You’ve just started training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. You thought you’d do ok and knew a few moves before signing up. Then you started training and you get tapped out. Again, and again, and again. Whilst this is crushing on your ego, the bigger question is whether it’s normal or not? You may also look over and see some of your fellow white belts doing quite well when rolling. So, what do you do?
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Is getting tapped out in seconds normal?
Sadly, as a newer white belt this can be the norm. Especially against more experienced opponents and bigger people, it’s fairly common. The reason for this is that you simply won’t know much about BJJ so you will make mistakes that will lead to punishment. For example, you may think you’re doing well on top. The next minute, you’re stuck in a triangle choke. Similarly, you may get your guard passed in seconds which leads to a quick choke from a pin.
Although mentally and physically exhausting, this is the norm for many new white belts. Occasionally you may get a natural, or someone with great strength that can defend attacks – but for most ordinary white belts, this is to be expected.
How do I defend myself from getting tapped in BJJ?
The reality is, it will take time to improve as a white belt and hopefully over time you’ll get better inch by inch. This is a slow process, and sadly as a white belt you can expect to tap time and time again. Having said this, whilst progress may be slow – over time your defense will improve, then your escapes, then your passing and retention.
Until one day, you’ll be good enough to last longer than seconds and these may turn into taps every few minutes instead. Remember, everyone was new once and time will improve you as a BJJ practitioner.
What about other white belts that don’t get tapped as much as me?
This is a good question, and whilst you may be jealous – there’s a few detailed reasons as to why this may be. Firstly, there’s a big difference between a day one white belt and a white belt who is days away from getting promoted to the blue.
Basically, there are levels to every belt and white belt is the same. You shouldn’t compare yourself to an experienced white belt that could have literally trained for years.
Similarly, weight and strength will always play a big role. For instance, a large white belt at nearly 100KG will get submitted less than a smaller white belt at 60KG who has trained for almost double the time. This is because you can defend and escape most joint lock submissions and even chokes with power. Of course, the best mentality to have is to only compare yourself to the past version of you. This is a healthy marker to see if you’re on track.
Summary
Let’s face it, white belts are the whipping boys of BJJ and everyone is a beginner once. Therefore, you should embrace the grind and at the start, you’ll have to get used to getting tapped in sparring. Perhaps this is the reason why so many people quit BJJ at this level, as it’s so difficult on the ego. Nonetheless, if you persist then eventually you will evolve and one day you’ll be the one doing the submissions on newer members.
Until then, suck it up, and don’t worry. If you’re getting tapped out every few seconds this is very normal and should serve as future inspiration rather than annoyance.
Want to learn more as a white belt? Check out Roy Dean’s White Belt Bible book.
