Ideas on Getting Better as a New BJJ White Belt

[@gkm65]

Started BJJ at 51 years old, now 55 years old and a blue belt, still just trying to improve my ability to "survive".

[@ccrass4443]

So what your saying is that there is hope for me.

[@bryantcrump4887]

I needed to read this! Very motivational thank you! Keep it going bud.

[@jimpark9253]

Started a little over a month ago at 49...going 3-5x per week. My 5 year old goes 4x a week. The best advice given to me was, "forget about submission holds, spend the first year learning how to survive." It really stuck with me while rolling with white, blue, brown belts and I've found I'm better at not panicking, improving efficiency of movement, and making it harder for the other guys to submit me. I still gassed out very quickly being so out of shape but I am learning, it's the fun part.

[@neologian1783]

​ @Jim Park & @Flowing Chi.......Oh man....this is encouraging stuff. I'm 55, reasonably fit (for my age) and just getting started in BJJ. I don't think I've ever been more aerobically challenged and I did a LOT of endurance sports through my 20's through my mid 40's (road bike racing. marathon & triathlon). Like many, Corona changed my routine and I lost a step...or two....or three. LOL. Time to get the Covid 19 off my midsection!! I was blown away by how inefficient I am and how crazy fit everyone else seems to be. I feel weak as a kitten (mostly because I basically I am at present) and though you could hardly say I'm doing anything meaningful other than simply trying to implement some of the basics I've been shown, the level of cardio needed just to keep trying just feels crazy....not because the more experienced folks in my gym are being too hard on me but because I pretty much suck. They must be smiling and relaxing as I spaz out and burn all my matches whole books at a time. I'm not a spring chicken compared many but I do believe I'm capable of bringing my knowledge and conditioning WAY up....with time & patience.......but man the mountain looks pretty steep and high from here. I'm liking it, but there is that voice in my head saying "Maybe 55 is too late....maybe this is just gonna be a thing that's no longer open to you". I'm trying to ignore that voice and right now my goal is simply to eat right, condition up as best I can, and maybe at some point not completely suck as a training partner for the folks who are being so patient with me at the expense of their own training.

[@vobser2164]

@@jimpark9253 proud of you Jim W dad !

[@retro6652]

Chewy you got all that missile stuff wrong. - A rocket doctor

[@adamspera190]

Finally a true professional

[@JablesMullet]

@@adamspera190 Finally a true spellar

[@adamspera190]

@@JablesMullet Speller*

[@stonewolfe2057]

@@adamspera190 * wizard

[@LC-in5or]

@@adamspera190 🤦

[@luesick5145]

im 23 and going to join a jiu jitsu gym in july for the first time in my life ive always loved martial arts but have never done it. this year will be different and i hope to keep going

[@Knight10p]

You've got this bro, I'm 21 and have just joined a gym two months ago and it is absolutely one of the best things I have ever done, took me around a year to finally join a gym and wish I just went for it straight away

[@toughfff712]

Best of luck, and it is very true. The beginning of BJJ is tough, it's a lot of losing, ie learning.

[@luesick5145]

@@Knight10p thanks bro im really excited i contacted a gym and will be trying it tomorrow!

[@luesick5145]

@@toughfff712 thank you cant wait to see what its like and to keep up with it

[@luesick5145]

@Greg Lurik i wont i promise

[@iconoclastmusic368]

My wife needs to hear this. She started Jiu Jitsu and then had a car accident. She couldn’t train due to the settlement she was going to receive. She just got back into it two months ago, got her first stripe, but feels like she’s plateauing. I’m sending this her way as a bit of motivational encouragement. Thanks!

[@jamesrobinson4042]

I sat in on my first Jiu Jitsu class today and ended up with a massive smile on my face from just watching! Everyone was so damn nice and the Professor was so welcoming and open to literally any question I had! Needless to say a couple days from now ill be decked out in a Gi and my own white belt for the first time

[@Trephining]

How did it go?

