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4 Things Your BJJ Instructors Wish You Didn’t Do

4 Things Your BJJ Instructors Wish You Didn’t Do

Photo by Daria Kochetkova Photography. IG: Tebezvonu.

Guest post by Evolve MMA, Asia’s premier championship brand for martial arts. It has the most number of World Champions on the planet. Named as the #1 ranked martial arts organization in Asia by CNN, Yahoo! Sports, FOX Sports, Evolve MMA is the best Singapore BJJ gym.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art that places great emphasis on tradition and respect. Years of knowledge and experience has been passed down from teacher to student, and only those who are truly worthy are able to harness the full benefits of training.

An instructor’s lineage can be traced back to the forefathers of the discipline, with each generation steeped in honor. Needless to say, students have to show respect whenever they come to the BJJ gym, for respect is a prerequisite to learning.

BJJ in Singapore is an extremely popular sport, and many people sign up for BJJ class not just to learn self-defense, but also to use it as their primary fitness program.

Entering the BJJ gym and stepping onto the mat for the first time, however, should involve proper etiquette. There are certain do’s and don’ts that you should take note of.

Your instructors, who ultimately want to bring you success, are heavily invested in your development. But there are things they wish you didn’t do, and they won’t tell you outright. It’s your responsibility as a student to read this and find out what you shouldn’t be doing in the gym.

Today, Evolve Daily shares four things your BJJ instructors wish you didn’t do.

 

1) Talking while instructors are explaining a technique

Instructors will explain and demonstrate techniques often, at times repeatedly. It can be easy to take these instances for granted and begin to feel like you’ve already heard everything they have had to say. Still, as a student, it’s important to listen constantly to your instructors, even if you’ve heard the lesson before.

There is so much to learn from your instructors. These teachers have years of training and competitive experience under their belts. It would benefit you greatly to listen attentively and try to absorb every last morsel of information.

This means you should not be socializing with your gym mates while your instructors are demonstrating and explaining techniques. It’s easy to get lost in conversation on the mats, but be constantly aware that your instructors are looking for you to listen when it’s time to listen. You can socialize after the class is done.

 

2) Not paying attention

BJJ World Champion Alex Silva from the EVOLVE Fight Team teaching at Evolve MMA (Far East Square) in Singapore.

The second point is paying attention, which is one of the most important aspects of learning BJJ. Simply by paying attention, you can learn a lot about each technique as it’s being demonstrated.

BJJ is such a complex science, that you will need to watch every movement very carefully. In class, your instructors expect you to give your complete focus and pay full attention to what is going on. While you may not be socializing, your mind could be drifting off in thought. This will cause you to miss important details.

Your instructors know and can sense when you aren’t listening. It gets really frustrating when students are inattentive.

Try to clear your mind before you step onto the mats through some basic meditation. Block out the noise of the outside world and lend your full focus. Come to class both physically and mentally prepared.

 

3) Not warming up properly

Warmups are important in any sport or physical activity, particularly in martial arts and most especially in BJJ. Nothing frustrates your instructors more than when they see students not warming up properly. Warmups will prepare you for whatever task you may need to perform during class.

Some warmup drills may seem unnecessary at first, but assuredly, all of them hold a significant place in the grand scheme of training. Warming up properly will prepare both your mind and body for the rigorous training ahead. It will set you up for optimal learning, so you can capture the essence of every technique and develop your skills in a timely manner.

When your instructors see you taking your warmups seriously, it tells them that you are wholeheartedly receptive to their teachings, and that you are there to learn. It gives them great joy to see your heart and mind fully in the zone.

 

4) Coming in late for class

BJJ Gym Lessons

BJJ World Champion Jucimar Eller teaches a BJJ class at Evolve MMA (KINEX) in Singapore.

It’s pretty basic, but coming to class on time is not only something your instructors will appreciate, but it’s also right and proper. Making an effort to be punctual sends a message that you are ready to train and to be trained.

Your instructors are always on time to teach you, so it’s just common courtesy to reciprocate with your own punctuality. It will show your instructors how serious you are at improving your skills and advancing through your training.

If you’re constantly late to class, it’s not a good look, and you could be missing out on some key learning opportunities. Every moment your instructors share their knowledge and experience is precious.

Coming to class on time is also a show of respect, so strive to come to class early and be ready as soon as it starts.