Warm Up

For any physical activity we want our body to be prepared. Schools differ on what style of warm-up they prefer. Some do a very intense warm-up with calisthenics and running however for our beginners course we use variations on the basic movements of jiu-jitsu. These movements, like shrimping, bridging, and break-falling are going to be used regularly as part of normal training. In our normal classes we use more complex jiu-jitsu drills which combine these movements into techniques. We believe that we are here to learn Jiu-Jitsu and so if you want to do push-ups and sit ups, you can do them on your own time.

Techniques

After the warmup, we start the teaching. We tend to run 4-6 weekly modules that link a series of moves that fit together. These moves will be taught in three different steps first being how do we physically perform the move, then why the move is effective and the basic concepts underpinning it and finally when we would decide to use the move and in which contexts. Again, every gym is a little different, but here at Axis Rolleston we find that the technique, concepts and context are all equally as important to learning.

After each technique or concept, you’ll grab a partner and “drill” those moves — repeating the steps and details at a comfortable pace to ensure proper performance of the skill. During this type of drilling, there should be little to no resistance — that is, you shouldn’t try to stop your partner from performing the skill, and neither should your partner when it is your turn! You’re trying to build pattern recognition, muscle memory and understanding of concepts that will allow you to do the move under pressure later in the class.

After each taught section, you’ll break off into your drilling group. Then you’ll go back and either refine the technique if needed or learn the next thing. There is often 2-3 sections of this each class. You’ll probably have a sweat going or at least be thinking about how to perform these moves later — this is one of the great things about Brazilian jiu-jitsu is that it’s both mentally and physically challenging, which keeps things interesting.

Positional Sparring

After techniques we move onto a section of the class that can often vary greatly. This is where we start applying techniques that we have learnt into a more realistic and pressure-based situation. You and your partner work together to gradually increase resistance to the move so that you are still able to perform the required moves but it is much more challenging.

You and your partner will scale up and down the resistance level based on both of your abilities and skills working together to both improve! This is one of the most important parts of class as you get to imprint your new found knowledge deeper into your mind until it becomes part of your Brazilian Jiu Jitsu repertoire or “game”. This means that when this situation crops up during the “rolling” section you will hopefully be ready to nail the move!

Questions

After positional sparring we allow time for some questions about the moves and troubleshooting issues from positional sparring. It’s a free forum and there are no stupid questions. This is where we refine our techniques and concepts so that next time we won’t make the same mistakes again.

Following this we all shake hands, exchange sweaty hugs and the formal part of class is over.

Rolling

After the formal class time we end with sparring, which is called “rolling.” Because Brazilian jiu-jitsu focuses on ground grappling, we do a lot of rolling around on the mats. This can look strange at first, but after you understand what’s happening, it’s a fascinating thing to watch (and even more fun to do). This is the part of class where we go at an intensity level that both partners are comfortable with. This can vary from a light and friendly roll to a competitive 100% intensity match. You will be trying to apply moves in real time against a fully resisting opponent. This is one of the traits that makes jiu-jitsu so effective compared to other martial arts — you know your moves work if you can do it to someone who is trying their best to stop you. If it’s your first time, you are not required to “roll”, so don’t worry about that. No one is going to make you do anything you’re not ready for or comfortable with. Instructors differ on the question of when students should start rolling. However providing you breathe, relax and try to view the roll as a learning experience we allow total newbies to roll at Axis Rolleston. We will pair you with an experienced partner who will exercise control and take good care of you. Remember the baddest person in the room is often the safest one to train with.

Finished!

Great job you survived your first class!

We don’t have any formal end to the class, you are adults, so leave when you need to. Rolling usually lasts an hour or so and people filter out during this time heading home to their kids and partners or back to work! Some of the team stay behind to mop and clean the mats. This is very important to stop infections, bugs and keep everything smelling nice! No one expects you to stay and clean but feel free to offer. At the end of your first class, you should be tired, a little beaten up, maybe a bruise or two but also a little excited. Jiu-jitsu movements aren’t typical movements, and sparring is often a totally new experience for people. However, learning new skills and seeing the future potential is exciting, and even better if you liked your first day, trust us, it just gets better from there!