[@reconjitz]

How’s it going? Hopefully you’re still crushing it

[@andrewkarl5174]

The aspect of how to cope when you feel you feel you’re going backwards. I’m sure we’ve all felt this. I think that’s why so many people quit. If you could address this that would be great. For me angel & devil scenario, the devil says, “ you suck just quit “ , the angel says “ you suck, but you will always suck if you quit”

[@retro6652]

"Being bad at something is the first step to being good at something." I found it very helpful for me to focus on who I was when I first stepped on the mat. I'm a 2-stripe white belt, but when I look back, I've come to realize I would absolutely destroy the version of myself when I first started. You've come so much further than you know.

[@tylershimek6167]

Well said

[@slammed7]

41, just started BJJ 6 mths ago. Unfortunately i'm only able to train 1 day a week (better than nothing). That said, my progression is slow, as I expected. Right when I started I heard chewy talk about just setting the goal of trying to defend longer and longer. That mindset has helped me to enjoy it and not get discouraged. I'm getting more comfortable just defending and trying to see what the other guy is going for. Don't get me wrong, I still get smashed, but its fun when a blue belt is getting frustrated that i'm defending well and stopping attacks. I'm too old to have ego, so i'm just going to keep showing up and see how it goes. P.S. Chewy, your videos have been a great help and are the reason I finally stopped thinking about going, and just walked in a gym. Thanks. **Also, make some chewjitsu shirts in white**

[@michaelhumphrey2858]

💪💪💪

[@ukaszb5694]

I have the same attitude, best roll so far was with a brown belt :D I just laughed on how helpless I was

[@stevejung6470]

Same here im 35 😮

[@nusa8498]

Consistency, Hardwork, Willingness, Courage, Honesty, Trust, Respect. Everything will fall into place.

[@mikemerunka9901]

Let's Go DEVILS!

[@usefulrandomness4446]

Good life advice too.

[@randysvids4774]

Lets go Pens

[@DimebagDerekS]

Chewy, just wanted you to know that you are probably the main reason I am starting BJJ. You have been critical in helping me find a local school that really seems to be the best fit for me and my goals. I appreciate you more than you know.

[@zach6367]

Hey congrats man! I hope you enjoy it as much as we all do!

[@danquirke443]

I'm almost 43 and started jui jitsu last night. Only got up the nerve because you convinced me that maybe I'm not to old or out of shape. Worked hard, met some great guys and heading back tonight.

[@zach6367]

A coach at my gym just got his black belt. He's 67 started around 55. Never too late.

[@danquirke443]

@@zach6367 awesome!

[@stuartclubb4302]

9 months later (4/8/2022), how is it going?

[@rolotomase1440]

This may be one of the best advice for new guys videos out there. I started just over a year ago and just got promoted to blue belt. Hardest day yet was the first day - just walking through the door.

[@niklas7070]

Had my first lesson today. I was really nervous but I remember your words that I will getting destroyed. Really enjoyed the lesson.

[@ryanjamieson8779]

keep showing up

[@bmstylee]

This is what I needed to hear today. Class then open mat. I'm working on side control either getting out from under it or trying to get the Americana from there if I'm on top. I'm going to keep showing up till I get it right.

[@Seaneskatejitsu]

Americana tip, keep their elbow close to their body

[@liamohara8398]

And turn their wrist

[@ospice4612]

Great analogy! Chewy this is great. I always go back to the basics. I’m constantly chatting up the black belts and they say basics, consistency, and show up (discipline). They all tell me feel comfortable and work on your weaknesses. Hold positions and make it tough for people to submit you, that’s a win. Thank you love your videos.

[@strangelillas]

You telling us to focus on specific submissions totally made me feel better about rolling. I have about 3 or 4 submissions I think I know and usually work on those most. As a white belt with one stripe, I've been able to get 3 taps. Next thing I gotta work on is my scissor sweeps. I never find the chance to use them, they are so confusing to me.

