Is One Class a Week Enough for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

Is One Class a Week Enough for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? A Dive into the Mind of Jack Burton

You know what ol’ Jack Burton always says? “When it comes to tackling the unknown, whether it’s a stormy highway or the mats of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, you don’t ease in, you dive right in.” But what if that dive only happens once a week? Is it worth the trouble? Well, let me tell ya, folks, I’ve chewed the fat with my good pal Rob Shoecraft over at Three Storm Fitness about this very topic, and we’ve got some insights hotter than a truck engine on a summer day.

The Expectations Trap

First off, let’s talk expectations, buddy. If you’re thinking about becoming the next Gracie with just one class a week, you might be barking up the wrong dojo. Rob Shoecraft often notes that if you’re aiming to be the top dog in the competitive scene, you’ve got to put in more than just a token appearance. Just like you can’t expect to win the Daytona with only a Sunday drive’s worth of practice, you need more time on the mats to really compete at a high level.

The Self-Defense Smorgasbord

Now, if you’re like ol’ Jack here, more interested in not getting your hide tanned in a back alley or just becoming a better version of yourself, once a week might just cut the mustard. Rob shared a nugget of wisdom that sounds like a classic Jack Burtonism itself: doing something once a week is leagues better than doing nothing at all. You start with the basics, like how to roll and maybe a few chokeholds, and every class is a new tool in your self-defense toolbox.

Mind Over Matter

Gotta tell ya, folks, Jiu-Jitsu isn’t just about the moves; it’s about the mindset. Rob and I agree on this: you have to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. You’re not gonna be the fastest gun in the West right out the gate, and that’s okay. You need to learn to drop the ego, and be cool with folks who started after you breezing past you. It’s like Rob says, it’s about being better than you were yesterday, not better than the next guy.

Off the Mats: The Supplemental Hustle

Even if you’re hitting the mats once a week, there’s plenty you can do off them to sharpen your game. Rob’s a big advocate for strength training and mobility exercises. Think about it like tuning up the ol’ Pork-Chop Express. You work on your engine—that’s your body, pal—so when you’re on the mat, you’re firing on all cylinders. Lifting weights, running, even doing yoga—these are all parts of the big picture.

Technique Over Brute Force

In the world of Jiu-Jitsu, technique is king. Rob’s seen plenty of guys who rely on pure strength get shown up by smaller folks with better technique. You might have the muscles to bench press a Buick, but Jiu-Jitsu is more about finesse than force. Practice those fundamentals until they’re second nature. Trust me, pal, there’s no better feeling than outsmarting a bigger opponent with a slick move you’ve practiced a hundred times.

The Power of Teaching

Something else Rob hit on was teaching. Yeah, you heard me right—passing on what you know. When you teach, you reinforce what you’ve learned, and that’s a surefire way to get better. Rob’s been known to teach a couple of classes himself, and he’ll tell you it’s like getting a second chance to understand the basics on a deeper level. Plus, it’s a good way to keep sharp if you’re not hitting the mats as often as you’d like.

Perspective is Key

Look, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, much like life, is a long-haul journey. Ol’ Jack here knows a thing or two about long roads and longer nights. Rob’s point on this is clear: keep your expectations in check. Celebrate your progress, no matter how slow it seems. As long as you’re moving forward, you’re winning the game. Once a week might not make you a master, but it sure will make you better than you were before.

So, Is It Worth It?

At the end of the day, whether one class a week is enough boils down to your goals. If you’re in it for the sport, hit the mats more. But if you want the self-defense skills and the personal growth that comes with Jiu-Jitsu, once a week can be just as valuable. Like Rob says, focus on becoming a better you, one class at a time. And that, my friend, is something ol’ Jack Burton can definitely get behind.

Remember, the road’s long and winding, but it’s the journey that counts. So keep on truckin’, stay humble, and lift your spirits as much as your weights. After all, it’s not about how often you roll, but how you roll with what you’ve got.