felt clumsy but learned a lot.
- First Week: Tried a few more techniques, like a triangle choke and some sweeps. Started getting the hang of it, but still felt like a beginner.
- After a Month: Started rolling, which is basically sparring. Got tapped out a lot, but it was fun and a great workout. My body ached in places I didn’t know existed, but in a good way.
Improvements I have felt after six months
I kept going, two or three times a week. And you know what? I started to get better. My body got stronger, more flexible. I could last longer during rolls. I even managed to tap out a few people myself! It felt awesome. But more than the physical stuff, I noticed I was more confident, more focused. It’s like learning BJJ gave me a new way to challenge myself and push my limits. I even made some friends at the gym, which was a nice bonus. We’d grab a bite to eat after class and talk about techniques or whatever. It was a cool little community.
So yeah, that’s my BJJ journey so far. It’s been tough, but rewarding. I’m still a white belt, still learning, but I’m hooked. I can see myself doing this for a long time. And you know what the best part is? I didn’t get punched in the face once! If you’re thinking about trying BJJ, I say go for it. It’s a great workout, you learn some useful skills, and it’s just a lot of fun. Just be prepared to be humbled, especially in the beginning. But hey, that’s part of the process.
I will share more of my experience in the future. No worries, you will be updated.
