Here is a list of things I have heard while training at GB-Ballard from my fellow training partners. At times they can get a little repetitive, because each person has their own way of saying the same thing, but overall it's very good advice. Take what you want from it.
1. Focus on one thing at a time, but be sure to couple moves that compliment each other. I heard this from a blue belt that is pretty awesome at my gym. I believe the conversation started when I was saying how i didn't want to ad butterfly guard and half guard to my game yet because it would be too "stressful" to think of all of that. He began to tell me that focusing on one thing at a time was ok, but to look at moves that complimented each other in a much broader range than what I was doing. I want to improve my guard game, yet I was totally ignoring half and butterfly guard, which is a key element to the guard game. Ever since hearing that I have been adding more guard techniques to my game including x guard and de la riva. Sure they may seem a little advanced, but its all the same thing, and more than likely you will end up in that position some how or the other.
2. Tap like your name is Gregory Hines! Tapping is an essential part of your jiu jitsu growth, and works to get rid of any ego that you may have lingering over. Having the ability to tap is what makes jiu jitsu so beautiful. You could easily just get your ass whupped all day and leave training on a stretcher. How fun would that be? Tapping is how you learn. After you get tapped you usually reset the position and you remember not to do whatever you just did. Eventually it sticks! Tapping is also about preserving your body to tap another day. So learn to tap, practice tapping and you'll be a much better jiu jitsu practitioner.
3. Roger Gracie in the gym. Couch potato outside the gym. Keeping up with your physical fitness outside of the gym is just as important as training hard in the gym, as well as maintaining a clean diet. Most people make the mistake of being complete lard asses when they are not training, and it definitely shows on the mats eventually. Do something that compliments jiu-jitsu and will keep you feeling strong, healthy, and alive.
4. Stay off Youtube. The best training you can possibly get in the beginning is from your instructor and fellow training partners. Once you have a grasp of the basic fundamentals, then you can explore the internets, books, and DVD'S. Even then I still would rather spend my time and money on privates and extra time on the mats.
5. This isn't the middle ages, keep yourself clean! The worse thing is someone who comes in with a gi smelling like a campground restroom. Make sure everything you wear to class is clean. This includes: shirts, rashguards, knee pads, head gear, etc. I am a strong advocate for washing my belt, but after many wagging fingers, I have decided to not do it anymore.
6. If you have not worked out since kickball in grade school, don't train 7 days a week. You will burn out, simple as that.
7. If you only have time to train once a week, get a gym membership. You will probably quit cause that one day you come everyone will be whupping that ass like you stole something. Try Awesome Abs with Amy on Tuesdays at LA Fitness.
8. The less he spoke, the more he heard. Learn to listen, and do it well. I have found that 80% of my success has come from listening. If someone corrects your position or tries to give you a hint on how to do something better, take it and implement it. If it doesn't work for you fine, catalog it, if it does thank God that someone gives a damn!
9. Treat your academy like a university. Better yet an investment! Get real instruction, from real black belts, with proven students! McDojoism is running rampant in this country and it is the number one way to get your ass kicked when you need real skills the most. If all you have is the blue belt that rents out space at the local gymnastics academy (how I started) then go ahead. I can tell you now its a waste of time though. But if you're really serious about your jiu-jitsu you will make the time to research schools, take intro classes to shop around, and most of all spend the dough necessary to really learn the art.
10. Choose your partners wisely. Avoid noobs, higher belts with egos, the ex-all american wrestler with 20 MMA fights, crybabies, and aggro rollers. Not everyone in the gym is your "friend", and some people are just there looking to show that they deserve that extra stripe. Protecting yourself is just as important as protecting your partners.
11. Be a man or woman. Speak up when you need to. Don't be a crybaby or anything, but if someone makes you feel uncomfortable i.e, rolling to rough, make sure you step up and let that person know how you feel before completely avoiding them altogether like a playground bully. See tip 10.
12. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Uhhhh, yeah...nothing really much to say here.
Well hope you enjoyed this post, and be sure to implement these in your daily walk with jit. Thanks for reading. Ciao!
