beginning sparring in BJJ

[rt33901]

Hello. I'm interested in starting bjj, and I'm concerned about what approach one is supposed to take when sparring. Because I'm beginning, I don't know many techniques, and those that I do know will be exectuted rather slowly and ineffectively for a while.

 

Basically, my question is, does one just try to "hack it" and hang in as long as possible, and try to use actual bjj techniques when possible? That is, is it normal for a beginner to mostly just use unskilled resistance to try to win (within the rules, of course)?

 

Otherwise, it seems like a beginner wouldn't really be able to spar at all, because everything would be like, "hold on a second while I remember that move".

 

So should I just "go at it" within the sparring rules, and try to just use real techniques when I can?

[Pacificshore]

I would think that as a beginner in any art, you would not be thrown into a sparring situation so soon without being able to learn techiques. And if you were then I would hope that such a situation is well monitored by the instructor.

 

As a beginner, you should also be thinking about how to and when to apply the techniques you were taught. Even to be able to spar at such an early stage in your training, should be looked upon as a learning stage, and not just a "go for it" attitude.

 

If you were to simply try to win at sparring by just going for it and foresaking your tecniques, well.....then that'll be like fighting out in the school yard.

 

To start out in any Martial Art is to work at getting down the basics and improving as you go forth in your training. Eventually you will develop such skill that you will be able to employ what you have learned without thinking too much about it. Training does take time, and in the beginning a learning process!!!

 

 

[YODA]

What you'll probably do is spar within certain limits first - like maybe just trying to escape from a certain position, or just trying to pass or keep the guard. Then you may work up to sparring freestyle but just working for positional dominance. Lastly you would add submissions in. That's the way I teach anyway

 

 

[Bon]

I've only been doing BJJ a month and I have been sparring freestyle a lot more than limited, I try to do moves that I do know, 'cept most of the higher belts have a counter to it. Heh. I've found it takes them longer to submit me now, I've been working on defence since I don't have so many offensive moves I can apply. Man, I get swept so easily when I'm in someone's guard though. =/

 

"I don't know many techniques, and those that I do know will be exectuted rather slowly and ineffectively for a while."

 

Yeah, and they'll remain ineffective if you don't practice them. =)

 

You'll probs find your strength is futile against a submission hold or any technique and you'll drop out of using strength pretty quickly. I used to be a kind of guy who liked to muscle things out no matter what I was doing, but, it just doesn't work, especially when you're up against a bigger guy.. you gas out so quickly

 

 

[tigerstyle18]

Hey, Bon

 

is BJJ your first experience with grappling or did you do something before that incorporated it?

 

 

[Bon]

I've done some akido with someone I don't think is qualified in akido & I've done a few lessons of judo, nothing to help my grappling except realise how poorly I could grapple. =p

 

 

[rt33901]

Thanks for your responses, guys. I do hope I can find a place that starts people off in very controlled, well defined circumstances.

 

It occurred to me that I could have been more clear with my original question: In general, if you're sparring with a partner who uses a move that you know has a specific counter, but you just don't know or remember the counter, should you just immediately quit, or should you try to worm your way out of it however you can and wait until they really have you totally trapped before you submit? It seems like there are pros and cons to both ways. If your a beginner like me though, you would probably have to spend more time stopping than rolling around. Also, you wouldn't really be giving your partner much practice against resisting opponents (even if the resistance isn't too skilled).

 

I know I probably sound a little obsessive here, but I just want to get a general idea of what to expect.

 

Thanks again for your comments.

[Dutch]

I think I understand your question... here is an attempt at an answer.

 

"Sparring" means different things to different people. Some treat it as 'in-house' competition, while at the other end of the spectrum others use it as a drilling exercise. Both have their merits, however you've got to be sure that both partners understand the aim of the specific sparring session.

 

For example, in a controlled sparring session, such as guard passes and sweeps, I wouldn't expect the players to be attempting serious armbars or chokes... however if one player was to do something stupid, then it is appropriate for their partner to make them aware of their mistakes - that doesn't mean they have to break the offending arm!

 

Personal opinion time: BJJ suffers from a lack of formalities. For example, when you join a Judo club, you quickly understand the pecking order (ie there are many belts with very defined grading requirements). BJJ has few belts in comparison and there is little by the way of bowing etc (which provides a real opportunity to introduce yourself etc to your partner, creates some recognition and ultimately serves to enhance respect among players). I have played Judo in various countries and while being often outclassed during sparring, I have rarely felt endangered. The more casual/relaxed BJJ approach has its merits, but as far as managing the risk of injuries etc, many clubs have a long way to go.

 

Remember: Be alert and you won't get hurt. ie. take some responsibility for your own progression and welfare and only play as hard as you are prepared to receive back.

[gracie_jujitsu_is1]

the first day i came to the dojo to "check out" jujitsu the instructor wanted to give me a free lesson... he threw me with the group...i had no gi, no experience...nothing. we stretched out then worked on some teqniques for an hour and the last half hour of class we fought for submission...(same as we do after every class) the other students didn't take it easy on me cause i didn't know anything and i thought it was kinda harsh...i got arm barred, choked out...the whole works. (of course that ends just as soon as ya tap out...) i found out after class that sparring like that with more advanced students even though you don't know what your doing, gives you an instinctive kind of defense and i'm glad that we do it...i think you should spar as soon as your allowed.

 

but hey don't take my word for it try it for yourself

 

 

[jiu-jitsu fighter]

my first class i learned a few techniques but most of the time i spent on my back or in the guard,

 

don't worry about it you have to start somewhere and you'll pick things up rather quickly

 

good luck