Two question's for Judo and BJJ players...

[Spider Web]

1. I have been in MA for several years. However, today I signed up with a local BJJ dojo. Until today, I have not had any training in Judo or BJJ. My first question is this, I was issued a Gi that was extremely stiff (and I understand why), however, I soaked the Gi in fabric softner for hours and that thing (especially the collar) is still extremely hard, other than time, is there any suggestions as to how to get the collar to lossen or soften up any?

2. I want to ask specifically what kind of conditioning training any of you would suggest to prepare myself for the rigors of BJJ training?

Any other advice any of you would offer in regard to Bjj training I would sincerely appreciate it. Little things like for instance, tape your toes at the joints, tape your thumbs, just whatever, again anything you can share that I need to be aware of before I learn the hard way. I sure would appreciate your help so much.

Thanks in advance for your replies.
Respectfully!

[EmptyneSs]

sounds like ur worrying too much. first off, dont worry about ur gi, u will break it in with time, but even so it will still be thick and stiff to some degree, thats just how they are. also, u dont really need to do any conditioning to get ready for bjj, they will condition u in class with warm up exercises and whatnot and with some training u will get used to grappling constantly. u dont really need to tape up anyting either, unless u have some kind of injury.

if u want to do some supplemental training outside of bjj, strength training and cardio are always great.

my advice to u is just be very relaxed when u start to grappling and train. alot of newcomes freak out and get stiff or flail about when they start to grapple other people. the more relaxed u are the better u will do and clearer u can think.

[Ronson]

What EmptyneSs said.

Gi:

You'll break it in with plenty of rolling, but for everyone's sake, wash it often (like after 2-3 classes). If you plan on rolling alot during the week, it might be a good idea to purchase another Gi to rotate in while one is being washed/dried (hang dry your Gi as the dryer will lessen the life of your Gi)

Rolling:

Again, remember to breathe. Sounds dumb right? Well people do forget to breathe as the freak out and scamble.

Relax when you or your opponent don't have anything in terms of submissions. Be mindful of holding on too long with your grips, otherwise you'll learn the hardway as your forearms and hands cramp up.

Learn to tap with your hands, feet, and head . Don't be discouraged as you get owned left and right. As you are twisted and contorted you will be learning still, as hard as it will be to believe.

Go to class. As you immerse yourself in BJJ, your worrying and trivial questions will disappear. They will be replaced with more thought provoking questions surrounding the guard, passing the guard,.... Oh, and whatever you do, try not to develop a fake Brazilian accent .

[CKD]

Chris Ward I have recieved your message but my response was too long for me to p.m. it. I hope you do not mind me putting it on this board.

What is the difference between judo and bjj?

The difference between judo and bjj is that bjj schools typically emphasize groundfighting and judo schools mostly focus on standing throws. Although there are some bjj schools that do a lot of training in standing throws and there is also some judo schools with good groundwork. But if groundwork is your main goal than a bjj school would probaly best fit your needs.
Will BJJ help me in a streetfight?
BJJ will help you greatly in a fight because it will help you become more than one-dimensional, which greatly helps you in streetfights because no matter what a persons stated intentions are fights are unpredictable things. For example you will hear many people who say that they do not need training in grappling because they simply would not grapple in a fight. However they would be very vunerable to being tackled and pounded upon because they lack this training and can not control the range they are in. If they studied grappling they could prevent themselves from being in this position or at least be able to survive on the ground.

What is vale tudo and how is it different different from BJJ?

Vale Tudo is another word for mma and is typically a combination of bjj, muay thai, boxing, and wrestling all stripped down to techniques and strategies only usable in mma and streetfights. For example bobbing and weaving may be good in boxing but you are vunerable to knees if you try that in a mma fight. In wrestling striking is not allowed so there body posture is lower but in vale tudo strikes are allowed so the way wrestlers stand, shoot in for takedowns, work the clinch is all very different between the two sports. BJJ is a groundfighting art and is not as complete as vale tudo although bjj schools typically offer vale tudo classes. Many fighters get to a high level in bjj before they start vale tudo training.

[crazyjoe380]

Stop being a hoe..

lol..

Get used to the Gi, why?

1.) when you get used to Gi, you automatic and do no gi well... Less chokes but you need to do it.. it's basic jiu jitsu.

2.) Get used to grappling in gi's, it's hot and uncofortable but imagin on the street you get hit with a jacket, clothing etc.. you'll be used to it more then your foe... you wont feel sufficated like he will.

Get used to extreme situations and you are better off..

Peace..

[JaredExtreme]

What EmptyneSs said.

Gi:

You'll break it in with plenty of rolling, but for everyone's sake, wash it often (like after 2-3 classes)

Uhhh you wear your gi 2-3 times before washing it?

[Cenobite]

I would strongly suggest washing your gi after every class, probably even having a back up...hopefully almost everyone at your school does the same, staff infections are no joke

[Ahoym8e]

I'd recommend brushing up on your pushups and burpees and ESPECIALLY on your situps. I remember when I started with the BJJ school I'm with now we were doing 400 to 500 situps in the warmups (in 2 sets). that was hard to catch up to out of the blue. I was in decent shape but still wish I'd worked up to that (BTW, dont worry if your team does 500 situps and you cant keep up right away, you'll be given time to work up to it...)

Like the others say, the gi will soften up, but try not to let the collar get soft (no softener...). a real hard collar is more difficult to choke you with. You ought to wash it every time you roll out of respect for your teammates.

anyway, my 2 cents....

[Tant01]

Chris Ward, let us know how you like your first lessons?