It's been about three weeks since I first stepped onto the mat, and already BJJ has become an incredible part of my life. 

The positive change in my overall physical fitness has been the most noticeable aspect thus far, but it's also quite invigorating to be able to notice the small steps and gradual development my game is taking on. This is almost entirely thanks to an incredibly supportive, relaxed training atmosphere - it's conducive to both learning and the cerebral nature of what has been described as 'human chess'.

First off;

WHY AM I TRAINING JIU JITSU?

For me, there's no definitive answer to this question. From keeping fit, to learning a discipline that improves my self-defence and combative skill, to keeping myself sane after hours of study - there are almost no negatives to training BJJ! From the first trial lesson I felt like this was going to have a positive impact on me, and so far I haven't been proved wrong.

I'M AS GREEN AS GRASS, AM I GOING TO BE POSTING ANYTHING TECHNIQUE-RELATED?

Short answer: hell no.

My game is in its infancy, my thoughts on technique won't be developed for a long while yet!

I'm writing here simply to give my perspective on learning and living with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and hopefully showing a healthy dose of my personality in the process.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD I HAVE FOR OTHERS THINKING ABOUT STARTING BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU?

Just do it!

It doesn't matter whether you're big or small, male or female, a couch potato or a marathon runner. Just do it. Get involved!

Turn up at a trial class, leave your ego at the door, and have some of the best fun of your life learning a new set of skills. The best thing? Anyone can do it!

Just relax and learn - that's the biggest piece of advice I've been given thus far (besides 'don't give up your back' and 'this is how to avoid a basic triangle choke').

I hope to be posting regularly, though I'll try to avoid meaningless tripe!

May the Force be with you,

- George