Questions from a prospective white belt

[sirkreg]

As a normie looking into the world of BJJ all of the new information is rather daunting. I don't have a large amount of excess income, and I am far from what I consider to be 'fit'. I have started a workout routine using Discipline Equals Freedom, I have started Dieting using the same source for advice. However, while I am experiencing wonderful results, I have a long road ahead of me. I frequently hear the advice to just start BJJ and it will help with weight loss and getting in shape, alas I still question if I should give my personal situation. 

I am Male, 25, 6'2 and currently weigh 312 pounds after having lost 28 from my peak. my clothing sizes have not changed drastically though I feel much more energetic and stronger in general. Also though I would like to get a Gi at some point I will not fit in an Origin Gi. I have no experience in BJJ, the closest to it I have was wrestling for one season when I was in school. 

My questions are as follows;

Is there such a thing as too big for BJJ?

Is there any precedence to training No Gi without any experience. 

How much should one expect to pay for gym membership/classes monthly?

Are there typically start up expenses that newbies might be unaware of?

What how do you know if a gym is right, or wrong, for you? 

[bleedinblue]

Im brand new at BJJ myself, but I'll answer what I am relatively comfortable answering.

You're not too big for BJJ. Dont let that stop you.

There will be no prerequisites. I started training two months ago and have seen six or eight other brand new guys show up at my relatively small gym since then. Probably new year resolutioners, but my point is only one had any previous wrestling experience and none any BJJ.

Your gym will likely have some sort of fundamentals class, or at least a protocol for brand new people. My gym requires newbies to go to fundamental/drilling classes until the coach thinks they're ready to roll. Other gyms will have you rolling the first class. It's all different but any decent gym will take care of you.

My gym is $100/month, which seems to be pretty typical. That gives access to 20'ish classes a month plus open mat time, so if you think of it like that, it's not horribly expensive.

Gi's can be had for cheap. Sanabul's aren't as nice as Origins, but can be had for $60 on Amazon. Not many other startup expenses really...a mouth guard if you so choose, some band aids and tape for your bag, and some ibuprofen.

[mynewunit]

Bleed in blue is on with the answers he gave.

As for the right gym, echo gave some suggestions on the podcast. You want a vibe that matches you. There are various levels of formal and competitive. I would recommend going into at least 2 gyms. Also the right gym should have a lot of classes per week. Make sure you could hit 3 or 4 of the offered times each week. Not that you have to, but if you could only make it to 2 classes and your weekly something else moves you need options. All things you need to consider that will effect your attendance. Location, friends, costs, showers, etc.

As for price, around 100 bucks per month. There are many ways to get there. Joining fee, monthly, adder, annual. Put a location factor on that. Good location add 20%. If they have a front desk person add 10%. If you are in an expensive city 50%. Etc.

Being a big guy shouldn't stop you from anything. There are guys who join gyms and only learn no gi. Just understand there are things that are going to be different because of your size. Try to help your training partner know if you think something is going to be difficult for you or them. Your joints will have different limitations. Your size may limit a few positions or techniques. Help your training partner. They are never going to scissor sweep you from mount.

Let me know if you want to link up with some of the other troopers who have made some massive changes in body weight. I met Matt at the NYC muster when he was down about 100 lbs. He is now at 185 lbs lost.

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