6 month bjj student

[shamster]

Well, I'm almost around the 6th month mark as a bjj student. There aren't really any other students at my "level" here, as most have been doing this longer than I have.

I know that everyone progresses differently, but I was wondering if there are some unofficial "standards" of what a student who's been training for 6 months should be at. Basically, I'm just trying to get some kind of idea of where I stand relative to other people training this long. Can any of you more advanced students recall what your abilities were at the 6 months mark?

Thanks in advance!

[gregimotis]

You still feel pretty weak, until a new guy comes in. At six months a first day-er anywhere close to your weight should be shark bait.

[shamster]

Thanks! That's about how I feel now. If a rolled with a complete newbie who doesn't know how to defend against anything, I'm sure I can catch him with a basic choke, armbar, etc. But I don't think a newbie would want to roll full speed his first day, and even so, I would feel like an ass if I took advantage of him like that.

However, I still can't tap out anyone in my class. Even other beginners. I notice with other beginners though, they usually beat me by overpowering me. Last night for example, I rolled with a guy newer than me. I think I used more technique than him as far as positioning (he wasn't able to pass my guard) and submission attempts. However, he caught me in a paintbrush armlock...INSIDE MY GUARD. Something that usually shouldn't happen, but I was getting tired at the end, and he managed to just overpower me to get that move. Plus I think I underestimated his abilities. I didn't think he would know much, so I was less careful about watching where my own arms were.

Anyhow, I am feeling more confident just being on the ground overall as far as protecting myself (usually). I still just can't seem to get any submissions working 100% yet.

Also, I am the lightest guy in the class (140lbs). I know technique can overcome weight differences, but since my technique is still limited now, I suppose all the other guys have an advantage over me right off the bat.

[Ahoym8e]

yeah, it's tough. I've been training BJJ for about 8 months, and am light as well (157).

I can stalemate (or avoid submission, I should say) most anybody in class (except the 255 lb purplebelt), but my submissions are few and far in between. With people close to my weight I can take down and stay on top/ side control and keep them on the defense, but I am not tapping anyone consistently.

Every now and then I'll learn a new trick and submit people a few times, but then no-one is surprised any longer, and they don't fall for it anymore.

I always end up helping the new guys, so I never get the satisfaction of thoroughly dominating anyone. Oh well. I keep in prety good shape though, so I guess it's worthwhile just for that...

[SweepEm]

The number of months you have trained has almost no correlation to the next guy.

Just think, can you compare yourself to another guy who has been training EVERY DAY, 6-8 hours day for 6 months.
Or
How about a guy that is a black belt in Judo
Or
How about a guy that is a Division 1A wrestler

get my point?

Everyone learns at a different rate.
Your athleticism, knowledge and frequency in training is going to be much different than the next person.

It's normal to compare yourself to someone else to see if you're progressing the same.

Don't let it bother you if you don't progress as fast as others.
There will always be that "phenom" and also the guys that are spazzes that just don't pick things up.

[Sensei Saki]

I hear you.Sensei Saki is always thinking.Aren't all black belt in JudoOrHow about a guy that is a Division 1A wrestlerget his or her point OrHow about a guy that?
That's a rather sweeping generalization.Not mine.You're kidding.
normal to compare yourself to someone else to see if you are progressing the same is?Ok I'll try not to do let it bother you if you do not progress as fast as others too much."There you go again."--Reagan

[Tom Yum]

Time for your meds, Saki...

[gregimotis]

Well said, Sweep - good points.

[vadrip]

This is typical of what a beginner goes through, it can be a drag, but you just have to stick with and through time you'll get better. As a beginner build up your foundation in positional escapes, guard passes, and positional control because without these you're not submitting anyone. You have to drill, drill and drill these to get consistently better at them too.

Also, no one should be able to submit you with a paintbrush submission in your guard you should either have his back, sweep or armbar him.

If you don't your options concerning this ask your instructor and he'll show you. Also, whenever someone beats you should go through how they did what and why that way you're not just getting beat, but always learning as well.

[wardancer]

Well, I'm almost around the 6th month mark as a bjj student. There aren't really any other students at my "level" here, as most have been doing this longer than I have.

I know that everyone progresses differently, but I was wondering if there are some unofficial "standards" of what a student who's been training for 6 months should be at. Basically, I'm just trying to get some kind of idea of where I stand relative to other people training this long. Can any of you more advanced students recall what your abilities were at the 6 months mark?

Thanks in advance!

Getting sweep so easily like when you are a newbie!