[@toughfff712]

For me I roll in class to learn and work on moves, vs to win. This mentality allows you to not fear being tapped, or giving up positions. Of course there are times, when I go harder, to win. Also, your pretty new, but you want to try and go with guys that are newer then you, to try out the moves and set up positions. Best of luck

[@retro6652]

Remember to pull the sleeve grip as far back as possible and load your partner on you before you try the sweep. You should not feel like you are using your legs solely to "muscle" them over. If it helps, kick out the knee on the side you are sweeping to.

[@kdavid123186]

I think that’s normal. There is few moves I am trying to focus on. But it’s hard for me to be in that situation to use it. Learning set up is another part I really enjoy. Feels like hunter setting up long term traps

[@radishbeet2130]

I just got my blue belt. I found, as a white belt and now, that taking a private lesson once a week has helped me progress very much. I can work on specific issues I need help on, really valuable. I would suggest that very much. Work with a great teacher and one stripe purple belt, and occasionally take a lesson from the black belt professor, and then attend class two or three times a week, has worked well for me.

[@b4dmaash]

I am 90 years old and just started bjj, I suffer from osteoporosis and the guys at my gym broke my arms and legs, but I loved it. Going to have to wait 6 months to heal so will be back to roll some more. Bjj rocks!

[@yourenotwrong3511]

🥳

[@josharguijo1189]

26, former Marine here, joined BJJ after getting out, getting manhandled by all types of people on the mat, short, tall, fat, skinny, etc. It’s very humbling. I love it.

[@apostata1000]

I've followed your channel and your advices for months. Today, i've just get my blue belt. I train 2 years and am 47 years old. Thank you

[@Gaspo123]

I used to really care about going up in belts, but now it really doesn't matter. I doubt i will ever be good enough to be what a black belt is. However i train as often as i can between injuries and work and im happy if i learn something new and improve my health and fitness, anything else is a bonus.

[@Muscliffekarate]

I’ve been training for about 4 months. I try to have a really open mindset to learning and every time I get tapped (which is OFTEN 😅) I see it as a learning experience. I asked my coach what I need to work on to get better and his response was “lots”

[@edwinrodriguez534]

Thank you chewy I'm a white belt and currently wanting to learn and get better each day

[@craigedwards2411]

As a very new white belt I found myself to be using the Tapanagi ALL the time and it does work on ALL of the belts. Even black belts can't handle that and I find that I am unstoppable when I hit that tap.

[@feili7567]

Hey chewy, yesterday in the class I only focused on playing gubber guard and omoplatas and hot damn it was great, I managed to actually use the things and be effective with it :) I really went to the training with the intention to play these two things and it really helped! Funny to now hear from you to do that :D

[@tylerbasham1491]

Just finished my 2nd class today my 4yr has been going for a couple months and I just now got my work schedule opened to start rolling myself

[@kd_dreamauto]

Watching this right after training

[@rage_tv4493]

My gym has got some really cool people and I’ve grown pretty fond of specific people especially to role with. I’m measuring my skill and improvement by how much better am I at surviving against my favorite people. My end goal is to be able to get good enough to beat them at least one time.

[@jamesvillamor1842]

TLDR; Have specific goals. Vague goals like "get better" do you no good, and they make it easy to give because you are chasing something you don't know how to get to.

[@melle8917]

have finally started my bjj training. I have had a handfull of them and I can say that its been humbling but really fun. All of my training partners help me in drills and sparring at the same time they try to "kill" me xD. Even tho I have I have gone to the gym for a couple of years and is stronger then the averege male I can still say that it most of the time doesent do shit hahaha, technique is far more superior then strenght when it comes to bjj. Anyways its really fun and I will hopefully stick with it for a long time

[@ssimon1521]

The other week a teammate far more experienced than myself had me in full guard and my posture completely broken down. I managed to get postured back up and stayed that way for about a minute until the end of the round. I'm very new to BJJ so that was a win for me. (Even though he submitted me 3 times before then in 2 minutes 😂😂🤣)

[@Trephining]

That's outstanding that you can find those forms of improvement and appreciate them when you achieve them. Given how complex jiujitsu is, you'll have lots of opportunities to do that, agin and again.

