Every student that has to start sparring has mixed feelings especially if they never did the similar thing before. The fact is that most students will enjoy sparring, but they are afraid because through it you will be able to put to the test everything you have learned in class.
There is another problem, and that is the idea of added pressure you will have due to it. Some students will look forward to it because it is the best way to use in practice things you have learned in theory. Sparring is important because it will allow you to see how martial art functions in a real situation.
You should check Tom Deblass page if you are a fan of BJJ so that you can see his advice that you should follow to become a better fighter. Whatever you may feel about sparring, there are certain things that you should know before you start.
You Should Inform Your Partner That It Is Your First Time
The first spar can be frustrating and problematic, especially if you are against someone who knows you. First thing, you should understand is that you should forget techniques that you have learned in class and your opponent will not seek revenge if you do anything.
The most important thing is to avoid freaking out and to control your emotions and take one step at a time. You should tell your partner that it is your first time, but do not think that the opponent will go easy on you.
Always Keep On Moving
If you are stressed out due to the first sparring moment, you will feel that everything you previously knew got out from your head. The first thing you should do is to take a deep breath and relax. If you have told your opponent and collaborate that it is your first time and that you are not sure what to do, the best thing that you should do is to keep on moving.
In case that your opponent passes your guard, and you are not sure what to do, the worst thing that you can do is to give up. The idea is to find a way to get on your knees, to improve your position and to show everyone else that you are a fighter and not a coward.
You do not have to worry, because more your practice with a sparring partner and more classes you attend, you will become better as time goes by. You will eventually feel like you understand BJJ and that is your second nature, but you have to give it time.
Control Your Surroundings and Movements
When you decide to roll for the first time, it is normal to feel that you do not know what to do. Since you move around so much, you can easily do the wrongful thing such as kicking or elbowing your opponent.
You should get familiar with your surroundings and, so you have to make sure that your partner is a good distance from you and other people that are watching you. You should also watch for walls and obstacles along the way, and always be ready to take a punch or to give it. If you want to learn how to roll on your first sparring, you should check here.
Try Something New and Do Not Worry About It
Even if your teacher told you that sparring is not competition, it is an extension of training and will allow you to understand how to implement it in real life. That way, you will be able to take BJJ techniques to the next level.
Therefore, we must stay that sparring is a great time for you to try different techniques that you have learned and to see whether they will work in a real fight. That way, you will be able to improve and to find out what doesn’t work for you so that you can practice it after the sparring.
Do Not Be Afraid To Take Better Opponent
Just because someone has started before you and has a colored belt, which does not mean that you will die during the sparring. Most people are afraid, and that limits them during the sparring, but the fact is that you will be able to take him with your techniques without thinking on the color of the belt.
The idea is to avoid hesitation and to think ahead, which is the main reason why you took BJJ course in the first place.