Afraid to start BJJ ? You’re not the only one. For many people, the hardest part isn’t the training — it’s taking that first step onto the mat. That initial fear can sneak in before your journey even begins.
Fear of Getting Hurt: The Physical Barrier
Fear is like a tree, and one of its strongest branches is the fear of getting hurt. Many people imagine injuries, soreness, or not being in good enough shape to handle the demands of BJJ. They worry about getting thrown or struggling to keep up with more experienced students. These concerns make sense — and they’re more common than most realize.
That’s why we designed our curriculum to address those fears directly. Our program introduces students to the six major ground positions: closed guard, open guard, half guard, side control, mount, and back control. These positions build a foundation that helps new students feel safe and capable. We also emphasize clinching ability — a key skill often ignored in sport BJJ. In real self-defense situations, the ability to control the clinch can protect your life.
Fear of Not Belonging: The Emotional Barrier
Another major fear many beginners face is the fear of not belonging. Some worry they’ll be the only beginner. Others fear judgment or feeling out of place. These emotional fears run deep. For many adults, they come from past experiences — like getting picked last, being laughed at in gym class, or never feeling accepted in group settings.
At Next Generation Martial Arts, we acknowledge those feelings. We’ve built a culture centered on inclusion and encouragement. We don’t expect you to walk in confident. Instead, we welcome your questions, your doubts, and even your nerves. Our team meets you where you are — and we help you move forward.
Choosing the Right BJJ Academy Helps You Push Through
Over the past two decades, we’ve discovered a powerful truth: your mindset shapes your success more than your athletic ability. Some fears come from past trauma. Others develop from years of social anxiety or doubt. No matter where your fear comes from, the solution starts with consistency, support, and the right environment.
That’s why we guide students through discomfort in stages. We don’t ask you to push past fear alone. Instead, we support you through it — one class, one drill, one breath at a time. On the mat, BJJ becomes a mirror. It shows you what’s holding you back and helps you discover what you’re capable of.
We don’t measure success by trophies. We measure it by growth. Our mission is to build people, not just competitors. That’s what makes us the best martial arts academy in Thibodaux.
👣 Click Here If You’re Ready for the Next Step?
If you’ve been afraid to start BJJ, you’re not alone — and you’re not stuck. Discover how our program helps students gain confidence and start strong:
👉 How We Help You Start BJJ with Confidence