What to Expect When Starting Martial Arts

Starting martial arts involves receiving detailed instruction covering how to perform techniques and why, when, and how to apply them effectively. Learning should feel engaging, accessible, and enjoyable. Early sessions focus on fundamental movements that introduce practitioners to the art's principles. These basics teach the mechanics of the practice and challenge the mind and body, offering insights into strengths, areas for growth, and new ways to engage with the movement.

Personal Growth Beyond Physical Fitness

Martial arts practice, particularly Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), fosters personal and cognitive growth beyond physical fitness. BJJ is rooted in strategy, requiring practitioners to assess challenges and adapt quickly. Each session develops problem-solving skills as individuals strategize and adjust their approach, honing mental focus and resilience. This cognitive growth fosters personal development, teaching practitioners to remain calm under pressure and respond thoughtfully to challenges on and off the mat.

Why BJJ is the Best Martial Art

BJJ stands out as a martial art because it is built on natural, fundamental human movement patterns. Unlike other martial arts, which may rely on rehearsed sequences, BJJ draws from movements we develop as infants and toddlers, such as crawling, scooting, rolling, and lying on the back. These actions are deeply ingrained in our physical development, making BJJ one of the most intuitive and accessible ways to move.

When we look at the timeline of human motor development:

- Ages 1-3: Crawling, scooting, falling, and standing up.

- Ages 3-5: Jumping, pushing, pulling, and grasping with increasing coordination.

- Later childhood: Refinement of throwing, kicking, and balance.

A well-structured children's BJJ program taps into these natural skills, refining them through playful and technical practice. For adults, BJJ offers the opportunity to revisit and reconnect with foundational movement patterns, reactivating motor skills learned in childhood and building upon them with more complex techniques. This makes BJJ a perfect training tool for physical fitness and maintaining agility and functional movement throughout life.

Risks of Practicing Martial Arts

With proper supervision from a qualified instructor who understands the art and teaching methodology, martial arts is relatively easy compared to other sports. A clear teaching philosophy that emphasizes safety, progression, and awareness ensures that students practice in a way that minimizes injury and maximizes growth.

Qualifications to Teach Martial Arts

I have over 35 years of martial arts experience and a college degree in Physical Education, with a specialization in Sports Physiology. I have taught at all school levels and worked as a college assistant instructor for more than five years.

Additionally, I have traveled extensively, teaching and learning across cultures in Brazil, Mexico, Spain, and the United States. This diverse intercultural experience allows me to understand and adapt to the unique needs of every student, offering an inclusive and thoughtful approach to teaching martial arts.

Setting Up Your Training Space

Getting started with martial arts at home is simple! Here's what you'll need:

1. A 10x10-foot space in your house, garage, or outdoor area.

2. Soft flooring, such as a carpet or a mat.

3. Internet access and a device to follow along with instructional videos or virtual classes.

4. Comfortable clothes that allow you to move freely.

That's it—you're ready to begin! With the right mindset and guidance, you'll be on the path to physical mastery, personal growth, and mental clarity.