Starting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Bayshore BJJ is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. You’re learning a new skill, meeting new people, and pushing your body in ways it hasn’t moved before. In these early weeks, it’s important to remember a simple truth: consistency beats intensity, and progress is more important than perfection.
A lot of new students make the mistake of going “all in” too quickly. They train every day, push themselves harder than their body is ready for, and then burn out or get discouraged when they don’t pick things up right away, constantly feel sore, and beat up, and are way too hard on themselves.. Instead, focus on building steady habits. Training at least two days a week is a great place to start. We encourage you to look at our class schedule and pick two classes that will be your “go-to” days. Treat them like an appointment with yourself—something you commit to every week. Additionally, you should pick one to two backup classes on the schedule in case work and life get in the way and prevent you from attending one of your “go-to” classes.
We highly recommend starting with Fundamental and BJJ 101 classes. These classes are designed to introduce you to the basic positions, movements, and concepts in a way that’s easier to follow and less stressful than advanced classes. Over time, as your comfort and confidence grow, you can add more training days or try different classes.
Think of it like learning an instrument. If you tried to play the guitar for six hours one day, your fingers would hurt, and you’d be frustrated. But if you practiced just 20 minutes a few times each week, you’d make steady progress. Jiu-Jitsu works the same way—small, regular steps lead to real improvement.
Remember, progress is more important than perfection. You don’t need to memorize every detail right away or execute every move perfectly. What matters is that you keep showing up, keep trying, and keep learning. For example, if you struggle with shrimping or bridging, don’t worry about doing it “perfectly.” Instead, focus on being a little smoother or more efficient each week. Those small wins add up to big results over time.
Finally, never hesitate to ask your coaches or training partners for help. Asking questions is part of the culture of Jiu-Jitsu here at Bayshore Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and everyone here wants to see you succeed.
So stay consistent, focus on progress, and enjoy the journey. Your effort today builds the foundation for your future success on the mats!