If you’re nervous about starting Jiu Jitsu, you’re not alone — and the reason is simple: fear.
Fear is the trunk from which two major branches grow. The first is the fear of getting hurt — of being thrown into something physical you don’t fully understand, of not being “in shape enough,” or walking into a space where others seem more advanced. The second is the fear of not belonging — the emotional worry that you’ll feel judged, out of place, or overlooked, much like many people experienced in high school or other group settings.
These fears are real. And they’re more common than you think.
At Next Generation Martial Arts in Thibodaux, we don’t expect you to show up fearless. We expect you to show up real — with doubts, hesitation, or anxiety. That’s exactly why we’ve created an environment where beginners feel safe, supported, and seen from the moment they walk in. We don’t expect perfection — you just have to show up and do your best.
In this post, we’ll break down why it’s completely normal to feel nervous about starting Jiu Jitsu, what you can expect during your first class, and how our team helps students push through fear and discover confidence, one step at a time.
Nervous About Starting Jiu Jitsu? Here’s What to Expect at Our Academy
Walking into a martial arts academy for the first time can feel overwhelming — but at Next Generation Martial Arts, we’ve made sure that your first visit is anything but intimidating.
A Welcoming, Family-Owned Jiu Jitsu Environment
We’re a small, humble academy — a family-owned business where many of our students have grown up training together. If you arrive just before our evening adult class, you’ll likely see kids of all ages finishing up their classes. Our staff might be speaking with parents, helping students get ready to leave, or resetting the mats. Even in the bustle, we’ll take the time to greet you, answer questions, and help you feel at ease. There’s no pressure to perform, and no spotlight — just a warm, welcoming environment built for people who are brand new to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
A Class Format That Supports Nervous Jiu Jitsu Beginners
You’ll see students of all ages, shapes, and experience levels. Some are seasoned practitioners, while others are beginners just like you. Everyone remembers their first day — and they’re usually quick to offer encouragement, not judgment.
During your first class, you’ll learn basic body movements, partner drills, and techniques that will serve you from white belt all the way to black belt. Toward the end of class, you’ll also experience a light introduction to live sparring. This isn’t about winning — it’s about helping you feel the flow of real movement and understand the level of control and safety we expect from all our students. You’ll be partnered with someone experienced and guided every step of the way.
We believe that the first class should leave you feeling empowered, not embarrassed. That’s why we focus on small wins — like understanding how to hold a position, how to breathe through discomfort, or simply how to be present on the mat. Every step is progress.
And if you still feel a little intimidated during class? That’s okay too. We’re not here to push you beyond your limits — we’re here to guide you through them. You’ll never be left on your own or made to feel out of place. Our priority is to help you feel comfortable even when things feel unfamiliar — because growth begins where comfort ends.
How Our Coaches Help Nervous Students Ease Into Jiu Jitsu Training
One of the biggest reasons beginners stick with Jiu Jitsu at our academy is the way our coaches teach — not just what they teach. We understand that starting something new can feel overwhelming. What matters is that you feel supported through it — and that’s what our coaches are here for.
Coaching with Patience and Presence
From your first class, our instructors focus on making sure you feel seen and supported. Techniques are introduced step-by-step with clear explanations, real-life application, and time to learn at your own pace. There’s no pressure to keep up — just progress built on a solid foundation.
A Curriculum Built Around Safety and Long-Term Progress
What we teach — and how we teach it — is what sets our program apart. It’s why we have such a high retention rate and why people of all ages and backgrounds train here together. We focus on universal, self-defense-based Jiu Jitsu — practical, effective, and low-risk. Our instruction follows a position-first approach, where students learn to control the position before adding submissions or transitions. Position is the platform from which everything is launched.
These teaching methods come from head instructor Scotty Smith, who has been teaching Jiu Jitsu in Thibodaux since 2016 and began as a primary instructor at Guerrilla Jiu Jitsu in Houma in 2009. Having produced the first homegrown black belts in Thibodaux, we’ve learned how to guide students from day one into black belts who reflect our values, methods, and culture.
We avoid flashy, competition-style techniques that rely on unnecessary torque — especially on the knees — and increase injury risk. Our goal is to help you train for years, not just rounds. At the end of the day, all we’re really fighting against in training is injury — and we shape our environment with that in mind.
Most importantly, we’ve all been in your shoes. Every coach started as a nervous beginner. That experience shapes how we lead today. We’re not here to show off — we’re here to help you grow.
New to Jiu Jitsu? So Were They.
Every black belt starts as a white belt — nervous, unsure, and just trying to figure out what’s going on. At Next Generation Martial Arts, some of our most accomplished students began their journey with the same doubts and fears you might be feeling right now.
Take Shane Thibodaux and Logan Authement, for example. Both walked into their first class here in Thibodaux without any idea of where the path would lead. Years later, they became the first homegrown black belts in the city — not because they were the most talented from day one, but because they stayed consistent, trusted the process, and grew into the leaders they are today.
Martial Arts of Thibodaux, Louisiana: Building Something Special
Their success didn’t happen overnight — and it didn’t come without nerves. But it proves what we tell every beginner: you don’t have to be ready — you just have to show up and do your best.
Still Nervous About Starting Jiu Jitsu? Good. That Means You’re Ready for the Challenge.
Discomfort is part of the process. Every black belt you’ll meet on our mats once stood where you are now — unsure, hesitant, and maybe even a little afraid. But they showed up anyway.
At Next Generation Martial Arts, we
don’t just teach Jiu Jitsu — we help people face fear, push through doubt, and grow through challenge.
👉 Accept the challenge — try your first week free
You don’t have to be fearless. You just have to show up and do your best.
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