The Hidden Jiu-Jitsu Journey
You’re about to step into something special.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) isn’t just a sport. It’s not just self-defense. It’s a full-body, full-mind adventure that changes how you move, how you think, and how you see yourself.
And the best part? You don’t need to be strong, fast, or flexible to start. You just need the courage to show up.
Here’s your beginner’s guide to the real secrets of Jiu-Jitsu — the stuff nobody tells you when you tie your belt for the first time.
Secret #1: Defense Is Your Superpower
Let’s be honest. Everyone wants to learn flashy submissions and cool takedowns.
But in your first weeks of training, the most important thing you’ll learn is how not to get stuck. Defense is your hidden shield — and it’s what keeps you rolling longer, learning faster, and staying safe.
Great defense means you’re learning how to:
Stay calm under pressure
Move your body in smart ways
Avoid danger before it starts
Think of defense as your “Jiu-Jitsu seatbelt.” Before you hit the gas, make sure you're protected.
Pro Tip: Don’t panic when someone’s on top. Breathe, protect your neck, and look for space. That is Jiu-Jitsu.
Secret #2: Submissions Are About Timing, Not Strength
Submissions look awesome — armbars, chokes, leg locks. But here’s the truth most beginners miss:
It’s not about being strong. It’s about being smooth.
The best submissions feel almost effortless. They come from:
Good positioning
Patience
Knowing when to attack
Every tap you get isn’t luck — it’s the result of small steps done right.
Beginner Goal: Don’t chase submissions. Focus on control. Good control leads to great submissions.
Secret #3: Escapes Are the Real Magic
Everyone gets stuck. Everyone gets smashed.
But the best grapplers? They escape with calm, smart moves — like magic tricks under pressure.
Escapes teach you:
How to stay relaxed
How to move under stress
How to never give up, no matter how bad it looks
Escaping isn’t losing. It’s one of the most powerful skills in BJJ.
Quick Win: Ask your coach to show you 2 basic escapes. Practice them every class until they’re second nature.
Secret #4: Flexibility + Mobility = Your New Superpowers
Forget about touching your toes. In BJJ, flexibility means being able to move freely, turn at weird angles, and stay safe in tough spots.
Mobility helps you:
Avoid injuries
Move smoother
Control your body like never before
You’ll feel parts of your body wake up for the first time — hips, back, shoulders — all getting stronger and more useful every week.
Daily Boost: Add 5 minutes of stretching after every class. You’ll notice the difference fast.
Secret #5: Real Strength Comes From Resilience
Being tough in BJJ isn’t about looking big or lifting heavy.
It’s about showing up after tough days.
It’s about:
Staying calm when you’re losing
Trying again after getting tapped
Learning from every mistake
Jiu-Jitsu builds your mind just as much as your muscles. You’ll start to feel it — in how you handle stress, how you breathe, how you trust yourself more.
Mind Shift: Every roll is a lesson. Even if you get tapped, you’re still moving forward.
Secret #6: Your Gym Becomes Your Tribe
Here’s something you might not expect:
The people you train with become some of your closest friends.
Why? Because you go through something hard together. You struggle, sweat, and improve side by side. You tap each other out, then laugh about it five minutes later.
Your BJJ gym becomes your second home — full of people who get it.
Beginner Tip: Say hi to someone new every class. Help when you can. Ask for help when you need it. That’s how your tribe grows.
Your Journey Starts Now
You don’t need to be perfect. You don’t need to be fearless. You just need to take that first step onto the mat.
And once you do, everything changes — not overnight, but over time.
You’ll become more confident. More focused. More connected. You’ll redefine what it means to be strong. And you’ll carry those lessons with you everywhere you go.
What To Do Next
Go to class.
Ask questions.
Keep showing up.
That’s it.
If you want extra tips, grab my eBooks. Or send me a DM on Instagram (@francis.abramson) — I’d love to hear your story and help you start strong.
Welcome to the journey. You’ve got this.