Embarking on your BJJ Journey: Your First Four Classes at SHBJJ
Introduction
Welcome to the fascinating world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu! If you're new to BJJ, or if you've just joined us at SHBJJ, you're probably feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. Don't worry, as we're here to guide you through your first month and set you up for an incredible journey in the art of BJJ. At SHBJJ, we have set up four mandatory classes which repeat each month to help onboard complete beginners so they can enter our fundamentals program at any stage of the year.
Class 1: The Warm-Up and Introduction
Your BJJ journey at SHBJJ starts with an introductory class, which is designed to ease you into the practice. The first thing you'll learn is the "Animal Movement Warm-Up" - a series of movements that not only prepare your body for training but also introduce you to the fluidity and mobility central to BJJ. A key lesson will also be "ukemi", or the proper way to fall and distribute the impact across your body so you will not injure yourself.
Next, you'll be introduced to some fundamental techniques: the Sweep, Mount, and Americana. These techniques are some of the building blocks of BJJ, teaching you how to efficiently control and submit your opponent. The key principles for this week are 'Efficiency' and 'Connection', emphasising the importance of efficient movement and establishing a strong connection with your opponent.
Class 2: Building Confidence
For your second lesson, you will continue to practice the techniques from your first class, as well as learning Americana Defence, the Trap and Roll technique, the concept of the Closed Guard, as well as the Punch Block series for self protection. This lesson will be focusing on the key concepts of 'Distance' and 'Frames'. These concepts are vital in understanding how to manage the space between you and your opponent and use your body structure to create effective defences.
Class 3: Exploring New Techniques
In your third lesson, you will be exploring how to defend yourself in a ground and pound situation, with further study of Punch Block concepts. The core concepts of distance management, across short, middle, and long distances will be key, as well as the important skill of the Technical Stand Up. These techniques begin to expand your understanding of BJJ beyond the ground game, introducing elements of stand-up grappling. The key concept of this lesson will be 'Pyramid'.
Class 4: Reflection and Review
The class in the mandatory onboarding series is a great opportunity to review what you've learned. Reflect on the principles of 'Connection', 'Pyramid', 'Distance', and 'Frames', and how they apply to the techniques you've practiced. This is also a great time to ask questions and get more comfortable with the academy and your training partners. We will also be studying defence against stick attacks, some introductory take down techniques, as well as the Americana and Rear Naked Choke submissions.
The Journey Ahead
Your first four classes at SHBJJ are just the beginning. BJJ is a journey of continuous learning and personal growth. Every class is an opportunity to improve not just your physical skills, but also your mental resilience and strategic thinking.
We at SHBJJ are excited to be part of your BJJ journey and are here to support you every step of the way. Welcome to the family!
Start with the Principles
Our conceptual curriculum — fifteen principles written by the SHBJJ coaches, in the order we teach them.
Read in order