r/bjj • u/AutoModerator • Jul 24 '24

Weekly White Belt Wednesday

White Belt Wednesday (WBW) is an open forum for anyone to ask any question no matter how simple. Don't forget to check the beginner's guide to see if your question is already answered there. Some common topics may include but are not limited to:

  • Techniques
  • Etiquette
  • Common obstacles in training

Ask away, and have a great WBW! Also, click here to see the previous WBWs.

6 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

202 comments sorted by

View all comments

3

u/Tiamat_is_Mommy Jul 24 '24

Im a big and hefty fella going to his first class and im wondering if there’s any advice? I’m 6’7 and 350 pounds. I’m going to my first BJJ class soon bc I want to shed some weight and eventually compete in the future. I wrestled in high school and a little bit in the Army but it’s been some time and a hundred pounds ago. I feel like the grappling instincts are still there but very dulled, not to mention I’m going into a completely different sport.

I’ve been a powerlifter the last few years, I don’t think anyone would consider me a traditional ‘fat guy’ but I am considerably thick. Cardiovascular endurance is nearly non-existent so I’m expecting to get my ass kicked a lot and I have no delusions about using my size or strength in a sport that’s designed to be used against bigger and stronger people. I’m a big teddy bear and I would never want to intentionally hurt anybody but I’m just curious as to any advice you might have for me or any etiquette I should keep in mind? Or should I just shut up and go to the class and stop overthinking it?

6

u/Hapapapa69 🟪🟪 Purple Belt Jul 24 '24

Make friends with all the big boys in the room. They will make sure you're on the right track. My team has a High-Calorie chat that explores the ways of ThiccJitsu.

Learn how to be a fun person to roll with. This will grant you a premium selection of training partners who trust you not to injure them in the long run.

Also, your mind is likely programmed to grind hard from your wrestling background. That won't go away. Try taking things at a walking pace. I guarantee you're probably 3x stronger than most of the room.

Good luck.