As a beginner BJJ white belt student, you must first learn and adhere to several essential rules. But you may be wondering why this is important for Brazilian jiu-jitsu fighters?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu students must follow strict training rules to stay safe while getting the best grappling experience. Indeed, following these fundamental rules is the first step toward laying a solid foundation for future training and competition.
This blog post covers the most important Brazilian jiu-jitsu rules for white belt beginners. Remember that BJJ is an amazing martial art with numerous benefits. Still, first, you must follow the rules below every time you step onto the mat!
What Are the Most Important BJJ Rules for White Belts?
All martial arts have rules, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu is no exception since rules and regulations are the foundation for a long training experience and competition career. Therefore, BJJ trainees must follow fundamental laws to enhance safety and learning.
Some of the most significant Brazilian jiu-jitsu rules for white belts are here.
Be Respectful to Your Training Partners, Coaches, and Opponents
Respecting your training partners, instructors, and opponents is one of the essential BJJ rules. Whether a beginner or a seasoned fighter, remember that everyone is on their way to learning and mastering jiu-jitsu.
Avoid, for example, making fun of someone’s abilities or mocking their techniques. Also, avoid being too aggressive during sparring sessions. Instead, concentrate on having a good time drilling and rolling with your teammates.
Be Coachable
Being coachable is vital to improving your jiu-jitsu to the next level. This entails being receptive to feedback and willing to try new things.
It also entails being humble enough to confess when wrong and willing to learn from your mistakes.
Indeed, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a better jiu-jitsu practitioner if you can master being coachable.
Keep an open mind and be enthusiastic to try new things the next time you’re on the mats. You never know; you might be surprised at how much you can learn.
Respect the Jiu-Jitsu Mat
The jiu-jitsu mat is where you will spend most of your time training, drilling, and sparring. As a result, it is critical to take care of it and always shows respect.
For example, always wipe your feet before stepping onto the mat. This simple act contributes to keeping the training area clean and free of dirt and debris. Otherwise, you should not wear shoes on the mats since this can damage or tear them.
Furthermore, do not eat or drink anything on the gym mat (except for water). Moreover, if you need to leave the mat during class, notify your instructor first.
Indeed, it’s essential to share the mats with others when you are training jiu-jitsu. For example, if you are working on a specific technique or drill, move around so others can use the space.
Always Warm Up Properly Before Training
Warming up is essential for all athletes, regardless of their experience level. It helps to prepare your muscles and joints for the upcoming workout. Indeed, it helps prevent common grappling injuries.
So, before each jiu-jitsu class, do light exercises and stretches. This simple practice will serve you well in the long run!
Train Hard But Listen to Your Body
Jiu-jitsu training can be difficult, especially when you first begin. However, listening to your body and taking breaks as needed is critical.
For example, if you are tired or sore, take a break and rest for a while. Also, if you are injured, do not try to tough it out; instead, seek medical attention and follow your doctor’s recommendations.
Pushing yourself during training is essential, but don’t go overboard. Remember, you want to be able to enjoy jiu-jitsu for many years!
Be on Time for Class
Punctuality is a must in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. So, always arrive on time for class; if you run late, inform your instructor as soon as possible.
Moreover, it’s essential to be prepared for class. This means having all of your training gear ready to go before the start of the session. You can focus on training without worrying about forgetting something at home.
Keep Your Training Area Clean
Another important BJJ rule for white belts is to keep your training area clean. This includes wiping down mats after each use and putting all of your equipment away at the end of class.
Otherwise, it’s also a good idea to purchase a personal cleaning kit, which should include disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer, and garbage bags. These items will come in handy when cleaning up after yourself or others.
Otherwise, remember to wash your rashguard and gi regularly!
Sparring Is Not a Competition
Sparring is an essential part of learning Brazilian jiu-jitsu. It allows you to put your skills to the test while also learning from your mistakes. However, keep in mind that sparring is not a competition.
That is, there is no need always to give your all. Instead, concentrate on drilling techniques and achieving specific goals. For example, practice with a partner if you’re trying to improve your guard passing.
Additionally, avoid becoming overly aggressive during sparring sessions. This can result in injuries, and it is unnecessary to train in this manner. Instead, relax and enjoy yourself while drilling and rolling with your teammates.
Only Train with a Partner Who Is Your Size and Skill Level
Training with a partner similar in size, strength, and skill level to you is beneficial for several reasons. For starters, it ensures that both partners can train safely. Second, it lets you focus more effectively on specific skills and techniques.
For example, working on submission holds will be difficult if you train with someone much more potent than you. However, if your partner is too weak or inexperienced, they may be unable to provide adequate resistance.
However, as you progress, you should spar with various practitioners, especially if you’re preparing for competitions.
