So You're Thinking of Starting BJJ
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a fun sport and martial art. Whether you want to train for self-defence, exercise, competition, or to supplement another art for MMA, you'll have a lot of fun in the right gym. The challenge is finding one that suits your tastes. The good news is that you don’t need to know much about the sport to figure out if a gym is a good fit for you. Some things to look for when choosing a gym include: 1. A Friendly Atmosphere When you walk in, do people smile and say hello? Do the coaches make you feel welcome? If the gym feels cliquish or people act like beginners are an inconvenience, that's a red flag. 2. Patient, Supportive Coaches As a beginner, you’ll be learning a lot of new movements that feel pretty counterintuitive. Do the instructors explain things clearly, encourage questions, and tailor the class to your level? If you're being pushed to do something long, complicated and confusing (or potentially dangerous) on your first day, consider try...