No open mat- thoughts?

[Ramhunter08]

Hey guys, I'm a complete newbie about to dive into the world of BJJ. Been doing some scouting of a few different gyms in my area. One in particular does not do open mat sessions, just strictly instructional classes with frequent drilling. I would think a new, ready-to-learn guy like me would be all for open mats. I'm not sure what to make of this, is it something I should even worry about?
Thanks for any input.

 

[Dogstarman]

Just go find a gym that you like and train there. Try all the gyms. Everyone who is legit has sparring as part of the class. Don't think to hard and make it part of your excuse of why you can't go to the gym or be part of the club.

 

[j123]

^This.

You're completely new, so the classes would be decent enough at the start. If that gym is flexible, they may not have "open-mat" slots in the timetable, but you may be able to meet with other members and do open mat training while a class is running. Basically you just do it on a space where there isn't a class going on.

 

[Ramhunter08]

^This.

You're completly new, so the classes would be decent enough at the start. If that gym is flexible, they may not have "open-mat" slots in the timetable, but you may be able to meet with other members and do open mat training while a class is running. Basically you just do it on a space where there isn't a class going on.

Right on. That's basically the answer I was looking for. I tried out one gym last week and had a good time. Trying one more tomorrow and another at the end of the week and then the decision will be made. Excited!

 

[biscuitsbrah]

Sounds like a mcdojo. Actually idk

 

[Striderxdj]

I would never train at a gym that doesnt have open mats, your game will be completely at the mercy of what your instructor wants to show during class, and live rolling is the best part of BJJ, imo.

To be fair though, im actually amazed by the number of gyms we go to for seminars where afterwards people just pack up and leave, our guys will be wanting to roll with the people from other schools to try the new stuff we learned and the mats will be empty.

 

[closequarters]

Open mat is necessary to drill new techniques not part of your instructor's curriculum. Even most of the elite of elite do not have games that resemble their senseis.

Not to generalize, but......an instructor that doesn't have open mats on the schedule are usually control freaks and not very fun to train under. I'm not saying they aren't good or great just not fun. Open mat is like a reward for following instructions all week. Now you get to crank up the music and try out that new wacky inverted reverse darce you saw on Instagram or you can sit around and talk about the last EBI or whatever bjj drama is going on at the moment.

For me, no open mat, no business.

 

[jcandoitbig]

thats rough man, we have open mat saturday morning and it's what keeps me sane at my desk during the week

 

[FatherSauce]

As long as there is actual live rolling, prescheduled open mats aren't completely necessary. It's great if they're available though.

 

[BJJ Coffee Drinker]

As long as there is actual live rolling, prescheduled open mats aren't completely necessary. It's great if they're available though.

the fact that the classes have frequent drilling as originally mentioned makes the open mats even less necessary, especially if the time spent sparring/rolling is equivalent or more than drilling time

 

[mcdowels]

if you're new is it good to go to open mats ? - i feel like i have nothing to offer a training partner if i was paired with someone.

or find another white belt to drill with ?

 

[TheMood]

I think if you are brand new, open mats may not be a good use of your time. There is a greater chance that you are doing something wrong while paired up with someone that way. It will probably be a few months before you know enough basics to be able to use that open training time.

Like others said just try the schools and see which ones you like. Then make a decision.

 

[Wutang]

By open mat, do you meant open mat session or do you mean you're not allowed to spar during the class? As a complete beginner, the instructor may want you to learn their variation of base techniques before you start delving into other techniques from other students who may be teaching something without fully understanding the technique and you develop bad habits. I can see the argument for both but I'm definitely against sparring for complete beginners until they've trained for a month or so.

 

[Ramhunter08]

Referring to strictly open mat sessions. I've found the gym I am going to join, after going to several different classes at multiple gyms. This one in particular, I'm not sure what to say. I really like it. The instructor is genuinely passionate about what he does. It just has that atmosphere that I know I will enjoy.

 

[12Gauge]

Referring to strictly open mat sessions. I've found the gym I am going to join, after going to several different classes at multiple gyms. This one in particular, I'm not sure what to say. I really like it. The instructor is genuinely passionate about what he does. It just has that atmosphere that I know I will enjoy.

Good choice mate, follow your hart and have fun.
In our club open mat does not strictly meand rolling and sparring but you can also chose to drill a new tecnique or do pratice something you learn in class the day before.

 

[Nnedd]

Keep trying places.

At some place, you'll think,"Holy shit, that was so hard and I suck, I can't wait to go back tomorrow."

That's your gym.


Don't worry about open mats.