Hygiene Is Crucial
Any contact sport requires good hygiene, including Brazilian jiu-jitsu, because of the close contact nature of jiu-jitsu training. As a result, you must shower frequently, wash your gi and rashguard, and use a mat spray or disinfectant.
Otherwise, keep your nails trimmed and avoid wearing jewelry while training. Therefore, this reduces the possibility of infection and injury.
Finally, before stepping on the mats, be sure to towel off. This simple act can contribute to everyone in the gym being healthy and happy.
Quit Your Ego at the Door and Be Humble
This beginner jiu-jitsu rule is crucial for two reasons. For starters, it will help you advance faster as a jiu-jitsu practitioner. Second, it will make everyone involved in the training process more enjoyable.
In any sport, but especially in jiu-jitsu, ego can be a significant issue. This is because people’s egos cause them to believe they are better than they are. This can result in arrogance and an inflated sense of self, which can be off-putting to training partners and instructors.
So, when you come to train, the best thing you can do is leave your ego at the door. Being humble and open-minded will make the learning process much more enjoyable.
Train BJJ at Home Whenever Possible
Training at home is another excellent rule for white belt practitioners. It is essential for people who want to progress fast or do not have easy access to a jiu-jitsu gym. Hopefully, there are plenty of ways to train jiu-jitsu at home.
Investing in a mat and a grappling dummy for BJJ drilling is a great start. Alternatively, you can set up a simple strength and conditioning program to help you unleash your potential.
Training jiu-jitsu at home will help you improve your knowledge, execution techniques, etc. So, don’t let distance prevent you from engaging in your favorite martial art.
Don’t be Preoccupied with Belt Promotion
Belt promotions are essential in the sport of jiu-jitsu. Besides, setting goals and striving for improvement is necessary, but don’t get too caught up in belt promotions.
Instead, concentrate on your training and the process of improving your jiu-jitsu skills.
Remember that the goal is to enjoy the journey rather than focus solely on the destination.
So, don’t get too caught up in obtaining the next belt level or stripe. Instead, relax and enjoy every moment of your jiu-jitsu training.
Avoid Common Jiu-Jitsu Injuries
Injuries are one of the main reasons why many BJJ practitioners quit. As a result, taking the necessary precautions to avoid injuring yourself or a training partner is critical.
Warming up properly before training, for example, is one of the best ways to avoid BJJ injuries. Furthermore, tapping early, listening to your body, and taking breaks may reduce your risk of injury.
Related: Whether you practice Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or are thinking about starting, it’s essential to understand the possible injuries that come with it. This article teaches you how to avoid and manage injuries so you may continue training safely and efficiently.
Tap Out When You Can Get Out
Tapping out at the right time is one of the essential jiu-jitsu rules for beginners. When starting, your goal should be to survive and not get submitted. That means tapping early and often when you’re in the wrong position.
However, as you gain experience, you’ll want to start pushing yourself and testing your boundaries to see how far you can go before tapping.
Don’t Compare Yourself to Advanced Practitioners
In Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Comparing oneself to others is a source of frustration and discouragement. It’s easy to glance around the gym and see everyone stronger than you.
Keep in mind that everyone begins somewhere and has unique talents. In addition, everyone has their trip and course to take.
So, concentrate on your training and growth. You’ll go where you want to go in jiu-jitsu if you keep your head down and focus on your quest.
Do Not Buy Expensive BJJ Gear at the Beginning
Purchasing an expensive jiu-jitsu gi or equipment when you first begin is a waste of money. Usually, you will need affordable gear to start training.
The explanation is straightforward: you don’t know how long you’ll continue to practice jiu-jitsu. If you leave after a few months, those pricey objects will have been a waste of money.
So save your money and wait until you’re confident that jiu-jitsu is something you want to commit to before purchasing the newest and best equipment.
Have Fun Training BJJ
Enjoying the training is one of the most valuable BJJ rules for white belts. Keep in mind that jiu-jitsu should be a satisfying activity!
Take things slowly, enjoy the ride, and make the most of your time practicing jiu-jitsu.
Don’t Train Jiu-Jitsu If You Have Skin Infection
Stay away from class and the mats if you have a skin infection. This is because a skin infection may be contagious and spread from one person to another.
We all know jiu-jitsu is addicting and that missing a session hurts, but if you’ve been infected, you must wait until you fully recover before returning to the mat.
Conclusion
The above rules are just a few basic BJJ beginners guidelines to start your jiu-jitsu journey. But, of course, you’ll learn much more as you progress through your training.
Consider these basic rules if you’re a beginner looking to begin training in BJJ. They will help keep you safe and ensure a positive training experience.
Related: The white to blue belt path in Brazilian jiu-jitsu can be challenging! Achieving the blue belt requirements is a huge accomplishment since it allows you to become a formidable fighter who can relax, attack, and defend from various jiu-jitsu positions. Click here to find out more!
