“Don’t Wait for the New Year!” 3 Reasons You Should Start BJJ “Immediately” in December (Before Others)
We all know the scene. It is January 1st. Every gym in Bangkok is packed to capacity. People are running on treadmills, fueled by guilt and fresh resolutions. But fast forward to February 1st, and those same gyms are empty again.
This is the vicious cycle of the “New Year’s Resolution.”
The Problem: We are psychologically wired to procrastinate. We wait for the “perfect date”—the first Monday of the month, or the first day of the New Year—to start changing our lives. But waiting is a trap.
The Solution: This article presents a more powerful concept: Don’t wait. Starting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) in November is a proactive decision, not a reactive one.
As experts at BJJ Bangkok, we see this pattern every year. The students who succeed long-term aren’t usually the ones who rush in with the January crowd; they are the smart ones who started in the “off-season.” Here is why you should join them.
"The January Gym Paradox"
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Why New Year’s Resolutions Are Designed to Fail
According to studies on [ลิงค์ที่น่าสงสัยถูกลบ], approximately 80% of resolutions fail by the second week of February. This phenomenon is so common that some sociologists call it “Quitter’s Day.”
Why do they fail?
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Overwhelming Pressure: The “New Year, New Me” mindset is intimidating. If you miss one training session, you feel like a failure and quit entirely.
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The Crowd: In January, gyms are chaotic. You become just a face in the crowd.
BJJ is a Skill, Not Just Cardio Unlike running on a treadmill, BJJ is a complex Martial Art. It requires learning body mechanics and techniques. Trying to learn a complex skill in an overcrowded environment is the worst way to start.
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Reason 1 – You Get the "Head Start" (VIP Attention)
Let’s be honest: The first 2-4 weeks of BJJ are the “Awkward Phase.” You don’t know how to tie your belt, you don’t know the mat etiquette, and terms like “Shrimping” or “Bridging” sound like a foreign language.
November is VIP Season By starting in November, you are entering the gym when classes are at their normal, focused pace. You aren’t fighting for space on the mat.
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More Attention: Our coaches can give you 1-on-1 correction.
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Safety First: This aligns with the Marcelo Silva Martial Arts philosophy: building a safe, correct technical foundation from Day 1.
The January Payoff Imagine it is January 2nd. A wave of nervous new students walks into BJJ Bangkok. But you? You aren’t nervous. You have already been training for 8 weeks. You know the warm-ups. You know the drills. You might even be the one helping the new guys.
That psychological advantage—feeling like a “regular” instead of a “newbie”—is what keeps you training for years, not just weeks.
Reason 2 – Build a "Discipline Anchor" Before the Festivities
November and December are the “Festive Season.” It is a time of office parties, heavy meals, alcohol, and end-of-year stress. The common strategy is to “let go” now and “fix it” in January. This is a mistake.
The Pre-Emptive Strike Starting BJJ now creates a “Discipline Anchor” in your week. Even if you only train 2-3 times a week, that structure helps you navigate the holiday chaos.
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Metabolic Boost: BJJ is a high-intensity, full-body workout. Building this habit now revs up your Basal Metabolic Rate before the Christmas feasts begin.
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Guilt-Free Enjoyment: You aren’t “paying for your sins” in January; you are mitigating them in real-time.
At Marcelo Silva Martial Arts, we teach that discipline is freedom. Forcing yourself to train when others are slacking off builds the strongest kind of mental fortitude.
Reason 3 – End the Year Strong (The Psychological Win)
Most people “coast” to the finish line of the year. They spend the last two months waiting for the calendar to flip.
Change the Narrative Imagine waking up on December 31st. Instead of looking back with regret at goals you didn’t achieve, you feel proud.
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You have learned a dangerous new skill.
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You have made new friends in the BJJ Bangkok community.
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You are physically stronger than you were in October.
You will start 2026 with momentum, not from a dead stop.
In our community, we value consistency over perfection. Starting in November is the ultimate proof that you are serious about your growth.
Conclusion: Your Best Decision of 2025 (Made in 2024)
To recap, why start now?
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The Head Start: Beat the crowds and get better coaching.
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The Anchor: Survive the holidays with your fitness intact.
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The Win: Enter the New Year with momentum.
The “New Year” is just a date on a calendar. The power to change your life exists only in “Today.”
Do not wait. Be the person who is already winning when everyone else is just starting.
Ready to start your journey? Join the BJJ Bangkok community. Experience the systematic, supportive approach of Marcelo Silva Martial Arts.
[Book Your Free Trial Class Today]
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: I am very unfit or overweight. Can I start BJJ? A: Absolutely. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is designed for every body type. You do not need to “get fit” to start BJJ; you do BJJ to get fit. The conditioning happens naturally as you learn.
Q2: Is it safe for women to learn BJJ? A: Yes. BJJ is arguably the best Self-Defense system for women because it relies on leverage and technique rather than brute strength. At BJJ Bangkok, we prioritize a safe, respectful environment for all female students.
Q3: Does BJJ help with mental health? A: Immensely. BJJ is often called “Human Chess.” It requires 100% of your focus, which forces you to be mindful and present. It is widely recognized as an excellent way to reduce stress and improve Mental Health.
Q4: What do I need for my first class? A: Just bring a t-shirt, athletic shorts (no zippers/metal), and an open mind. We have Gi uniforms available for rent or loan for trial students.
Q5: Why choose Marcelo Silva Martial Arts? A: We focus on a structured curriculum that ensures you learn the fundamentals correctly. We don’t just “roll” aimlessly; we teach a system that helps you progress faster and safer.
การฝึก Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Bangkok เป็นการลงทุนที่คุ้มค่าในตัวคุณเอง ทั้งด้านร่างกาย จิตใจ และทักษะการป้องกันตัว หากคุณหลีกเลี่ยงข้อผิดพลาดข้างต้น และฝึกฝนอย่างต่อเนื่อง คุณจะพัฒนาตัวเองอย่างก้าวกระโดดแน่นอน
At BrazilianJiuJitsuBKK.com, we welcome students of all levels. Our experienced instructors, international community, and central Bangkok location make us the ideal place to begin or continue your Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey.
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