An interview with the master Caio Nucci, The Alliance black belt details the ways you need to get up and running in Jiu-Jitsu right away. Read, study and go train!
Photo: Caio Nucci's personal archive
1 - Understand the journey
"I like to introduce, in the first classes, not only to introduce technical aspects, but to talk and explain about Jiu-Jitsu and team methodology. The beginning of the journey in our art is the stage in which the majority give up, so I consider it very important to make the beginning student understand Jiu-Jitsu as a whole, from personal defense to posture and behavior on and off the mat, " Explains Caio.
2 - Dedication
"Dedication is a fundamental aspect for any area of our lives, but at the same time, it is difficult to put into practice. I always try to show that all of us inevitably have problems or difficulties in our lives that hinder our training. However, if we want to graduate and really evolve in the sport we love, it will require dedication and focus. There are no shortcuts, "says Nucci.
3 - Solid foundation
"Every successful journey starts with a solid foundation and this concept is applied from the first classes, from self-defense to the blue belt exam. With the large amount of information and positions we see today, students try to 'skip' steps away from basic moves. To avoid this, I always point out that this is fatal to the evolution of your Jiu-Jitsu game. "
4 - Be punctual
"Frequency and punctuality. These are two key words that I always emphasize in my classes. The recipe is simple: who trains evolves. For me, there is no miracle or luck, but yes, much sweat left on the mat. As we practice, we acquire discipline and balance to avoid excesses in any area of our lives, "says the Alliance black belt.
5 - Get out of the shade
"I always ask my beginner students to risk the techniques they have learned. It is natural to use the strongest aspects we have at the time of training so that we do not 'lose'. But that's a very narrow view of Jiu-Jitsu and it slows evolution. I prefer a student who rises and is finished ten times than he who avoids taking risks and does not try any position, "concludes the teacher.