Not sure if anybody else here is into actually partaking in this sport, but I just started.

I’m training out of a gym in San Francisco, the guys there are amazing. Our coaches for the beginner classes are brown belts and they’re incredible.

Last week I was told to stop focusing so much on my strength and focus in on technique, so today I rolled with both instructor and got absolutely smooshed into the mat, but it was completely humbling.

How long did it take you guys to start really being able to put into use what you’re learning in each class? So far I’ve learned full mount, side control, a shoulder lock and arm bar from full mount…. But while rolling, I feel like it’s nearly impossible to actually utilize the moves.

My size “5’10”, 200 lbs” and strength make it so that I’m nearly always on the offensive, but passing guard is so fucking hard.

Cheers, boys.

You'll be in it for hundreds of hours before you'll be using anything against higher belts that you learned in class.

My recommendation is to stop trying to 'win' and just try and figure out why/how you ended up in the positions you're in. Figure out what you did right if you can tap another beginner.

Which gym in SF area ?

Charles Gracie in San Mateo

They say dont use your strength because you can use your strength to get out of stuff against weaker people and it develops bad habits.

By the time you promote out of white belt you should be sufficient to be confident to defend yourself completely, BUT you wont be able to use your techniques effectively until you straight put in the hours doing it. It has to be instinct instead of a thought really. Good luck! you're in for a fun ride!

I appreciate this, man.

It’s just such a foreign sport to me, I’ve gotta accept I’m just starting.

I’m rolling 3 times per week now and still doing strength and conditioning. I’m also watching a shit load of material.

Thanks everyone.

So far I’ve learned full mount, side control, a shoulder lock and arm bar from full mount….


I have never done Jiu jitsu but wrestled in high school. It would take weeks to learn 1 position. Then you would find out you have been doing it wrong the whole time.

TLDR years to do it correctly.


Enjoy the process.

My guy, I said I’ve learned the positions.. I didn’t say I’ve mastered them.

I can pull guard, side mount, shoulder triangle, and might be able to bullshit my way to an arm bar from guard or full mount with another white belt that’s around my skill level. That’s about it.

I went to open mat yesterday and rolled with some purple belt that was probably 30 lbs lighter than me and WOW they’re incredible. He really took it as an opportunity to show me different techniques and a few different escapes.

Having a great time.

Tap early, tap often

stretch often

dont get injured

keep coming back to class



months, years



lol yup

Solid advice man, working on shoulder triangles on Tuesday I aggravated my AC joint. Feeling better today, supposed to roll tonight. Hopefully I’ll be 100%.