How to Start BJJ: 3 Powerful Mindset Shifts for New Students
You start at the source.
As the original Brazilian Jiu Jitsu academy in Thibodaux, we’ve helped hundreds of students learn how to start BJJ with confidence — and we’ve refined that process for nearly a decade.
We produced the first homegrown Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belts in Thibodaux — and we did it without chasing medals. At Next Generation Martial Arts, we know exactly what it takes to guide someone from white belt to black belt because we’ve done it. Not just once, but repeatedly — through structure, accountability, and an environment built on trust, not ego.
Our reputation wasn’t built on trophies. It was built on transformation.
While others focused on collecting medals, we focused on developing people — quietly producing high-level martial artists without the noise or need for recognition.
We’ve helped students become martial artists who carry a quiet, humble confidence — individuals who no longer seek outside validation to know their worth. And now, we’ve made it our mission to show new students exactly how to start BJJ confidently — no experience required.
In this post, we’ll share three powerful mindset shifts that will help you learn how to start BJJ strong, stay focused, and grow into the martial artist you want to become.
1. Progress Comes from Structure, Not Spontaneity
Most beginners think they’ll figure out how to start BJJ as they go. But in Jiu Jitsu, random effort leads to random results. The first major shift is realizing that progress doesn’t come from showing up and hoping for the best — it comes from following a structured system.
That’s why our program uses a position-first approach. We begin with the six major ground positions: closed guard, open guard, half guard, side control, mount, and back control. Every class is built to help you understand where you are, how to stay safe, and how to move with intention.
We reinforce that structure with a 12-week revolving curriculum — a cycle that repeats each quarter. This gives you time to absorb key techniques, revisit essential concepts, and build real confidence at your own pace. When you follow a clear structure, you don’t just survive class — you start to thrive in it.
2. Failure Is the Path, Not the Problem
When you start BJJ, failure feels constant. You forget the steps, you get submitted, you lose position. The second mindset shift is understanding that failure is not a setback — it’s the process.
You don’t become skilled by avoiding failure. You become skilled by learning from it. In our academy, every white belt is expected to mess up. That’s how you improve. You don’t need to be perfect — you just need to be willing.
Over time, your mindset begins to shift. You stop seeing failure as a wall and start seeing it as a doorway. The awkward movements start to feel familiar. You grip better. You breathe more calmly. You stay present. And that’s what real growth looks like.
3. You Don’t Need to Prove Yourself — Just Improve Yourself
Most new students walk in with pressure to perform. They want to prove they belong, prove they’re tough, or prove they learn fast. But the third mindset shift is this: Jiu Jitsu is not about proving anything to others. It’s about improving yourself.
At our academy, we train in an environment free from ego. No one expects you to be great on day one. You’re not here to impress anyone. You’re here to get better. When you stop comparing yourself to others and start focusing on your own progress, confidence naturally follows.
We’ve helped hundreds of students learn how to start bjj and shift from self-doubt to self-trust. And that all starts with letting go of the need to prove and embracing the daily habit of improvement.
Ready to Build the Right Mindset on Day One?
If you’re ready to learn how to start bjj with the right mindset, we’re here to help. Our structured, beginner-friendly program will guide you step-by-step, with coaches who understand what it means to start from scratch.
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