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Rafael Lovato Jr. as a teenager and BJJ black belt competitor

Advice For BJJ Beginners: Don't Rush Things

advice beginners tips white belt Jul 01, 2023

Look, I get it. I know how you feel.
I was a beginner when I immediately fell in love with Jiu-Jitsu. With being on the mats with my father, friends, coaches, with training and competing... With BJJ in its entirety.

And I wanted to go all in. I wanted to train all the time.
So I did. Every chance I got, I trained. If I wasn't at home, then there was one other place you could find me at - on the mats, trying to improve as fast as possible.

But here's the thing. I was 13 years old when I first started Jiu-Jitsu. So, my body was able to take all those beatings, all that frequency and intensity, without getting injured (or too exhausted, for that matter).
And I'm here to tell you that...

You shouldn't rush things.

 
 
 
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BJJ beginners often try to do too much, all at once. They become so infatuated with Jiu-Jitsu that they're on the mats every day of the week. Sometimes 2 times per day.
And, even though that's amazing and shows your resolve, it's not a great long-term strategy. Rushing things never is, especially when it comes to Jiu-Jitsu.

Why? Because you'll get hurt.
Your body can only be pushed so far until it starts breaking down. Especially if you started training later in life. So, training every day of the week could eventually show to be counterproductive, as you'll end up sidelined from the mats for a long time.

Also, there's a greater chance you'll fall out of love with Jiu-Jitsu.
I get that you're passionate about training, but if start doing too much of it at once, you're going to end up feeling exhausted. And injured. Frustrated and feeling like you should be "doing more" - when, in reality, it takes time.

It takes time to get good in Jiu-Jitsu. You can't force it. And if you do force it, then nothing good is going to come out of it.
So take it easy. Festina lente. And you'll keep training, keep improving, and keep being in love with the Gentle Art.

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