NOOB ? About starting BJJ (n Smoking)
Thu, 09/02/2010 - 14:19
hello lockflow,
this is a series of question that i hope to receive answers for.
1) as a smoker of 13 years and fan of mma. I have a desire to train in bjj. My cardio level is good for 1 lap around a high school track. I have been sedentary all of my life. Just started lsd running (a few laps only) and short interval conditioning 3 days ago. If i was huge i would just lay on ppl. But i'm just a petite,weak man w/ bad lungs. Do you think i will be able to get thru one class of bjj + rolling for 30 mins?
2)would you prefer morning or evening bjj classes? and why? would you retain more during the mornings?
3)I suffer from social anxiety at times and was wondering if anyone can offer some tips
if i decide to start training in bjj. I'm just scared ill walk into the bjj room and fatigue, puke during rolling and my self concept would suffer more. and im a young guy, 28.
even the thought of joining a school terrifies me.
4)what schools would you recommend or are around kent/renton area.
5)i hate what i put myself through. why cant i be normal? well this is my attempt to
hopefully cross that line. I know i come off as a retard and thanks for any input.
- failing @ social setting guy w/ bad cardio
Thu, 09/02/2010 - 15:38
#2
Sounds like you are pretty hard on yourself. I think your time of day to train issue is pretty much gonna depend upon the gym you choose. The gym were I train has smaller day classes so there is much more one on one with the instruction but less people to spar with. The evening classes are just the opposite. I agree with Kyle that you should just start with the class / tech portion of class then see how you feel and if you can spar. You may be able to get through 1 match or whatever but people understand that mat conditioning is different from anything else out there.
Good luck and keep your head up! (but chin down if you are doing any striking LOL)
Thu, 09/02/2010 - 15:49
#3
thank you very much for the responses. I will take the conditioning part to heart. That was an awesome tip.
Somehow i have this preconceive notion that all coaches/school have that old school rocky trainer mentality. and if you dont perform well you get ridiculed. hopefully i will be in a school by the end of sept. you guys are the best!!!!!!!!!! thanks again kyle and afro.
Thu, 09/02/2010 - 18:25
#4
LF CAPT. #065
Q 1: What Kyle said. It'll definitely be hard for you at first, but its hard for everyone, its different, and works your body hard. But just keep at it, your cardio will build over time. Remember, you dont have to train to get in shape, but training WILL get you in shape.
Q 2: What ever works with your schedule better. If it works with your schedule, you wont be rushed and stressed trying to get there, and if your not stressed you'll have a clear mind ready to learn 
Q 3: Don't even worry about it. As long as you find a good school, I'm sure everyone there will be more than kind and willing to help. And if they dont, dont worry about it, just look for a new school.
Q 4: Couldnt tell ya, never been there.
Q 5: Bro, dont be so hard on yourself. Were all just people, your no different than me or anyone else. You dont come off as a "retard" at all, your just asking for info. I think starting a martial art (whether BJJ or something else) is an awesome idea. Not only will it help you physically, but its great for self-confidence. Before you know it, the guys you train with will be your new family.
Please, keep us updated!!
-Jimmy
Thu, 09/02/2010 - 19:24
#5
You'll be fine. You're over thinking the whole thing. Just find a school and try it out. Most reputable schools offer a free class or two just to try and see if you like it. If your not comfortable sparring at first its completely acceptable to just sit back and watch. Your cardio will come as long as you show up to train. But most importantly have fun and embrace what will become your new addiction.
11th dan in Parnes Jiu-Jitsu, it's one more than Ransom's. Real PJJ goes to 11!
Thu, 09/02/2010 - 21:13
#6
I know what you mean. I walked into my first marital arts gym at age 27. I haveta admit its an intimidating situation. But that'll pass about 90 seconds after you walk through the door.
Just tell the coach this is your first time training and you've been smoking forever. They wont work you into the ground. You can probably roll a little, as well.
Fri, 09/03/2010 - 05:32
#7
I think that you may also find that most people who trains MMA/BJJ like fanatic are usually quite "weird" people. Don't know how to put it really, but I know that Im not even close to being 'normal'. And I haven't met anyone who trains as much or more than I do thats 'normal'.
So what I'm trying to say is that if you find it difficult to be in social settings, don't worry about it when it comes to the mat.
(When I think about it, are there any normal guys hanging on this forum?)
Fri, 09/03/2010 - 06:30
#8
Is there anyone u know that might wanna jump in on a class with you. I remember walking into my gym a few years ago and being pretty intimidated especially cause I didn't know anyone. I breathed a sigh of relief when one of my buddies that I hadn't seen in a while walked in the door. He had only done a few classes and it definitely made things easier knowing someone. It only took a few classes and I knew pretty much everyone at the club and now quite a few years later my gym rat buddies are like a second family.
