Determining the appropriate time for a beginner in Jiu Jitsu to start rolling is a topic of much debate. Some believe that rolling is the best way to learn Jiu Jitsu, while others argue that beginners should first establish a foundation before engaging in live sparring. In this post, we will discuss this subject and provide valuable tips for those who are beginning their Jiu Jitsu journey.

Jiu Jitsu is a unique sport that differs from others, leading many to mistakenly believe that it involves punches and kicks. Explaining that Jiu Jitsu is a fight, albeit one that prohibits such strikes, can be challenging. Consequently, everything a newcomer encounters on the mat is unfamiliar. Concepts like the Spider Guard are unknown to someone who has never witnessed a Jiu Jitsu fight. Therefore, much learning must take place before one can effectively practice Jiu Jitsu.

Some argue that beginners should start rolling on their first day to become familiar with positions, attacks, and defenses early on. However, this approach can be overwhelming for most beginners who are still acclimating to the sport and unsure where to begin in a sparring session.

While rolling is crucial for development, it is insufficient, especially when one has no prior knowledge. Placing a beginner in a rolling session on their first day of training can be hazardous, particularly if they are paired with someone lacking patience and unwilling to assist them during the session.

Before engaging in rolling, beginners must acquire a minimum level of knowledge to apply during sparring. Otherwise, they will rely solely on instinct and strength rather than using proper Jiu Jitsu techniques. While strength and instinct are essential for Jiu Jitsu practitioners, it is crucial during the initial phase to prioritize the acquisition of technical knowledge.

It is the responsibility of the coach to impart this basic knowledge before allowing beginners to participate in rolling sessions. Furthermore, coaches should pair beginners with individuals who are willing to assist them rather than aiming solely to defeat them.

As previously mentioned, Jiu Jitsu is a complex sport that requires a significant amount of learning time before engaging in rolling sessions. Therefore, no one is better equipped to determine when a beginner should start rolling than their instructor. The instructor knows the extent of the student’s knowledge and whether it is sufficient for them to engage in sparring.