Hey guys! So I just finished my 3rd class and I have a couple questions. First off, I feel like I am not really absorbing the techniques that well. I am probably just expecting to learn things too quickly but any advice would be great.

Secondly, I don't really know what to do to set up the few moves that I've kinda learned... does this come naturally over time once you internalize the steps and can execute them more quickly?

Also, I got absolutely dominated while rolling last night (i think I got tapped 7 times in 4 minutes haha). Is that normal?

Thanks for any help. Im stoked to be a part of team Serra! - Matt Eisner

Rome wasn't built in a day. It takes months to get aquainted with this art and years to master it. You have to look at your progress month by month. It's only been a few classes for you. We've all started out just like you, it's completey normal. Just ask some of the other guys and they will tell you the same story of how they began. You have to be patient and willing to take the journey, you will be glad you did.

you will be fine it takes time like dan said and everyone who trains at serra's schools are really cool and like to help each other so def ask questions. You will start picking things up over time getting tapped out is normal esp. being your 3rd class. as time goes on you will get tapped out less good luck!

Just dont get frustrated. Everyone starts out getting tapped out. Just pay attention when techniques are being taught and ask ANY question you have. If you get tapped or swept by something and you dont know what the move was, ask the person who did it on you. Never met someone who wasnt willing to help on Team Serra

i started exactly the same way but after sticking with it you start to notice how much better you become over the months. everyone at Team Serra is amazing and willing to help with anything at anytime so feel free to ask questions. also the best way to get better is to just keep going and really take the time when your drilling techniques seriously. take it slow and work on applying the propper technique and the muscle memory will slowly develop and everything starts to become second nature. keep your head up we all get whooped at one time or another... its how we learn.

As others have said:
1. Use rolling as an opportunity to practice "moves" of the day and any other moves that you learned. Focus should not be on tapping your teammate out.
2. To minimize possibility of injury, and as a keeping focus on #1 (above), you should tap often. Consider tapping as a learning tool, not a mark of ineptitude or failure. In this regard Serra people are so nice and helpful.
3. It may take you several months to be able to use moves taught properly. For the first three months or so, it was on the way home that I said to myself "I should have done this or that"
4. Always remind yourself: focus on using techniques taught by the instructors. Do not try to get away from a bad position by relying on brute strength. If you rely on strength, your rollling will look like a tumbling washing machine.
5. You are in a good situation because Serra BJJ is about teamwork, and good learning environment.