Martial arts classes are immensely popular among participants of all ages. In fact, nearly 3.58 million people over the age of six participated in these disciplines during 2016 alone. But if you’ve recently signed up for your first Jiu Jitsu class, for example, you might be a bit apprehensive about what that initial meeting might be like. Wondering how you should prepare for your BJJ class? Here are three prep tips that will cover some of the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu basics.
Before Your Jiu Jitsu Class, Be Sure To…
- Trim Your Nails: It might sound like strange advice, but you should take care to cut your fingernails and your toenails prior to walking into the martial arts studio. Regardless of your gender, you’ll need to keep your nailed trimmed short to avoid injuring any other participants (or even yourself) during class. You may want to think about bringing your own set of nail clippers and a nail file with you to the studio, just in case you forget to give your hands and feet a good once-over before you arrive.
- Bring Water With You: Hydration is essential when partaking in any type of physical activity. Whether you’re taking Jiu Jitsu for beginners or you’re in an advanced class, you’ll need to take good care of your body. You’ll likely perspire quite a bit throughout the course of your class, so it’s a good idea to bring along a full reusable water bottle to ensure you won’t become dehydrated. You won’t want to risk becoming dizzy or weak while on the mat with an opponent, so drink up and keep your water bottle close by.
- Have a Positive Attitude: You might feel nervous or intimidated upon entering the studio for the first time. That’s only natural. But try to keep a positive frame of mind and remember to have patience with yourself. No one goes into their first class as an expert. Instead of getting frustrated that you aren’t able to execute these skills perfectly right away, remind yourself that everything will come in good time. Don’t push yourself beyond your limits; you have nothing to prove to anyone — and taking this approach could cause someone to get hurt. Although BJJ is serious business, don’t beat yourself up for making mistakes. Now is the time to learn, so embrace the opportunity with a good attitude.
With these preparation tips in mind, you should be able to enter your first Jiu Jitsu class with confidence. To sign up for one of our martial arts offerings or to learn more about our studio, please contact us today.