Three top masters: Rodolfo Vieira, Cicero Costha and Gordo advise beginners in Jiu-Jitsu on what to focus when starting their journey:
Rodolfo Vieira, GF Team black belt and multiple world champion
In any career, you need a lot of dedication and to have a good head on your shouldders to be able to be successful. You have to focus on the basics. At white belt you should know the basics like an armbar, but these guys want to learn De La Riva, getting the back, flying armbar … I advise beginners to have a solid base and then try to then learn crazy positions. It’s what I do: bread and butter Jiu-Jitsu. I learn different things, but my Jiu-Jitsu is basic and well done.
Cicero Costha, leader of famed Cicero Costha Jiu-Jitsu Academy
The student must, first, find a good gym, with a responsible teacher. The teacher must have a certificate of some Jiu-Jitsu confederation to be able to guide them, because not every teacher out there are qualified to teach. With a good teacher and a good gym, I believe the results will appear. This goes not only for Jiu-Jitsu, but also for sports such as Karate, Boxing, Capoeira …
Roberto Gordo, leader of Gordo Jiu-Jitsu
My advice is not to hurry to learn and understand very well the fundamentals of Jiu-Jitsu. There is no use trying to be champion in six months. If you have a good base, the rest you learn quickly. Understand the history of Jiu-Jitsu, which mixes with the trajectory of the Gracie family, is also important, as well to absorb the philosophy of Jiu-Jitsu. The competition is part of the deal, when the guy is fit. First you have to learn the sport to get good – and maybe one day compete.
Source: Tatame
Sloth Jiu-Jitsu: you can be slow and unathletic and still kick butt in Jiu-Jitsu.