The chances are, when you start training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu – you will be put into some kind of beginners class. There are several reasons for this. The first is your own safety. There’s no point being put in a class full of stronger, better practitioners than you. Secondly, it’s so you can pick up the fundamental moves and learn and figure things out as your own pace.
Lastly, it’s so you don’t get smashed on day one and quit. Whilst many BJJ gyms won’t admit this, the retention rate of newbies is low…so the logic is that by keeping you in a competitive environment, you won’t get quickly demoralized and instantly quit. In short, there are several reasons for the beginner’s classes in BJJ and generally they’re a great idea. However, when should you move on to the more experienced classes?
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For the first few months, you need to take beginners classes
When you’re new, you may have the desire to train in the more advanced classes. You may want to test your skills and see what it’s truly like to roll with a higher belt. This is actually a good thing once in a while and if you’re allowed – go and train in these classes to keep yourself grounded.
However, your priority as a newcomer is to learn. The best way to learn in the beginning is to learn basic moves in a safe environment. For the most part, this means drilling more simplistic moves. Too often, newcomers get fascinated with fancy Youtube moves. Whilst you can learn by Youtube, the idea is that the fundamental moves are taught in person for a reason. That reason is that they work.
Therefore, even though it may be more boring that hard rolling, beginners classes are vital in your early development. Imagine trying to spar without knowing how to breakfall, shrimp or know any of the basics. This is why it’s up to you to make sure you learn correctly.
A few months in, you can then ask your teacher or coach if you’re ready to train with better people. Ultimately, you should trust their guidance on what is best for you. A common mistake that newcomers have is that they jump the gun and think they’re better than they are and don’t bother focusing on the key movements and techniques.
Don’t be ‘that guy’ who stays too long in the beginner classes
At the same time, there is a thin line between training in the beginners classes too much. At some gyms, you will see people who have trained that exclusively still train in these classes. The reason? It’s mostly down to ego.
These people enjoy being the authority figure in the beginner classes but lack the ego to go and train with harder opponents that will test their skills. As a result, they stay in these classes and don’t really improve as much as they would elsewhere.
For the record, we’re not on about advanced practitioners who train occasionally in the beginners classes. No matter how good you are, there’s no need to neglect the basic moves. As well, if you can only make those classes due to work or something, then it’s completely understandable.
In short, a good way of judging it is to train in the beginner’s classes until you feel that you’re one of the best. You will know this when rolling and if you’re getting the better of others then it may be time to step up. Make sure you’re also winning rolls due to technique too, and not because you’re the strongest guy in the class.
What if my gym doesn’t have beginners BJJ classes?
In some gyms it’s a free for all and a trial by fire. This is fine, especially if it’s a smaller class. Then, you will have to train smarter and more consciously. This may mean that you have to actively start drilling wherever possible or picking the brains of higher belts at open mats. As well, try to find a better sparring partner who won’t always smash you – but will teach you and re-run through the holes of your game.
In some ways, this environment can be just as effective as doing beginner classes, so long as it is done correctly. This means you’ll still drill the basics and learn via drilling. The only difference is that you’ll be sparring superior opponents.
Conclusion
Overall, your stay in beginners BJJ classes is probably up to your teacher as well as yourself. As BJJ is a long journey, there’s no rush though and taking your time is key. Because of this, don’t try to force your way into better classes and you don’t have anything to prove.
By similar merit, you should also move up when the time is right and sticking around for too long can be a very questionable move in terms of your development. In conclusion, most people stay in beginner classes for around 6 months or so before committing to tougher classes. At the same time during these first 6 months, it won’t hurt to roll with some experienced people from time to time, provided they’re not going to hurt you.
