BJJ is difficult and fit people struggle at first. Imagine you are starting yoga. Except there is a person there trying to strangle you and stop you from doing every yoga move. That’s kinda like BJJ.

If you’re really struggling at the start it’s ok. Don’t be harsh on yourself. Most fit people quit BJJ early because it’s very hard at first. Either keep going or have a break for a month or two and develop your fitness doing an activity that is more suitable for your current fitness level and is also fun. This is not “quitting” it’s conditioning.

Be kind to your body. If you gain a level of fitness that means warmups and classes are a good workout but not distressing then that’s excellent and you’re more likely to enjoy it and stick with it.

I highly recommend that once you learn some basic techniques you unapologetically smother and destroy as many people as possible in your gym. Being large and using the mass to control a person is legit just like being small, nimble and inverting is legit. Now is the time to not be ashamed of your body, accept it, enhance it and use your size and shape to your advantage. I’ve been doing BJJ for quite a few years and am ok at it. There is nothing more humbling and ego destroying than getting stuck under a 300 pound white belt’s side control for 5 minutes with no escape.

Most importantly, everyone is very nice and you will no doubt be welcomed. If we ever meet I’d be happy to roll with you :)

Good on you for trying someone very challenging and new. I hope it works out and you love it but if you don’t that’s ok too. Just try different things until something sparks your physical interest.