For those experienced in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu – it’s easy to forget how much is going on inside the world of BJJ. However, there can be a lot to take in for a beginner. From submission names to gym etiquette below we will outline some of the most commonly asked questions from newcomers. Fear, not white belts, this guide should have you covered and avoid any embarrassing moments.
Table of Contents
What does BJJ mean?
BJJ is short for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. BJJ was created in Brazil and has historic links with Judo and Japanese Jiu Jitsu. Judoka Mitsuyo Maeda is credited for emphasizing the ground moves of BJJ which spread to the famous Gracie family. Today the Gracie clan is still well known with the likes of Roger and Renzo Gracie being some of the most famous faces in the sport. Similarly, it was Royce Gracie who won UFC 1 where he demonstrated a number of BJJ techniques in an MMA setting.
Specifically the name ‘Jiu Jitsu’ translates as ‘Gentle art’, which is true compared to striking martial arts however it is still a tough, physical combat based sport. Another term for BJJ is ground fighting, as the majority of the action takes place on the ground in the form of grappling.
What is BJJ open mat?
Open mat is a term used when a gym remains open but it does not have a formal class structure. For instance a gym may be open from 9-8PM during weekdays. However, it may not have any teaching on the weekends.
At the same time, the gym may remain open for its members to train over the weekend. This is a more casual setting that doesn’t involve formal teaching. Here students from other gyms are also welcome. An open mat can involve sparring or drilling, or sometimes just chilling out. Usually lasting a few hours, it is a favored part of the sport for competitors and hobbyists.
How many BJJ black belts are there?
This question is impossible to answer and the number grows by the year. For instance, there may be a number of black belts who aren’t registered and keep a low profile. There’s also a number of black belts who may quit the martial art every year so the number fluctuates.
A good way of seeing if a black belt is legitimate is by looking at their lineage. Usually, a black belt is proud of their heritage. For instance, if it goes back to the older families of Brazil such as the Gracies, Machados and others then the black belt is probably authentic. However, if the background is sketchy then it may be worth researching the lineage and asking online. These days due to the sheer number of black belts however, it’s hard to keep up so it’s best to approach this with an inquisitive, open mind.
What is Oss in BJJ?
Oss is a term that has its roots in Japanese Jiu Jitsu. Roughly translating to ‘Yes’, the term is enthusiastic and can be said as praise. For instance, if a student does a move well, the instructor may say ‘Oss’ which means well done. In general, the term seems more popular amongst Brazilians who will casually say this word and other BJJ slang such as ‘Porra’, ‘Porrada’ and others.
How long are you a white belt for?
We have answered this question in our belt ranking article which can be found here. As well as mentioning the other belts, there’s a systematic breakdown of each rank and what it means. Generally, however you can expect to be a white belt for around 2 years, but this depends on the volume of training.
What is a BJJ tournament?
Usually, they are called compensations and not referred to as tournaments. A BJJ competition is a good way to test your skills and see if your technique works. However, some people do not compete for a variety of reasons.
Another benefit of competing is that it also tests out nerves and adrenaline which are all a big part of putting the skills into practice. There are a number of competitions worldwide, some are for BJJ’s elite whilst others can be local and for hobbyists. Because of this anyone can compete from white to black belt.
It should be added that usually, students compete at the earliest of a few months training so they know at least some of the basics. However, if you have a background in Judo or wrestling you may compete earlier. Often competitions will have medals for the top 3 places and can sometimes win money. Most competitions have a specific rule set but this varies from each promotion and some are specifically in the Gi or Nogi.
How do I find a suitable BJJ gym near me?
The best way is to look on Google, and there will usually be a host of answers and reviews. However, if you want a deeper answer then asking on a BJJ forum may bring more specific details. It doesn’t hurt to personally visit each gym for a trial class to find out for yourself. Often these trials are free and you can experience the atmosphere. Most places will loan you a Gi too and host a beginners class so it isn’t too overwhelming.
How common are injuries in BJJ?
Although BJJ translates to ‘The gentle art’, sometimes it feels like the opposite of this. For instance, it is not uncommon for most black belts to have had some kind of related surgery at some point. In other words, injuries in BJJ are somewhat common.
The most common injuries are bad knees, bad kneck and shoulders. Tapping early to submissions is a good way to avoid injuries and not risking joint damage as a result. However, a lot of injuries happen by accident such as falling badly on a leg during take down practice.
Having said this, injuries are still preventable somewhat and taking off time to recover, good diet and sleep is also good practice to avoid the body breaking down.
As a newbie it may be easy to over do it and try too hard in training, but this is not beneficial in the long run and training too hard may bring more injuries in the long run.
To combat this you may also want to strengthen and condition your body with weight training outside of BJJ which will help your muscles toughen up and avoid aches and strains. Combined with tapping early and not over training, you put yourself in the best possible position to avoid nasty injuries.
How often should I train BJJ?
This is another common question from new students. Generally, there is no correct answer here but it depends on your age and fitness. For instance, a 21 year old body builder could probably train 5 times per week due to the age and shape of their body. However, a 45 year old beginner with less strength may only be able to train once or twice per week. There is nothing wrong with this and you should only train if you enjoy it.
Everyone has different goals and some will enjoy competing and others won’t. As a result, the answer differs per person. However, as a general rule you should allow your body time to recover as previously mentioned. This is even more important when starting as new muscles will be used and can be damaged as a result of over use.
Hopefully, this has answered any nagging questions about starting BJJ. The depth of BJJ is enormous but at the same time, it is the fastest-growing martial art for a good reason so if you’re thinking of starting then we suggest you should.
