What Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a grappling discipline based on control, locks, chokes, guard passes and the management of positions on the ground. Unlike striking sports, it is not based on hitting the opponent, but on bringing them into a situation of progressive control. For this reason, it is widely studied both as a martial art and as a competitive sport.
Those who start often immediately notice that technique matters more than pure strength. Of course, physical condition, mobility and endurance help, but BJJ mainly rewards timing, balance, sensitivity and the ability to recognise positions. A beginner should not try to win every exchange, but learn to move without becoming stiff.
To start, you do not need to know all the techniques already. It is more useful to understand the general logic: escape from disadvantageous positions, maintain favourable ones, protect the neck and arms, breathe well and accept that progress comes through accumulation. BJJ is a patient discipline, where small details become important over time.
What to expect from the first lessons
The first lessons may seem confusing because there are many new words: guard, half guard, mount, side control, back control, pass, sweep, submission. It is not necessary to remember everything immediately. The initial goal is to recognise the main positions and understand where to place hands, elbows and knees so as not to expose yourself too much.
Many gyms begin with warm-up, guided technique and a phase of controlled practice. Sparring, often called rolling, can be introduced gradually. At the beginning, it is normal to feel slow and often lose position. This does not indicate a lack of talent: it is simply the way the body learns a new language.
A practical piece of advice is to train with a steady rhythm and not with random intensity. Two or three regular training sessions per week can create solid foundations, especially if attention is paid to the quality of repetitions. BJJ improves a lot when the athlete stops forcing and starts listening to pressure, spaces and the opponent’s weight.
Gi, No-Gi and necessary clothing
In Brazilian Jiu Jitsu you can train with the kimono, called Gi, or without the kimono, in No-Gi mode. The Gi allows grips on the lapel, sleeves and trousers, making control more tactical and often slower. No-Gi uses rashguards, shorts and grips on the body, so it is more dynamic and slippery.
To start with the Gi, you need a BJJ kimono suited to your build, with a fit that allows pulling and movement without being too loose. For No-Gi, rashguards and compression clothing are useful, such as those in the rashguards and compression trousers category.
Those who do not know where to start can choose based on the gym. If the main class is Gi, it is better to start with the kimono; if the gym works a lot on MMA or grappling, No-Gi may be more frequent. Ideally, over time, it is useful to know both because they develop different sensitivities.
The technical basics to learn first
A beginner should prioritise posture, base and defence. Knowing where to place the weight, how not to extend the arms and how to protect the neck reduces many mistakes. Submissions are fascinating, but they become effective only when you understand how to arrive in a stable position.
The first areas to study are often closed guard, side control, mount and back control. From these positions you learn to survive, escape, maintain and attack. It is not necessary to know dozens of techniques; it is better to have a few simple solutions and repeat them until they become natural.
Movement on the ground also matters a lot: shrimp, bridge, technical stand up and basic inversions help build coordination. These exercises may seem strange at first, but they are the motor vocabulary of BJJ. Without these movements, many techniques are more difficult to apply.
How to progress without burning out
One of the most common mistakes is always training at maximum intensity. BJJ requires intensity, but also control. Going hard in every round increases the risk of injury and slows learning, because the athlete only thinks about resisting. A better approach is to alternate more technical rounds with more intense rounds.
It is also important to choose suitable partners. Training with more experienced people helps you understand the correct rhythm, while working with other beginners allows you to try techniques with less pressure. Communication is essential: if a grip is too strong or a position feels uncomfortable, you need to say so immediately.
For those who also practise MMA or striking, BJJ becomes a very useful complement. In that case, technical clothing for combat sports must allow wide movements, reduced grip and good resistance to rubbing. Equipment does not replace technique, but it can make training more organised.
Conclusion
Starting Brazilian Jiu Jitsu means accepting a gradual learning phase. The first lessons are used to understand the body, the positions and the rhythm of the discipline. With consistency, the initial chaos becomes method, and each training session adds a piece to the general understanding.
To learn more about equipment, kimonos, rashguards and guides related to grappling, you can visit the Ventura blog guides.
FAQ
Do you need to be strong to start BJJ?
No. Strength helps, but at the beginning technique, calmness, breathing and the ability to learn positions matter above all.
Is it better to start with Gi or No-Gi?
It depends on the gym and the goals. The Gi develops control and grips, while No-Gi is more dynamic. Over time, it is useful to know both.
How many times a week should you train?
Two or three regular training sessions are a good starting point to improve without overloading yourself.
Is rolling mandatory right away?
Not always. Many gyms introduce rolling gradually, after technique and controlled practice.
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