Do I Need to Be in Shape Before Starting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
“I want to try Jiu-Jitsu, but I need to get in shape first.”
We hear some version of this all the time.
Maybe it’s been a few years since you worked out. Maybe you get winded going up a flight of stairs. Maybe you've watched a BJJ class and thought there is absolutely no way you could keep up.
Here's the good news: You don't need to get in shape before starting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
In fact, one of the best ways to get into better shape for Jiu-Jitsu is simply to start doing Jiu-Jitsu.
You Don't Have to Be Fit to Walk Through the Door
There is no fitness test before your first class at Rise Up Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
You don't need to be able to run a mile.
You don't need to be able to do 50 push-ups.
You don't need six-pack abs.
You don't need to be flexible.
And you definitely don't need to lose weight before you start.
You just need to be willing to show up and learn.
Everyone begins somewhere.
“But I'm Going to Get Tired.”
You probably will.
And that's completely normal.
Jiu-Jitsu uses your body in ways you may not be accustomed to. Even someone who runs, lifts weights, or does another type of exercise can be surprised by how quickly they get tired during their first few BJJ classes.
Part of that is physical conditioning.
But another big part is learning how to move efficiently.
Beginners often tense every muscle, hold their breath, use too much strength, and try to move as quickly as possible.
As you gain experience, you begin learning when to move, when to relax, when to use strength, and when you don't need it.
Your conditioning improves, but your Jiu-Jitsu also becomes more efficient.
Jiu-Jitsu Can Help You Get in Shape
Consistent BJJ training can challenge your cardiovascular endurance, strength, balance, coordination, mobility, and overall conditioning.
But there's another advantage.
You're learning something while you're exercising.
Instead of staring at a treadmill wondering how many minutes are left, you're trying to solve a problem.
How do I escape from here?
Where should my arm go?
How do I keep my balance?
What did Coach just show us?
You're moving, thinking, learning, and interacting with another person.
For many people, that makes exercise a lot more enjoyable.
You Are Not Expected to Keep Up With Everyone Else
Your first day isn't supposed to look like someone else's fifth year.
This is important.
When you walk into a Jiu-Jitsu academy, you're going to see people at very different stages.
Someone may have been training for six months.
Someone else may have been training for ten years.
Some people are naturally athletic. Some aren't.
Some compete. Many don't.
Some train several days a week. Others are parents or professionals fitting BJJ into an already busy life.
Your job is simply to learn.
What If I'm Overweight?
You can still start Jiu-Jitsu.
You don't need to reach a certain number on the scale before you're allowed on the mats.
If improving your fitness or losing weight is one of your personal goals, consistent training can become part of that journey.
But don't make the mistake of telling yourself:
“I'll start when I lose 20 pounds.”
Then six months passes.
Start where you are.
What If I Haven't Exercised in Years?
Then your first goal doesn't need to be becoming an athlete overnight.
It can simply be showing up consistently.
Maybe your first few classes require more breaks.
Maybe you can't complete every round.
Maybe you need to move at a slower pace.
That's okay.
Fitness develops over time, just like Jiu-Jitsu does.
You aren't expected to arrive on day one already prepared for something you've never done before.
What If Everyone Is Better Than Me?
When you're brand new?
They probably are.
And that's okay too.
Every experienced person you see on the mats once walked into their first class knowing absolutely nothing.
They didn't know where to put their hands.
They didn't understand the terminology.
They got tired.
They made mistakes.
They got stuck.
And then they came back.
That's how they became experienced.
You Don't Have to Be a Competitor
There's sometimes a misconception that BJJ gyms are filled with hardcore athletes preparing for their next tournament.
That's not what everyone is looking for.
At Rise Up Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, we're proud to be a hobbyist-friendly academy.
Competition is available for people who want it, but it isn't required.
You can train because you want to exercise.
You can train because you want to learn self-defense.
You can train because you need something that's yours after a long day at work.
You can train because you enjoy the challenge.
Or you can train simply because Jiu-Jitsu is fun.
You don't need aspirations of becoming a world champion to belong on the mats.
What Should I Expect From My First Class?
Your first class is about experiencing Jiu-Jitsu, not proving that you're already good at it.
Come ready to learn.
Listen to your coaches.
Ask questions.
Take a break when you need one.
And don't worry about looking like you know what you're doing.
We already know you're new.
That's why we're here to teach you.
Character. Growth. Integrity.
At Rise Up BJJ, our core values are:
Character. Growth. Integrity.
Growth is especially important when you're starting something new.
You don't have to wait until you're stronger, thinner, faster, or more confident to begin.
You start where you are and work toward where you want to be.
Some days you'll make big improvements. Other days, success may simply mean showing up.
Both count.
Stop Waiting to “Get in Shape”
If you've been thinking about trying Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu but keep telling yourself you'll start after you get in better shape, we'd encourage you to flip that thinking around.
Don't get in shape so you can start Jiu-Jitsu.
Start Jiu-Jitsu and let getting in better shape be part of the process.
If you're looking for beginner Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the Woodstock, Kennesaw, or Acworth area, come visit Rise Up Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
You don't have to be athletic.
You don't have to know anything about BJJ.
You don't have to be in great shape.
You just have to start.
Try Your First Class for Free
Still wondering whether you can do it?
Come find out.
Your first class at Rise Up BJJ is free, and no previous Jiu-Jitsu experience is necessary.
Come meet our coaches, see what our academy is like, and experience Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for yourself.
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