Okay, so, let’s talk about my try with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, particularly under this guy Matthew Maldonado. I’ve always been kind of interested in martial arts, you know? Did some karate and boxing when I was a kid, but nothing serious. Then, back in 2007, I stumbled upon this BJJ thing, and Matthew Maldonado’s name kept popping up.
First off, I did what everyone does – I went down the internet rabbit hole, searching for anything related to BJJ and this Maldonado guy. Found out he’s been teaching BJJ for a while and is pretty well-known in this area. Also saw some stuff about beginners’ courses, which got me thinking, “Maybe I can actually do this.”
Next step was to actually find a place where I could learn. I checked out a few schools, read some reviews, and even tried a couple of free classes. It was a bit intimidating at first, walking into a room full of people who seemed to know exactly what they were doing, while I was just trying not to trip over my own feet.
After some trial and error, I finally decided on a place that felt right. The vibe was good, the instructors were patient, and they had a dedicated program for beginners. Then came the time to gear up. I got myself a gi, which is the traditional uniform, a belt, and some basic protective gear. Felt a bit silly at first, like I was playing dress-up, but hey, when in Rome, right?
The first week was tough, I won’t lie. It was a lot of new movements, weird positions, and feeling completely lost. I learned this thing called “shrimping,” which is basically moving your hips on the ground, and let me tell you, it’s harder than it looks! We also worked on keeping balance and some basic submissions. I was sore in places I didn’t even know existed, but it was kind of a good sore, you know?
What I really liked about BJJ is that it’s not just about strength or size. It’s about using technique and leverage to control your opponent. As a smaller guy, that was a huge relief. I could actually see myself getting better, even if it was just a little bit each day.
- Focus on basics: This was key for me. Just trying to get the fundamental movements down.
- Stay hydrated: Sounds obvious, but it’s easy to forget when you’re getting all tangled up.
- Stretch: This became my best friend. Helped a lot with the soreness.
- Expect groundwork: Most of the action happens on the mat, which was new to me, but also kind of cool.
Now, I’m still very much a beginner, but I’m actually enjoying it. It’s challenging, both physically and mentally, but it’s also really rewarding. Every little improvement feels like a big victory. Plus, it’s a great way to meet new people and get a good workout in.
If you’re thinking about trying BJJ, I’d say go for it. It’s definitely not easy, but it’s worth it. Just remember to be patient, listen to your instructors, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. And who knows, maybe you’ll end up loving it just as much as I am starting to. Oh, and one more thing – don’t be like me and forget to wash your gi after every session. Trust me on that one.
