How to Support a Newcomer in Your Jiu-Jitsu Gym
Atomic Jiu-Jitsu
By: Faith A Mooney
Starting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) can be intimidating for newcomers. Walking into a gym full of experienced practitioners performing complex techniques can feel overwhelming. As someone who has already been on the mats, you have the power to make a significant difference in their experience.
Supporting a newcomer not only helps them feel welcome but also strengthens the overall culture of your gym. This article explores how you can be a positive influence and help beginners navigate their first steps in Jiu-Jitsu.
Start with a Warm Welcome
The first impression matters. When you notice someone new, introduce yourself with a friendly smile and let them know you’re available to help.
Why It Matters:
- A warm welcome helps reduce nervousness and makes them feel part of the community.
- Feeling included can encourage them to return for future classes.
Tip: Remember their name—it goes a long way in making them feel valued.
Help Them Navigate the Gym Culture
Every gym has its unique culture, unspoken rules, and etiquette. What may feel second nature to you could be completely unfamiliar to a newcomer.
How to Help:
- Explain basic gym etiquette, such as bowing before entering the mats, respecting higher belts, and hygiene expectations.
- Show them where to find water, restrooms, or gear.
By guiding them through the small details, you help them feel comfortable in the new environment.
Be a Patient Training Partner
Newcomers might struggle with techniques, timing, or simply understanding what’s happening during a roll. As a more experienced partner, it’s important to be patient and encouraging.
Tips for Training with Newcomers:
- Avoid overwhelming them with advanced moves or too much pressure during sparring.
- Focus on helping them learn and apply the day’s technique rather than “winning.”
- Offer gentle feedback if they make a mistake, but avoid being overly critical.
Why It Matters:
Patience fosters a positive learning environment and keeps the experience enjoyable for the newcomer.
Encourage Questions
Newcomers often hesitate to ask questions for fear of looking inexperienced. Be proactive in creating a space where they feel comfortable seeking help.
How to Encourage Questions:
- After class, ask them if they understood the techniques covered.
- Share your own experiences of struggling with a technique to normalize the learning curve.
Celebrate Their Progress
Starting Jiu-Jitsu is challenging, and small victories mean a lot to beginners. Celebrate their achievements to keep them motivated.
Examples:
- If they execute a technique correctly, acknowledge it with a compliment.
- Congratulate them for surviving their first sparring session or finishing a tough class.
Positive reinforcement can inspire them to keep showing up.
Introduce Them to Others
Building connections is one of the best ways to help a newcomer feel at home. Introduce them to other members of the gym, especially those who are friendly and encouraging.
Why It Helps:
- A sense of community is a key factor in whether someone sticks with Jiu-Jitsu long-term.
- Knowing more people makes them feel like they belong.
Share Practical Tips for Beginners
As someone with more experience, you can offer practical advice to help them navigate the early stages of their journey.
Tips to Share:
- The importance of consistent training over perfection
- How to avoid common beginner injuries (e.g., tapping early, warming up properly)
- The value of focusing on fundamentals rather than trying to learn advanced techniques too quickly
Be a Role Model
Newcomers look up to more experienced students, so your behavior sets the tone. Be respectful, humble, and supportive to create a positive example for them to follow.
Key Behaviors to Model:
- Treat every training partner, regardless of skill level, with respect.
- Maintain good hygiene and follow gym etiquette.
- Show a willingness to learn, even if you’re more experienced.
Avoid Overwhelming Them with Advice
While it’s great to share knowledge, too much information at once can overwhelm a beginner. Instead, focus on offering small, actionable tips they can implement immediately.
Example:
If they struggle with maintaining posture during a technique, offer one or two suggestions instead of breaking down every mistake they might have made.
Encourage Consistency
The biggest hurdle for many newcomers is sticking with Jiu-Jitsu long enough to see progress. Encourage them to keep showing up, even when it feels difficult.
How to Motivate Them:
- Share your own story of overcoming struggles and plateaus.
- Remind them that progress takes time and effort but is worth it in the end.
Conclusion
Supporting a newcomer in your Jiu-Jitsu gym is one of the most rewarding ways to give back to the community. By being welcoming, patient, and encouraging, you can make their first experiences enjoyable and help set them up for success in their Jiu-Jitsu journey.
Remember, every black belt was once a beginner who needed guidance and support. Pay it forward by being the training partner who helps them fall in love with the art.