Fri, 09/03/2010 - 06:32
#9
Some great advice on the other posts, "most" schools everyone is willing to help, you just have to take the first step. BJJ is like magic for me, going to class as much as I can just to see how the magic tricks are done and then doing it over and over to make it perfect.
Also, do yourself a favor a stop smoking, I don't really care if someone smokes, but I refuse to roll with anyone who does, I would rather smell a stinky Gi, you can try and try to cover the smell of smoke up, but it is still there.
Good Luck
Fri, 09/03/2010 - 06:46
#10
LF CAPT.#083
I hear ya about social anxiety, I have a general hate for all people, even before I meet them, I cant stand them. However, I do find if you go to a credible gym, you will find incredibly supportive people and one of the best place to make real friends =)
Fri, 09/03/2010 - 06:56
#11
+1 on the smoky gi. A lot of my good friends smoke so I am used to the smell but even a smoky gi really bothers me.
Fri, 09/03/2010 - 07:24
#12
11 years ago I was a pack a day smoker. When I started bjj I quit smoking within 1 month and havent smoked since. You have to make a decision, do you want to smoke and get beat up or do you want to win.
Fri, 09/03/2010 - 07:27
#13
Sorry I'd rather smell a smoky gi than a cat piss gi any day.
11th dan in Parnes Jiu-Jitsu, it's one more than Ransom's. Real PJJ goes to 11!
Sat, 09/04/2010 - 05:04
#14
Ndame88 said it before me but Ill say it again- Stop Smoking. It is good for absolutely nothing but bad breath, bad lungs and smelly cloths. Your cardio will definately benefit from it. There is nothing worse than being in a heated grappling match and getting a huge wiff of dragon breath. 
-Adam Mays "Courage is endurance for one moment more" "If size mattered, the elephant would be the king of the jungle." 
FREESTYLE AMERICAN SHOOT TEAM Thanks to eagles for the sig!
Sat, 09/04/2010 - 12:37
#15
When I first walked in to C3 I was a pack a day smoker and almost puked on everyone I rolled with, lol.
Quitting smoking is mental, I smoked off and on for the last 4 years. I quit cold turkey the first time I went into the army and quit cold turkey again a few months ago.
As far as strength, I'm a little guy too. Here's my workout I'm doing now to get ready for basic.
M-fartlek run 2miles abs
T-deadlift bodyweight 3x10 superset with 25 pushups x 3
Barbell row 3x10 superset with max dips x 3
W-jog 3 miles abs
Th-45lbs rucksack squat 25x3 super set with rucksack pushup 3x8
chin ups(palms away) 3x8 superset with max dips x 3
Dumbell shrug 3x20 superset with dumbell press 3x10
Fri-jog 3 miles abs
Goodluck!
Sat, 09/04/2010 - 13:15
#16
I am in the same boat as you man. Been smoking forever(still do)and trained for the first time last year. Yes your cardio will not be good. Mine still isn't. But I still managed to get through each class even if I was laying on the side for a good portion. Now I can't train cause I have no money and I miss it.
Fri, 10/01/2010 - 12:51
#17
LF CAPT. #065
hey DFD, any updates?
-Jimmy
Fri, 10/01/2010 - 14:12
#18
advice to smokers: doing fartleks and windsprints will clear the lungs of some of that buildup.
Fri, 10/01/2010 - 14:33
#19
Fri, 10/01/2010 - 18:24
#20
I just completed the cross fit deadlift circuit, 10 deads 10 burpees = one set, I did 4 sets... I didn't have issue completing it but my lungs were feeling it!
i wasn't laid out on the ground though. Did 3 5 minutes of pad work after 
Fri, 10/01/2010 - 21:37
#21
I don't know how those guys do it. That dude in the middle looks like he's lifting 325, and goes right back to it after the burpees. I have to take a 2 min rest after, and I just do pushups instead of burpees.
Sat, 10/02/2010 - 10:10
#22
Those aren't the solid metal weights. You can tell by the sound they make when they drop and the way they drop them. If they were solid, that would result in floor destruction.
I did 155 for deadlifts and that was tough enough.
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If your cardio's not up to par, just work through the class and see how you feel. If you're not up to roll for the first few classes, don't worry about it. Watch everybody and study what they're doing.
I love sparring and striking in the morning and rolling in the evening, that way when I'm done I don't lose what I learned during the day and can think about it until I go to sleep, but it's completely different for everyone.
As far as the nerves, I don't know where you train, but most people aren't dicks. I always try to talk to the new guys and get them involved with the team, the same way someone did for me when I started. When I was younger I was terrible around people and social situations, but BJJ is a great way to deal with it. Ask people grappling related questions to start conversations and they'll be happy to chat. Let us know how it goes.