One of the things I remember from my first round of jiujitsu training, and even my second revival, is ego. When you first start training, you don’t want to lose. You want to come in and dominate people, show them how tough and strong you are. This is human nature, and if you don’t learn it on your own, your teammates will soon teach you humility.
At my first school, one of the slogans was, “leave your ego at the door.” That is so true; it’s super important to check your ego at the door in order to be able to absorb and learn what is being taught. Also, understand that no matter how tough you are, you are going to lose. Everyone is going to lose. That’s just the nature of this work.
So as more experienced white belts, it’s on us to deliver this message to the new students. Of course the higher belts will do it as well, but if you roll with a new person as a white belt who’s been around for a while, you can set the tone and expectations of what will be happening here. You don’t want to dominate the new guy or discourage them. You want to foster a feeling of being welcomed, learning, and an opportunity to grow. If they are overzealous, perhaps you can dial it up a bit to simply show them that it can be done, but never lose control.
Recently, I rolled with a brand new guy, and I took it easy in regards to submissions. I didn’t try to submit or tap him out. I simply let him feel my body. I worked moving around the few positions that I know. I allowed him to sweep me and wind up in my guard, and then tried to direct him on how to proceed from there. I also coached him on what I was doing or trying to do to him so he can start learning what to feel for.
All this was being done while I was applying pressure and making him work hard simply to breathe and not feel smothered. He told me that he was grateful for the roll and that it was really helpful to him as he was just starting and had no clue how to work on the ground.
On the other hand, I’ve rolled with really strong and tough guys who were just starting and they came in like we were at a UFC fight. Guys like that, you have to slow them down.
I remember this one guy; he was naturally very strong and agile. It was really hard to control him because of his strength. But I eventually caught him in an arm triangle and held the position. It was not easy.
This guy was trying really hard to dominate me and came in with a take no prisoners attitude. When that happens, you have no choice but to rise to the occasion and bring the same level of intensity to the sparring session. I’m not sure whatever became of that guy, but I’m sure if he continued, he became a really good BJJ practitioner; his power, instincts, and agility were impressive.
Generally, people want to learn and come in with that mindset. Don’t take that away from them by overwhelming them in the first few sessions. However, if you encounter someone who brings that intensity, then meet them accordingly. Also, be mindful of those with a wrestling background; they can be very challenging on the mats.
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