Onizuka

I've been lurking the forums for a bit now while being a MMA fan for a good 5 years or so.

Let me start off with this...
I have never been into anything more than middle school scuffle. I'm not even too sure how to even take a punch these days. I'm 21 now and decided I should get a new hobby and thought of BJJ and possibly a striking martial art later if I feel comfortable with two types of styles. I know mmaforum probably gets these kind of questions every day but, I think I'm in need of some help from people who are experienced in this area.

The reason why I would like to do this is to build confidence in my self defense and help me get more active while creating a healthy hobby. Possibly creating a new lifestyle for me. I have been very 'couch-potato' like the past few years and I don't feel great about it.


So I would like to ask what I can I expect with BJJ?

How can I find a training center in my area (metro Detroit and surrounding areas if anyone's around here!)

If I do go into a striking martial art, will they help with taking hits?

also, cauliflower ears? Is that a big thing to be worried about while in BJJ?

Sorry for such a long post but, I'm really interested in this area. Any help I would get would be amazing.

, Thanks (also, I put this in the grappling section because I'm looking into BJJ more than anything at this moment)

Intermission

1) You can expect to have an AMAZING time and have this great sense of being overwhelmed with knowledge that you will be learning. You can expect to get in great shape (Yes, get in great shape from BJJ... Rolling is intense) and a great experience.

2) This is debateable but I am going to say yes. Many people would say it is all genetics and how durable your chin is but sparring toughens people and lets you determine your pain tolerance. The great thing about sparring is you and your sparring partner determine how hard your going to get hit. I have seen people spar at 20% and at 90%. One thing is forsure, a striking dicipline WILL teach you how to properly defend yourself so that you can properly defend yourself from being hit.

3) Yes, you can get cauliflower ear from BJJ. It is more common in wrestling but any time your on the mat causing tension and friction in your ear it is possible to develop it. However, you can drain the ear and it will go away.

I hope this helped. If you have more questions feel free to post here or PM me. I will be happy to help.

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ickoslash

I agree, by being mentally and physically on the go bjj can help you a lot building self confidence.

Cauliflower ears? It's natural that we can get that while rolling, If you're too worried about it, wear a headgear.

So, good luck I assure you it will be fun training BJJ.

Onizuka

Thanks guys! I'm good on questions right now but if some come up I'll be sure to send a PM or post on here.
Right now I'm just looking for a place to train.