Being the “New Guy” in a Martial Arts Class Grappling and Ju-Jitsu,Philosophy and Thoughts »

I run a Ju-Jitsu class at a Kyokushin School in Cromwell, CT. I have very small student base because there is really no advertising done and I do it out of passion. I don’t even get paid :). Last night I was fortunate enough to walk into the class to see 2 new students! I have a total of 7 people training! Unheard of in my small little place in the ju-jitsu world. Both of the new students were interesting, one more so then the other. Both were very eager, and both felt like they had something to prove. They had to tell me of their past martial arts experience and they both felt the need to somewhat show off.

I can understand that new students are nervous and it is a “fighting” class where men need to be men and try to assert themselves as the dominant person, but there are just certain things you should not do and ways you should not act in a martial arts class, whether you are a new student, or a returning one.

1. I am interested in your previous martial arts experience, but it means nothing to me if you actually can’t perform. You look like more of an idiot if you spend the first 10 minutes of class bragging about how great of a fighter you are, then the next 10 minutes looking like a newb on the mat.
2. DON’T try to teach other students the technique or ANY technique. You are not the instructor or teacher. That is my job. Obviously you don’t know the technique so what qualifies you to try and teach someone else?
3. Respect your instructor and his senior students. Do not question their knowledge or training methods. If you think your instructor is crap and you know more them him, either prove it on the mat or leave the school. I fight my students every night, you will have your opportunities.
4. Sparring is Training, Sparring is NOT a fight. You will gain NOTHING by going all out and flailing around in a sparring session… especially a grappling one.
5. Learn from your mistakes and correct your attitude and reactions. I watched one of the new guys get his ass handed to him literally 20x in a row and within 30 seconds each time. Yet he continued to go nuts, make excuses and complain. Dumbass…. Just because you think you can do something or in your mind you are a great fighter, if you’re just getting killed in a sparring session because of your attitude, maybe that needs an adjustment.
6. I’ve said it before…. don’t brag. Real martial art artists don’t brag about how good they are. They don’t need to. Really good martial artists are those who just “good” and don’t talk about it.

The best thing to do as a new student is a class is be HUMBLE and RESPECTFUL. You are the new guy, you are walking into a new school where there are many established students already. Just walking in your are being analyzed and sized up. Opening your mouth and acting like a tough guy puts a bullseye on your back. If you want to gain the respect of your fellow students, start by respecting them and your teacher.