[@liquidfireak]

Chewy whats your stretching routine before and after rolling? I find my neck / shoulders get pretty sore so I was curious if you have any specific stretching routines you recommend.

[@gavinmickwee8853]

New 3 weeks im. My only goal right now is just to learn every class. I get better every class, and every roll. That's all I care about learning and improving.

[@oceandojo]

The Merge newsletter had an article on Robin Olds and Operation BOLO

[@salviecudlip5326]

Thank you for this advice , really needed to hear it 😊

[@thomastrevino1015]

Thank you for all the videos Chewey! Great stuff to absorb

[@lucassmith2332]

Last practiced no Gi while holding tennis balls in both hands to try and show us our own weakness and to encourage to get close with underhooks. So Im 40 and weigh 204 i wrestle kids that are less then half my age. The heaviest is 165 and the lighest is 125 so this week im handicapping my self to hold a tennis ball that way i give themva chance and work on technique.

[@dinero2131]

A tip from a fellow practitioner. Don’t worry about stripes and belt promotions. Focus on your training, getting better and surviving. Your professor will promote you whenever he thinks you are ready for it.

[@andrewkarl5174]

What to do when you feel your going backwards, I’m sure we’ve all been there. For me it’s the old angel, devil, on your shoulder. Devil says, “ you suck, just quit”, the angel sys “ you suck,, but you will always suck if you quit”

[@michelhadid]

Thank you, professor

[@pivotdudee]

I am a white belt, all I’m trying to do against anyone not a white belt is survive, take more time in between those loses. I do try to win, but don’t know enough to do that effectively yet

[@ccrass4443]

Just what I needed to hear. Thanks!

[@nathanguitar4246]

Fantastic channel. You’re a great speaker. Wish I could go to your gym!

[@Chewjitsu]

Thank you! Maybe one day you'll be here.

[@DPW13]

Another awesome video brother, I really look forward to burning through all your vids each day lol. Side note: do you have a patreon? And if you do, you should link it under your website, Id gladly help support Chewjitsu. Keep up the awesome work brother!

[@kingbubbles4509]

I am a rocket surgeon and the things you said are 107% accurate

[@hitmando23]

41 year old here about to head to my 4th lesson

[@lordbaltamore1527]

Chewy I love the dad jokes!

[@treversantiago4237]

New video, hype.

[@etherealessence]

Well you see, the thing about missiles is that they are very susceptible to armbars, i mean they are just straight long tubes.

[@popsmorris5887]

I'm a young 64 year old martial artist who has just started training in BJJ. I would be interested in you opinion on what I should be working on at first; defense, control, etc. Any guidance you might give would be appreciated. Richard A.K.A. Black Belt pops

[@alexmonterville6342]

Super helpful. Thanks

[@genises200]

What about a Hypothetical video on doing Ezekiel chokes against people who naturally tuck their neck. Can't fit my arm for the choke ether

[@toughfff712]

If they are defending that well, sounds like it's time to move on to a different attack. Even if it is to distract them to open the neck. IE: grab the arm and work towards an Americana, then switch back to the Zek.

[@genises200]

@@toughfff712 but I love my Ezekiel! I can do them in Gi no problem but No gi I cannot.

[@toughfff712]

@@genises200 kzbin.info/www/bejne/fIfUloyseduWis0

[@toughfff712]

@@genises200 check out that link. There are some good tips in it

[@GR-uc1gq]

Just went through a bad break up. I think need to do something different. BJJ has always look fun to me. I think I'll finally go to a gym. Not sure where but there's a place in lake worth Florida : Renzo Gracie jujitsu. I might go there. 160 is a tad expensive but oh well.

[@sanderossi8013]

Let’s roll. Get your mind off negativity. Learn something new. Surrounded by like minded guys. Good choice bro!

