Starting BJJ

I just turned 30 and signed up at a local gym here in Houston about a month ago. It was a reward for finally passing my Prof. Engineering exam.

Not much experience before hand. A little wrestling and some common knowledge from watching UFC and other grappling sports.

Go in with the expectation that you are going to get smashed almost every roll especially with upper belts. Let it humble you, but not discourage you. After a few months, you'll be amazed how much better you are than fresh white belts.

Choose a gym that is close enough to your house or work that allows you go consistently. Make sure their schedule offers classes at times you would be able to train. Take advantage of free trial weeks or classes to get a feel for the gym and the type of people who train there. You want to go to a gym that aligns with your goals and level of commitment. Look into your instructors background and credentials.

Sizing on gi's is pretty confusing. So I would recommend buying off of amazon to be able to return/exchange. They tend to shrink some. I always wash mine with cold water and air dry.

So far it's been a lot of fun and I find myself trying to go as much as possible. My goal is to get my blue belt within a year. I still lift 4x a week and roll 4-5x a week. I go early at 6am before work, because I'm not able to make the night class due to getting kids in bed. I have a buddy who also goes to the gym so that's good because we can hold each other accountable.

Best of luck man!

just out of curiosity what region are you looking in?

No skill level needed. Just different styles since you don't have as much material to grip and control on your opponent. Most of the fundamentals apply to both though so it's not like you need to pick between one or the other. Both are good.

Gi - is a more traditional style. Gives both you and your opponent tons of material to grip and control.

No gi - is more modern and therefore less rigid in it's tradition. There's less material to grip so it makes you and your opponent harder to control.

I'm sure there is more to it than that, but that's my take.

Just got back from a noon class today and.. I got smashed by a purple belt, a white belt, and blue belt. I got a couple submissions, but overall I left feeling dominated. Going back tomorrow morning at 630am.

If you want to listen to some guys who are big on Jiu Jitsu.. look up Jocko Willink, John Danaher, or Lex Fridman.

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I’ve considered trying, but I’m worried some overzealous 25yr old will tear my meniscus or something

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That’s my thought. I can’t imagine going to my first class and having experienced dudes slam me on the ground.

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Curious how old the people in the class are?

I’ve considered trying, but I’m worried some overzealous 25yr old will tear my meniscus or something

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If you find the right place, rolling with control is part of the lesson. If you can't do something with control it means you can't do it right. If people are routinely getting things torn it means you've found a douchebag wannabe MMA gym with no respect.

I'm a 45 year old brown belt. BJJ is the best thing I've ever done for myself. Tap early and often, and enjoy yourself.

Does anybody go in Baton Rouge?

I'm now 44 and started right before I turned 43 with my son, so I've been in about 16 months. I'm a 4 stripe white belt and do competitions at 168 lbs. My son no longer does it, but I love it. Just be prepared to check your ego and get smashed early on. Focus on the fundamentals, basic sweeps, full guard, half guard, passing, and control. Submissions will come off of great control.

My goal of getting my blue belt at 1.5 yrs has been hampered a little by breaking my right thumb (I had a nice drunken fall ). I'm also competing, so waiting a little longer will be fine, it will come.

If you have any strength or cardio, you will be fine, if not, it will come with training. If you ever come to DFW, you can drop in at my gym. Sloth BJJ. Good luck and welcome to the sickness.

Why do you think it sounds cringe?