The Feeling of Being Completely Lost

Your first few classes can feel like trying to drink from a firehose. The instructor demonstrates a sweep, a submission, and a guard pass. They use terms like “kimura,” “de la riva,” and “shrimping.” Meanwhile, you are still trying to figure out how to tie your belt correctly. This information overload is the most common feeling for any Jiu-Jitsu beginner.

Think of it like learning a new language. At first, you only recognize a few words. The grammar and sentence structure are a complete mystery. In Jiu-Jitsu, the techniques are the words, and the concepts of timing, pressure, and leverage are the grammar. It takes time for your brain and body to connect these new patterns.

Here’s what to remember:

• No one expects you to be an expert. Instructors and senior students know you are new. They are there to help you.

• Focus on one thing at a time. Don’t try to master everything at once. Focus on the technique being taught in that specific class.

• Ask questions. If you are unsure about something, ask. Your question will likely help another beginner in the room.

The Inevitable “Spaz” Phase

When you first start rolling (live sparring), your instincts take over. And for most people, the primary instinct is to use strength and speed to solve problems. This is often called the “spaz” phase. A new student might push, pull, and explode with energy, trying to force a move or escape a bad position. The result is almost always the same: you get exhausted in about 60 seconds, and your opponent calmly uses your wild energy against you.

This is a critical learning stage. Jiu-Jitsu is about efficiency. It teaches you how to defeat strength with leverage and technique. Learning to relax, control your breathing, and move with purpose is a fundamental skill. Every Jiu-Jitsu beginner goes through this. Resisting the urge to panic and muscle your way out of trouble is your first major test. Overcoming it is a huge step toward becoming a skilled practitioner.

Getting Tapped Out… A Lot

Let’s be direct: you are going to tap out. You will get submitted by people who are smaller, older, and seemingly less athletic than you. This can be a humbling experience, but it is also one of the most important. Tapping is not losing; it is learning.

Each time you tap, you learn something valuable. You discover a weakness in your defense or a hole in your awareness. Tapping is a tool that allows you to reset and try again, armed with new information. It is a physical conversation with your training partner. They are showing you where you are vulnerable. The ego can be the heaviest thing you carry onto the mats. The process of tapping teaches you to set it aside. The best in the world still tap in training. At Gracie Barra Deerfield, we foster a safe environment where tapping is encouraged as part of the learning process.

The Physical Toll: Soreness and Unexpected Bruises

After your first week of Jiu-Jitsu, you will likely discover muscles you never knew existed. You’ll feel a deep soreness in your back, grips, and legs. You might also find a few mysterious bruises on your arms or shins. This is your body’s way of adapting to a new and demanding physical activity.

Jiu-Jitsu uses your entire body in very specific ways. The gripping, pulling, and pushing builds a unique kind of functional strength. The soreness is a sign that your muscles are breaking down and rebuilding stronger. Don’t be discouraged by this. It gets better as your body becomes conditioned. Remember to prioritize rest, hydration, and good nutrition to help your body recover.

Forgetting Techniques Seconds After Learning Them

The instructor demonstrates a beautiful, multi-step technique. You nod your head, understanding the logic. You drill it with your partner a few times. Then, an hour later, you can’t remember the first step. This is incredibly common and can be frustrating for a Jiu-Jitsu beginner.

The key to overcoming this is repetition. Jiu-Jitsu is not just an intellectual activity; it is a physical one. You need to build muscle memory so your body knows what to do without conscious thought. This only comes from one thing: drilling. Consistent practice is the only way to permanently store techniques in your brain and body. Our structured curriculum at Gracie Barra Deerfield is designed to reinforce what you learn, ensuring that fundamental techniques are revisited and solidified over time.

The Breakthrough Moments (The “Aha!” Feeling)

Amidst the confusion and challenges, you will experience moments of pure magic. These are the breakthrough moments that get you hooked on Jiu-Jitsu. It could be the first time you successfully sweep an opponent and land in a dominant position. It might be the first time you defend a submission you used to get caught in constantly. Or it could be the moment a complex move finally “clicks” in your head during a roll.

These “aha!” moments are incredibly rewarding. They are proof that your hard work is paying off. They show you that you are making progress, even when it feels slow. These small victories build on each other, creating a foundation of skill and confidence that will stay with you both on and off the mat.