[@GR-uc1gq]

@@sanderossi8013 thanks bro. I'll try my best will be my new modo

[@krushinghead246]

I'm 52 and I'm in my third month and second school.... the first was great, but I wasn't picking up the techniques as quickly as others and was feeling like I was eating my time. I quit, found another school where they break down each technique into different parts and I am able to pick up what's going on and execute a lot better. Perhaps quitting the first school wasn't prudent, but I think I needed a change.... it helped.

[@DarkLordSwoledemort]

Not a rocket doctor but I did stay at a holiday inn express this weekend

[@UrSushiSenpai]

Perfect timing !!!

[@Nevermore23.]

I'm 48 and just finished my 6th class. I have only two goals right now, and that is to show up and avoid injury.

[@dinero2131]

Keep showing up! At times you will hit a wall and not want to go to class but those days you don’t really want to go could be your best day at training.

[@BooBear410]

I know its not the point of the video.. but i fucking love the missle analogy

[@sethfernanadez9494]

What would you say are the top 5 best submit ions for beginner level I would enjoy a video like that that for you work

[@MinhaFamiliaAQBJJ]

Chewy=King of squirrel moments

[@jacobk1859]

I luv chewjitsu

[@lordbaltamore1527]

Oh god I just washed my gi and I left some tissues in one of my pockets now my gi has these little white tissue pieces all over that are really hard to get off

[@toughfff712]

Try and lint brush, roller might work, but I find the brush to be better removing gi fuzz and stuff

[@lordbaltamore1527]

@@toughfff712 thanks brother I’ll try the lint brush hopefully it’ll be better than the lint roller I was using

[@tomsheppard378]

I train 4 times per week BJJ and 2 times judo. And started BJJ 3 months ago, I just turn up and have fun. I'm not really concerned if getting better just enjoying being in the gym and been around the guys

[@chuckthecontractor]

That’s my mentality. I just started but I don’t really care about anything except doing it for the sake of doing it. I know I’ll get better because i get better at everything i keep doing. Tonight’s goal = don’t get crushed as bad as last time,

[@tomsheppard378]

@@chuckthecontractor maybe it's kinda of fun because everytime you go you think you learn something new and we havent hit any plateaus yet. It does combine what I really enjoy meeting people and learning something together. I hope you continue to enjoy👍

[@chuckthecontractor]

@@tomsheppard378 Last night was 2nd BJJ class. Already huge improvements! I feel like I got hit by a truck this morning. Haha

[@tomsheppard378]

@@chuckthecontractor ur get fitter, I train 6 times per week now. During a roll someone put a guillotine choke on too strong for me and my throat hurt. I have weight training and boxing tomorrow morning, then wrestling and BJJ in the evening. I'm getting older now so always take time to stretch at the end of class

[@chuckthecontractor]

@@tomsheppard378 you’re an animal! Good call on the stretching. I should do that. My neck is almost back to normal after getting choked on day 1. I learned quickly to not let that happen.

[@alexmartin3143]

It’s easy… 1. Walk in the gym like you own the place.. 2. Roll your eyes and sigh if anyone tries to talk to you.. 3. Find the biggest guy there and challenge him/her… 4. Dominate the session and pretend like you know everything already..

[@DiaryOfaCell]

Mat time.

[@borissimovic441]

Hello. I have a question. I started BJJ, and this is my second training and I feel that I'm gassing out, I'm losing energy quickly (especially while wrestling), and I am 29 years old, am I too late for BJJ( for self-defense purposes, and some competition)? Is there something I can do to improve my strength and overall to improve because I feel like a dummy especially when rolling with higher belts?

[@danquirke443]

I'm 42 and getting ready to head to my second class. Just stay within your limits and get after it. If you're to old I'm really screwed. 🤣

[@borissimovic441]

@@danquirke443 Tnx for answering me, I hope for both of us that we aren't too late. I will give my best to make progress ... :)

[@borissimovic441]

Thank you so much for the answer, I will do that... :)

[@bostoncrab4pple]

How you doing now bro?

