Starting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can feel exciting, intimidating, and confusing, all at the same time. For adults and teens, the first month of training is less about mastering techniques and more about building the right mindset.

At AKXE Academy, we help new students understand that progress in Jiu-Jitsu doesn’t come from being perfect on day one. It comes from showing up, staying consistent, and embracing the learning process. Your first month sets the foundation for everything that follows.

Here’s what you can realistically expect during your first month of BJJ — physically, mentally, and emotionally.

 

1. The Focus Is on Fundamentals, Not Winning

In your first month, you won’t be expected to spar aggressively or “win” rounds. The emphasis is on understanding the basics and learning how to move safely and effectively.

You’ll spend time learning:

  • Basic positions (guard, mount, side control)
  • How to move on the mat
  • How to protect yourself and stay calm
  • Simple submissions and escapes

For teens especially, this structure helps build confidence without pressure. For adults, it allows steady progress without unnecessary frustration

2.Feeling Uncomfortable Is Normal

One of the biggest surprises for beginners is how unfamiliar everything feels at first. The movements, positions, terminology, and close contact can take time to get used to.

During your first few weeks, you may:

  • Feel awkward or uncoordinated
  • Forget techniques moments after learning them
  • Get stuck in positions you don’t understand yet

This is completely normal. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has a steep learning curve, but that’s also what makes it so rewarding. At AKXE Academy, instructors expect beginners to feel this way and guide them step by step.

Discomfort is not a sign of failure, it’s a sign that you’re learning something new.

3. Your Body Will Adapt

BJJ uses muscles you may not be used to activating. During your first month, it’s common to feel:

  • Sore in unexpected places
  • Tired after class
  • More aware of your breathing and posture

This doesn’t mean you’re out of shape, it means your body is adapting. With consistent training, most beginners notice improved endurance, mobility, and strength within a few weeks.

At AKXE Academy, classes are structured to challenge beginners while keeping training safe and sustainable.

4. Learning to Stay Calm Under Pressure

One of the most important lessons beginners learn early is how to stay calm in uncomfortable situations. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu teaches control, patience, and problem-solving.

In your first month, you’ll begin to:

  • Breathe more intentionally
  • Think instead of reacting
  • Understand that pressure doesn’t mean danger

This mental shift is especially powerful for teens, helping them develop emotional control and confidence. Adults often notice these benefits extending beyond the mat into daily life.

5. You’ll Make Mistakes — and That’s the Point

Every beginner makes mistakes. Forgetting steps, tapping often, and feeling lost are all part of the process.

At AKXE Academy, mistakes are treated as learning opportunities. Instructors encourage students to:

  • Ask questions
  • Try again without frustration
  • Focus on improvement, not comparison

Progress in Jiu-Jitsu isn’t linear. Some days feel great, others feel challenging — and both are necessary for growth.

 

6. A Supportive Training Environment Matters

The environment you train in during your first month can shape your entire experience. A welcoming, structured academy helps beginners feel safe, motivated, and supported.

At AKXE Academy, adults and teens benefit from:

  • A respectful, ego-free culture
  • Instructors who prioritize safety and learning
  • Training partners who remember what it’s like to be new

This sense of support helps students stay consistent during the most challenging early phase of training.

7. Small Wins Start Adding Up

While the first month may feel overwhelming at times, small victories start to appear:

  • You recognize a position
  • You remember part of a technique
  • You stay calm longer than before
  • You feel more confident walking into class

These moments are signs that progress is happening, even if it doesn’t always feel obvious.

Consistency is far more important than talent during the first month.

8. Why the Beginner Mindset Leads to Long-Term Success

The students who progress the furthest in BJJ aren’t the ones who try to rush the process, they’re the ones who embrace being beginners.

A strong beginner mindset includes:

  • Patience with yourself
  • Willingness to learn
  • Consistent attendance
  • Trust in the process

At AKXE Academy, we help adults and teens build this mindset from day one, creating a foundation for long-term success on and off the mat.

Your First Month Is Just the Beginning

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a journey, not a shortcut. Your first month is about adaptation, learning, and discovering what you’re capable of, not about perfection.

If you’re an adult or teen considering BJJ, know this: feeling challenged means you’re on the right path. With the right mindset, supportive instruction, and consistent training, that first month becomes the beginning of lasting growth.

At AKXE Academy, we’re here to guide you every step of the way, starting with your very first class.