Blog/beginners

beginners

15 articles on beginners.

The Best BJJ Gyms in Austin (A Traveller's Drop-In Guide)

Austin is where the Danaher Death Squad split landed, and both halves are still here: Gordon Ryan's Kingsway in the north, the old B-Team room in the south. Here's what nine Austin academies actually charge, who teaches there, and why the two most famous ones have both changed their names.

August 1, 202626 min read

The Best BJJ Gyms in Rio de Janeiro (A Traveller's Drop-In Guide)

Every lineage on your certificate traces back to about ten square kilometres of this city, and the rooms are still open: Hélio's academy, Carlson's third floor in Copacabana, the mat Gracie Barra started on. Here's who teaches where, how to actually book a class when nobody publishes a price, and why the whole thing runs on WhatsApp.

July 31, 202627 min read

The Best BJJ Gyms in San Diego (A Traveller's Drop-In Guide)

San Diego has quietly become the centre of gravity for competitive jiu-jitsu in America: Legion, the Ribeiro brothers' academy in Pacific Beach, Atos, the 10th Planet Freaks. Here's what each one costs, who teaches there, how drop-ins actually work, and why you'll need a rental car.

July 28, 202623 min read

The Best BJJ Gyms in New York City (A Traveller's Drop-In Guide)

New York has more world-class jiu-jitsu per square mile than almost anywhere on earth — Renzo's blue basement, Marcelo Garcia's academy, Unity's competition room. Here's what each one costs, who's behind it, how drop-ins actually work, and where to buy a gi when yours is still in the wash.

July 26, 202621 min read

Common Gym Infections in BJJ and How to Protect Yourself: A Mat Hygiene Guide

Ringworm, staph, impetigo, mat herpes: grappling puts you in close contact with more skin and more sweat than almost any other sport. Here's what these infections look like, how they spread, and the hygiene habits that actually prevent them.

July 7, 20267 min read

The Best BJJ Apps in 2026 (and Why the Best One Is Free)

Training journals, drill timers, technique libraries, instructional platforms — there's an app for every part of your BJJ life, and most of them charge a monthly fee for the good stuff. Here's an honest tour of the best BJJ apps, and the case for the one that costs nothing.

July 2, 20266 min read

BJJ Is for Everyone: What the Gentle Art Gives You at Every Age

Seven-year-olds learn discipline, office workers learn to think under pressure, and sixty-year-olds keep their balance and their friendships. Here's why Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu might be the most age-proof sport there is, and what the research says about it.

July 2, 20267 min read

Why BJJ Is One of the Best Ways to Lose Weight

Treadmills are boring and most diets quietly fail because nobody sticks to them. BJJ burns serious calories, builds muscle, and, crucially, is fun enough to actually keep doing. Here's why grappling is such an effective weight-loss tool.

June 17, 20266 min read

How Long Does It Take to Get Good at BJJ?

How long does it really take to get good at Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? An honest look at the belt timeline, what 'good' means, and how to progress faster.

May 6, 20263 min read

How to Stop Gassing Out During BJJ Rolls

Exhausted two minutes into every roll? Learn why you gas out in BJJ and the breathing, technique, and conditioning fixes that build real grappling cardio.

April 20, 20263 min read

Gi vs No-Gi BJJ: Which Should Beginners Train?

Gi or no-gi BJJ: which is better for beginners? A clear breakdown of the differences, the pros and cons of each, and what to start with as a white belt.

April 2, 20263 min read

The Best BJJ Submissions for Beginners to Learn First

Overwhelmed by submissions? These are the best high-percentage BJJ submissions for beginners to learn first: safe, reliable, and easy to drill.

February 18, 20263 min read

How Often Should You Train BJJ Per Week?

How many times a week should you train BJJ to improve without burning out or getting hurt? Here's how to choose the right frequency for your level and goals.

January 30, 20262 min read

BJJ for Beginners: What to Expect in Your First Month

Starting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? Here's an honest guide to your first month of BJJ: what classes are like, what to bring, and how to survive the early grind.

January 22, 20263 min read

How to Remember BJJ Techniques After Class

You drill a slick move in class, then forget it by the next session. Here's a simple system to actually retain BJJ techniques and stop losing what you learn.

January 14, 20263 min read