Three things I wish someone had told me before starting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

After 7 months of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu I want to share what I wished I'd known at the start.

First: finding a reputable Gracie lineage gym — it hits earlier and harder than the internet suggests. Budget for it practically and mentally. Second: the knee sleeves you buy first will probably be wrong — ask your coach before spending money. Third: stripe promotions is the foundation everything else builds on, but it looks boring from the outside. Resist the temptation to rush toward advanced guard passing before the fundamentals are solid.

community at open mat is the reward for getting through all of that. It's worth it.