Introduction
Jiu-Jitsu has been the single biggest influence in my life.
It helped me totally transform my body and my mind. It has taken me all over the world. Teaching it has fed me and put a roof over my head. It has allowed me to meet so many talented and interesting people and make hundreds of new friends.
I’m not sure which direction my life would have taken had I not found jiu-jitsu, but it has undoubtedly made me the man I am today. I created this site because I want others to experience the same life-changing and far-reaching benefits of embracing the jiu-jitsu lifestyle that I have.
Jiu-Jitsu is challenging. It’s been estimated that of every 1000 people that try it only 5 or so continue and make it to the black belt. I want to change that. ‘Starting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu’ is a guide is for those who want to start training but are hesitant for whatever reason. It’s also for beginners who are finding the journey overwhelming. It is my hope that this resource will make your experience with jiu-jitsu as fun and productive as it can be.
Keep in mind that reading books and watching videos about jiu-jitsu is not doing jiu-jitsu. Just as you will never learn to swim if you don’t get wet, neither will you become a jiu-jitsoka if you don’t get on the mats and train.
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
The hardest part of any undertaking is starting. It’s committing to that initial action that will be the most daunting and most critical factor on your path to learning anything, jiu-jitsu included.
It doesn’t matter if you attend an introductory class at one of the huge academies in New York or London, or if you and a buddy get some mats and start training in your garage – as long as you take that first step.
One of the beautiful things about the art is that it is always in flux: everyone has a different experience of it. What I offer you is the knowledge I have gained on my path. It has worked for me, and for many of my students, but it is not necessarily the ‘best way’ or the ‘only way’, but merely ‘a way’.
I love hearing from readers and students all over the world, so feel free to email me with any thoughts, comments or questions you might have. I receive many messages per week so it may take me a while to respond to you, but I will endeavour to do my best.
See you on the mat.
Nicolas Gregoriades
Sydney, Australia 2010
Comments (2)
Dear Sir!
I have read your all introduction massage contains thosands of words expereince and much more.
I am a Struggling Computer Professional. because of that i have no time to join any Club or etc.
So can you give some shorts tips. that i use in my daily routine life.
i know it’s not enough to be a good Fighter.
but i don’t want a fighter also. i just want to be strong. and some peace for my mind. because i love Martial Arts. but can’t do practically.
Hope you reply me a satisfied answer.
Thanks Sir!
Umair Ali
umairthechand@gmail.com
Hi there Umair
I’m no expert, but I did start training in Jiu Jitsu a few months ago. One thing I can tell you is that no amount of thought or practice on your own will ever come close to the amount you’ll learn on the mat with an instructor and other fighters at your level.
There is the phenomenon of ‘muscle memory’, which you can only acquire by physically training with another person on a regular basis, though it does help to mime the action at home while watching videos. The latter however can only act as a supplement to real training.
I understand that your life situation is difficult. Personally I recently left a high-paid profession to become self employed. I was really struggling to make a living when I started Jiu Jitsu, and I really didn’t think I would have the time to carry on with it. Over time however, I found that doing Jiu Jitsu supplemented my work. It made me healthier, I lost weight and I was more alert and had more energy throughout the day.
In the end with I found that I was becoming more creative and could focus more on my work. Over a few months, I went from training in Jiu Jitsu just once per week to four days per week.
If you love Martial Arts as I do, then you owe it to yourself to at least give it a try.
Hope that helps
Noor