Everyone makes mistakes when starting something new, especially Martial Arts. It’s easy to stumble and fall when you’re learning a new skill. BJJ, Judo, and Muay Thai are all technical arts that require patience and consistent practice. You’re learning a brand new language through movement, timing, and technique.
And like learning any new skill, beginners are bound to make a few mistakes along the way. The good news? Most of those mistakes are completely normal, and even better, avoidable once you know what to look for.
The purpose of this article is to help new students avoid common mistakes, progress faster, and enjoy their training journey more. We’ll share simple, practical advice to help you avoid them. Whether your goal is self-defense, fitness, or eventually stepping into competition, this guide will help you train smarter, progress faster, and enjoy the journey from day one.
Mistake #1 – Trying to use strength over technique
New students often try to muscle their way through movements, especially in BJJ and Judo. It’s not unusual for your instincts to tell you to power through techniques you’re learning in class. Trying to muscle everything leads to bad habits, faster exhaustion, and increased injury risk.
Strength alone won’t carry you far, especially when you’re up against someone with solid fundamentals. You’ll quickly learn this truth during live sparring, regardless of the Martial Art you’re training in.
To avoid this mistake, focus on learning proper technique and leverage, even if it feels slower at first. Trust that strength will complement, not replace, good form. Listen to your coaches and ask questions. Spar and drill with control, not ego.
If something only works when you’re going 100%, it probably isn’t sound technique. Over time, as your body mechanics improve, your strength will naturally enhance your movement – not replace it.
Mistake #2 – Skipping the basics
Beginners often want to jump straight into flashy submissions, big throws, or advanced striking combos. Fundamentals are the best foundation for a long and healthy Martial Arts career.
Placing an emphasis on fundamentals will help you go far in all combat sports like Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, and Muay Thai. You can develop great fundamentals by embracing basics like proper stance, breakfalls, hip escapes, and jab-cross combos until they become second nature.
Once you feel like the basics are a part of you, keep working on them to keep get better. The best fighters always work on their fundaments because they know they can count on their fundamentals in even the toughest of scenarios.
Fundamentals will give you foundational skills to truly grow and thrive as a Martial Artist.
Mistake #3 – Going too hard, too soon
Overtraining, sparring too aggressively, or signing up for every class immediately are among the quickest ways to injure yourself or others. Going too hard, too soon can lead burnout, injuries, and slower long-term progress.
Dealing with injuries and burnout early on in your journey can prevent you from ever truly starting your Martial Arts career. Injuries and burnout are discouraging. The good news is that you can reduce the chances of these problems happening to you.
Start with a realistic training schedule. Plan out a schedule that’s sustainable for you. It’ll help you stay excited and healthy. Prioritize recovery and understand that steady progress beats crash-and-burn enthusiasm.
Mistake #4 – Neglecting defense
Beginners love offense – submissions, throws, and strikes – but often ignore how to defend themselves properly. Flashy moves are cool, but knowing how to truly protect yourself is even cooler.
Don’t ignore techniques simply because they’re defensive. Knowing how to defend yourself will provide you with opportunities to launch a great offense. Without a strong defense, you leave yourself vulnerable.
You can develop a reliable defense by dedicating time to working on your defensive skills during drilling and sparring. Investing in skills like framing, blocking, footwork, clinch escapes, and guard recovery will help you survive and reduce the chances of injury.
Mistake #5 – Comparing yourself to others
Martial Arts is deeply personal, but beginners often get discouraged by comparing themselves to more experienced students. This is a problem because comparison can create frustration, self-doubt, and sometimes lead people to quit early.
The best person to compare yourself to is you. It’ll help you stay motivated and focused. Focus on your journey. Progress at your own pace. Remember: Every black belt was once a beginner who started from square one.
Quick Bonus Tips
Here are some bonus tips to remember as you begin your Martial Arts journey!
- Tap early, tap often: Avoid injuries and learn faster by tapping when caught. Take the initiative to tap hard and fast on your training, which is possible when you’ve been put in a submission. This is one of the most effective ways to protect your limbs, joints, neck, and spine. The same thing goes for any of your training partners who tap. Respect their tap. Then reset and begin your next roll.
- Ask questions: Instructors and higher belts are there to help. Don’t be afraid to ask! Something you’ll learn pretty quickly is that if you have a question, there’s a good chance at least one other person has the same question as well. You have the courage to seek answers helps everyone in the gym get better together.
- Stay humble: Stay open to learning. Ego is the enemy in Martial Arts. Remember, there’s something you can learn from every class and every training partner. Collaboration combined with a spirit of learning will help you quickly improve.
Remember that mistakes are normal since they’re part of the learning process. Self-awareness and consistent effort are the keys to growth. Every day you step on the mat or into the gym, you’re improving.
We’re here to help you be the best version of you!
Get started at Absolute MMA this week!
Absolute MMA in West Jordan, UT is where beginners start every day! Located less than 20 minutes south of downtown Salt Lake City, Absolute MMA is a great place for people of all ages and skill levels to learn self-defense. Sign up for your free 1-week trial class using this link: https://absolutemma.com/free-trial/
