Beginner Jiu-Jitsu

If you’re interested in Beginner Jiu-Jitsu, at Gracie Barra in Washington, MO, we offer various programs for new students. This includes children, teens, and adult classes. Get started today by contacting our gym today and learn more about MMA, Jiu-Jitsu, and how we can help. Call us today at 636-266-9388

One of the first steps to mastering Jiu-Jitsu is learning the fundamentals. Founded in 2018 in Washington, MO, our school is home to students from all over Greater St. Louis. Our classes align with the traditional Gracie Barra program structure that’s been proven to help people develop their bodies, minds, and lifestyle. You don’t have to have a background in martial arts to learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)–everyone starts somewhere. If you are a beginner and interested in learning more about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, give us a call and join one of our programs. Our instructors are here to help you learn the basics and advance in the art.

Learning Jiu-Jitsu at Gracie Barra Washington

Learning the principles and philosophiesof the art are essential for mastering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Below are the basics of how our school operates:

• The Introduction: Most programs introduce BJJ’s history and basic techniques for beginners. Certain courses may be tailored for kids or adults. Fundamentals are key like in other martial arts.
• Warm-Up & Conditioning: Most sessions begin with warm-up exercises and mild conditioning. These exercises help improve a student’s flexibility, endurance, and strength in order to prepare themselves for more advanced techniques.
• The Fundamentals: Beginner classes tend to focus on fundamental BJJ techniques like positioning, how to mount, guarding, side control, escapes, submissions, sweeps, and takedowns. Each of these techniques are fundamental for both safety and advancing your skills.
• Partner Drills: BJJ involves a lot of partner work. Typically, beginners will partner with others at a similar skill level to practice transitions, movement, and other techniques. This allows newcomers to safely practice and apply more advanced elements of BJJ in a controlled environment.
• Sparring & Rolling: After stretching and other instructional lessons, classes tend to lead into sparring (rolling). This is when you practice whatever technique you learned and practice in a live situation. Sparring is usually light and basic so beginners can focus on basic techniques.
• Safety & Etiquette: Safety is paramount. Our beginner BJJ instructors teach safety and etiquette–this includes tapping out, how to signal for submission, respecting sparring partners, and following school rules and the BJJ lifestyle.
• Progression: BJJ schools are typically based on progression. As you learn more and practice, you’ll start to be taught more complex techniques, advanced movements, and concepts as you master the basics.
• Support: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu–as a foundational mission statement–cultivates a supportive and welcoming environment in as many ways as possible. Instructors and other students are happy to offer a safe, fun environment for beginners.
• Equipment & Attire: Comfortable clothing is important. The traditional gi is recommended–but it really depends on the school and your commitment to BJJ. Beginners might not need a gi right away.

Reach out to our school today to learn more about Beginner Jiu-Jitsu. Call us at 636-266-9388 or contact us.

More About Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Foundationally, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu originated in Japan. The Gracie family (Carlos and Helio) adapted these techniques in the 20th century which became what we know now as BJJ. This martial art focuses on ground fighting, leverage, and allowing smaller opponents to face larger ones. BJJ has become a popular martial art to practice for MMA (mixed martial arts) and–just as useful–self-defense, physical fitness, and your overall lifestyle.

Competition is another important aspect to BJJ. Most events are organized by the IBJJF (International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation).

There are a number of benefits for training at Gracie Barra Washington. These include:

• Staying physically fit
• Learning self-defense techniques
• MMA training
• Flexibility, agility
• Community
• Self improvement
• Weight loss

One of the most important and notable elements of studying BJJ is self improvement. Routine is healthy for your mind, body, and day-to-day routine. Students can improve their cardiovascular health with regular exercise which can prevent the chance of blood pressure problems, heart attacks, and other medical conditions.

Physically, the training also helps with posture, flexibility, and weight loss. There are a lot of benefits our beginner Jiu-Jitsu instructors provide–it’s up to you to contact us to learn more or call us at 636-266-9388 to learn more our school and programs.