[buttheadyeah]

I used to be a wrestler. Does that help at all? I made it to state a couple times.

[SJman]

Originally Posted by buttheadyeah

I used to be a wrestler. Does that help at all? I made it to state a couple times.

Having a wrestling background will definitely help your ground fighting skills, no question about it.

Don't be discouraged when you get the crap beat out of you though, and trust me YOU WILL! It
happens to everyone at least several times doing MMA. Even if you were a wrestling star in H.S.,
expect to have your a** handed to you by MMA grapplers. My advice is take that background
in wrestling and use it to create a strong foundation on which to build your BJJ abilities.

[SJman]

Just for those of you who are more visual learners like me, here are a few
videos of some of the best practitioners of BJJ I've ever seen. They're all
very easy to follow and will give you a good idea on just what's involved
during a typical match.

Also, these are BJJ-only videos for the most part, so don't expect to see
too much striking, if any at all.

Enjoy it!

YouTube - Submissions101's Channel

[Big Al]

If you're taking BJJ for self defense or to augment your MMA skills, make sure that the academy that you plan to train at covers standing takedowns/defense. There are BJJ schools that focus almost solely on the ground game so they'll have you starting from your knees or directly on the ground for almost all sparring sessions.

[Big Al]

Originally Posted by eompow

What is there ranking system like? Are there black belts?

The adult belt ranks for BJJ in order: white, blue, purple, brown, black, and red.

Most academies also give stripes as "degrees". Moving on to the next belt level in BJJ usually takes a lot longer to earn compared to most other MAs with belt ranking systems.

[SJman]

^^A good point by Big Al.

Different academies have their own ways of doing things, but a reputable place should have you
earning your black belt in approx. 8-10 years from what I've seen.

Sounds daunting, but I've tried Tae Kwon Do, Karate, Krav Maga, and Judo - none of them
(except maybe Judo) have been as much fun as BJJ!

[Thimsile]

Yes on average it takes 1 year to get blue, 3 years for purple, 3 years for brown, and 3 years to black. Keep in mind this is just average.

[Big Al]

Originally Posted by SJman

^^A good point by Big Al.

Different academies have their own ways of doing things, but a reputable place should have you
earning your black belt in approx. 8-10 years from what I've seen.

Sounds daunting, but I've tried Tae Kwon Do, Karate, Krav Maga, and Judo - none of them
(except maybe Judo) have been as much fun as BJJ!

One thing to note- a black belt in BJJ is quite different from a black belt in other MAs. Most BJJ academies allow you to become an instructor once you hit purple belt, though some have high ranking blue belts conducting some of the beginner classes. Most other MAs require that you have a black belt to do this.

[Hairtrigger]

I was active in Jiu Jitsu for 12 years and the last 4 of those were BJJ. I do know guys that took Tae Kwon Do that got their black belts within 3 years but when it is all said and done they were really close to a blue belt rank actually. Most people get discouraged when they don't get the black belt in a timely manner but it is well worth the wait. The level of training that you receive will stay with you for a long time and will be burned into your muscles and mind.

The one thing I have noticed in BJJ is that even at a novice level you can come out of your 1st lesson knowing how to defend yourself.

[eompow]

Budo, fighting arts and personal self defense is a large and varied study. It is as old as man kind protecting it's self, family, village, city and nation. Fighting spirit and personal desire is the root of success. Training of course is required but a person trained that has no fighting spirit has failed before the battle, but a person with limited training with fighting spirit is a force to be dealt with. Both of these are as dangerous as the other. But a well trained person with discipline and that exceptional fighting spirit has won the battle before it has started. "The sword of no sword" the ability to control, win or dominate without (preferred) or with violence and move wisely to position of victory. Control of the adversary so great that his or her fighting spirit or energy is taken away. What is left is total domination and control of the battle space. When you move calmly onto the battle area and are determined to live or die things get very simple and clear.

The four battle outcomes,

1# You die and I live.
2# I die and you live.
3# We both die.
4# We both respect each other and walk away.

What of these four have you experienced?

Warriors live to do battle, they are the ones that society calls on then times are bad and try to control when times are at peace, I have enjoy victory and defeat, the funny thing is I learned from both and enjoyed both. I guess I just love the battle. See you on the training floor.