[@halfman58]

Hi, hope you are safe, I have started BJJ after first session my pinky toe banged up so bad and after a week still I have trouble put my shoes on, and last session my big toe knuckle on both feet banged up too :( Not going to give up though, will body tapping them would help? Thanks for all your vid mate.

[@TheSantos173]

If it’s painful to the point you can’t put your shoes on, I would take some time off. Yeah it blows considering the fact you just started, but it’s part of the game

[@samirmussa1]

Throw everything out the window and train smart everyday 3 times a day and if you stop questioning your teacher and stop questioning your own belief you’ll probably make purple bets shake in their boots but hey what works for some people doesn’t work for everyone.

[@ivanhayes5633]

I made it to 3rd stripe on my white belt but I let life and injury discourage me....I recently made decision to return to the mat but I'm unsure if I should give up my 3 stripes and start over from scratch...is there any advice available

[@MrCrumb34]

How long have you been out?

[@ivanhayes5633]

@@MrCrumb34 I've out over 4yrs now...

[@trevorlybbert3640]

That's up to your coach

[@nusa8498]

NO! You've earned those stripes, you may need to sharpen your tools and get back in the groove but you've worked hard for those 3 stripes. My advice would be to not give up your rank, the belts/stripes don't mean everything but at the same time, they mean something to you as an individual as a sense of accomplishment. Don't beat yourself up buddy, you will continue to improve and continue to sharpen your tools. It's inevitable on one condition, just show up and everything will fall into place and work out, it always does!

[@toughfff712]

The stripes are yours. Think about this, if you complete a college course in 2005 and return to school in 2021, you still have those credits. Same goes with your stripes. You may not move as well or remember much today, but you are not new.

[@drdiscostu]

I will disagree on something. "Most people are there to be better. I ask my students who is here to be mediocre..." This is a classic attitude of many blackbelts. Of course if someone can be better they want to be, BUT, what you are talking about is a primary motivation. A lot of people (me included) do it primarily because it's a fun way to keep fit. Can be other reasons too like stress management, social aspect of gym, etc. Of course we all do it for probably all the reasons but I don't think you get to black unless your primary motivation each time you hit the mat is to improve. But that isn't true for everyone

[@uggamer101]

That intro is funny as hahaah

[@johnmedige1612]

Rocket doctor! Yes! I'm using that one on the girlfriend after training tonight! Ha ha!

[@ActiveDutyRealtor]

You’re actually not as far off as you think you are with your analogy.

[@amorestperpe]

I'm not a rocket doctor 🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣.

[@jiujiu]

Find joy in small victories even while losing. Chase techniques not belts.

[@norsk4896]

Airplane

[@trickwheel]

That aspect about the schedule and being pulled in so many ways with a new schedule resonates so much recently. Stop following me! You need to be a Rocket doctor, first! - A Math Magician

[@Fanaro]

In essence, the old but frequently forgotten engineering adage: if you can't measure it, you can't improve it.

[@panda-xq1dy]

I wanna join but for some reason something is stopping me from going bjj. I dunno... but ur videos do help alot bro

[@nusa8498]

The hardest part is showing up at the beginning, and then the hardest part becomes staying consistent. Give it a try, screw fear. Do you really wanna look back and say "dammit I should've just did it". I guarantee later on in life, you wish you would've started.

[@sanderossi8013]

Go and watch a few lessons. BJJ practitioners are nice guys in general. I started with a fundamentals course which gives me at least some basic understanding. Just do it bro you will not regret it.

[@mohinder6047]

steroids

[@mohinder6047]

ok fine, steroids+mat time

[@spankatron5133]

I started recently. I watched one of your videos beforehand where you described newbies as baby turtles on the beach trying to get to the ocean. That’s stuck with me and so I am just focusing on survival right now. I have a great coach and the other trainees are awesome too, they whoop my ass constantly but if I’m starting to get something going they let me have it before putting me back in my place. This is such a tough sport to learn so I can see why people could get dissuaded. I love the grind though so I’m looking forward to the progression and the little wins. ❤