Sparring in Jiu Jitsu is a full-contact style of fighting. It emphasizes the use of grappling techniques to pin an opponent rather than striking. Martial artists know that one of the first things you learn in Jiu Jitsu is how to spar. However, there are rules for the right way to start practicing Jiu Jitsu sparring.
For example, to keep you from hurting yourself, your teacher will probably have you start on your knees. You will also have to keep in mind things like breaking the grasp to deflect the strategy of an experienced fighter.
There are many other points to remember as well. So, in this article, we will guide you through guidelines that will let you begin your sparring learning journey smoothly. We will also look into some additional tips to fade away that remaining fear from your mind. Keep reading to become a champion at sparring!
Why Should You Spar in Jiu Jitsu?
Sparring or rolling has a lot of benefits. They truly test our abilities. We can find out what our strengths and weaknesses are because of them, and this helps us grow a lot. You could even say that sparring is the same thing as learning.
When you spar, you can see how your opponent resists and tries to counter your moves. Sparring also teaches you how to notice changes that are needed to avoid submissions. You are also more aware of which situations could be dangerous because you roll more often. You can have fun, learn new things, and try new things when you spar in Jiu Jitsu.
Also, if you want to compete someday, you have to be rolling. Real-life sparring is where most of Jiu Jitsu’s power and usefulness come from. There is only one way to learn how to defend yourself in real life: put yourself in situations where you can test your skills.
However, unless there are medical reasons not to, it is a bit extreme to stop rolling altogether. That will stop your growth.
How to Make Your First Jiu Jitsu Sparring Session
A newbie might find it most difficult and uncomfortable to learn how to spar, but it is not the first thing that comes to mind. Do not be scared, young samurai. If you want your first sparring sessions to go as smoothly as possible, just follow these quick guidelines:
-
Your Starting Stance
Your instructor will likely have you start on your knees to reduce injury risk, much like a clumsy baby giraffe finding its footing. However, beginning on both knees isn’t advised; neither is starting seated for beginners. Instead, adopt the combat base position: one knee down and active toes with the other knee up, allowing for comfortable sitting. This stance eliminates unnecessary movements by preparing you to react faster if your opponent attempts a grab.
If you eventually stand up:
- Adopt a comfortable stance and stay light on your feet.
- Avoid crossing your feet while moving, as this invites takedowns.
- Don’t just watch the opponent’s feet. That’s because it narrows vision and compromises defense against attacks such as takedowns or guillotines by rounding your back.
-
Your Grips
White belts often clench their fists until they need to grab something. But when they do, they tend to grab and let go quickly instead of holding on. They also ignore it when someone grabs them. You, as a white belt, should pay attention to grips in a fight.
- Firstly, keep your hands relaxed; shaking them out can help. If you start with clenched fists, you’ll have to relax them anyway before grabbing an opponent.
- Secondly, once you get a hold of something or someone, maintain that grip for as long as possible. This forces your opponent’s focus on escaping your grip rather than attacking you further.
- Lastly, always attempt to break an opponent’s grip on you right away. An experienced fighter’s grip is typically the first step in their plan against you. Break these grasps to deflect their strategy.
-
Your Space
Jiu jitsu is not for those who need personal space. It requires close contact with others, even in awkward positions. If the idea of being very close to someone who bothers you, this sport might not suit you. Think about trying something else instead.
One key rule in Jiu jitsu is to reduce space when attacking and create it when defending. For instance, if you pass your partner’s guard, keep tight and don’t allow them room to move.
Conversely, if they break through yours, maintain a distance using frames. Essentially, use your legs as barriers between both of you.
-
Your Goal
Right now, you’re not ready to submit anyone – set that goal aside. First, practice your basic submissions 100 times. Without this practice, executing them in real sparring won’t work well. Avoid just trying to survive during sparring; it’s the wrong mindset for learning.
Here are three pieces of advice:
- Aim for positions you know, like guard or mount, and maintain them.
- If it’s been a few weeks, try using techniques you’ve practiced, even if risks are involved.
- Pay attention to what your opponent does better than you. You can learn from their moves. After sparring (not during), ask how they did something impressive without hesitation.
Additional Tips for Beginners
If you have never done it before, the above guidelines will let you set strong footsteps in your sparring journey. There is really nothing to worry about; you should not be scared to roll. In fact, sparring is a great way to learn new things and have fun, so it should go the other way. The following sparring tips will help you even more:
-
Communicate with Your Instructor and Teammates
Notifying your instructor and teammates of any injuries or health problems will help them change how you spar. Neglecting your worries can make your condition worse or even cause an injury that makes you unable to function. Additionally, talking to your opponent is a sign of respect. Do not hit them too hard, talk badly about their skills, or use excessive force.
If you are still a little scared of rolling because you do not fully understand what is going on, simply tell it to your partner. You might not get as much criticism if you tell them you are new.
-
Stay Consistent
Attend classes on a regular basis to improve your skills, get better at sparring, and learn from your mistakes. If you do not do sparring right, the level of intensity can be too low or too high for your opponent.
-
Don’t Avoid Sparring
Skipping sparring is the worst thing you can do when you are still worried about them. Rolling helps you learn and improve your skills. If you do not have any reasons not to spar, staying away from them will only hurt you.
-
Don’t Be Afraid of Higher Belts
One person’s higher belt does not mean they will beat you. Dealing with more senior martial artists is typically easier for white belts than dealing with their fellow classmates. There is a lot of care between people with colored belts and newbies who are just starting to spar. Colored belts are more aware and understanding. They can teach you a lot, too.
-
Ask Questions
If you do not know what happened in a roll or why certain things are worth points, do not be shy about asking. It helps you learn a lot. You can either ask the person you were sparring with or the coach. Sure, they will answer. It will also be a good sign for your trainer that you are using more than just your muscles when you spar.
-
Just Tap
When you first start out, you do not know all the things that could go wrong and hurt you. You do not know how to fight back against some submissions yet, etc. Just remember that it is better to tap early than to risk getting hurt. Honestly, just tap if something does not feel right.
Conclusion
Sparring in Jiu Jitsu is one of the first things you will learn. Without a sound mindset and clear guidelines, things can get pretty tricky. However, if given proper attention, it can become a fun process.
There are many benefits to sparring in Jiu Jitsu, such as testing our skills, figuring out our strengths and weaknesses, and helping us grow. It is important for competition and self-defense. For starters, grip, stance, space, goals, and communication should be their main concerns. Keys are to be consistent, face higher belts, ask questions, and tap whenever needed.
With the help of a quality trainer, sparring can become easy to learn. At 10th Planet Poway, we are loaded with such trainers. It is our goal to help you reach your goals and give the best lessons to all of our students. Join us today.
