Just Start

Just Start: Overcoming Paralysis by Analysis when starting a Combatives, BJJ, Fitness, or Combat Marksmanship training program.

When it comes to mastering Combatives/Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), Fitness, or Combat Marksmanship, the biggest hurdle isn’t finding the perfect gym, gear, or training plan—it’s simply starting. Too often, beginners (and even seasoned enthusiasts) fall into the trap of paralysis by analysis, overthinking the vastness of each discipline. What’s the best BJJ gi? Which workout routine is optimal? What’s the ideal firearm setup ? These questions, while valid, can keep you stuck in a cycle of planning without action. The truth? Momentum begins with a single step.

The Overthinking Trap

Combatives and BJJ involve endless techniques—strikes, takedowns, chokes, sweeps, joint locks, and escapes. Fitness encompasses countless programs, from HIIT to powerlifting. Combat marksmanship requires mastering stance, grip, sight alignment, and trigger control. The breadth of each can feel overwhelming, leading to hesitation. You might worry about choosing the “wrong” gym, not being fit enough to start, or lacking the right equipment. But here’s the reality: perfection is the enemy of progress. Waiting for the ideal moment or setup means you’re not training, and that’s the only guaranteed way to fail.

The Power of Starting Small

The antidote to overthinking is action, no matter how small. Here’s how to break the cycle in each area:

•  Combatives/BJJ: Walk into a training facility. Don’t worry about being out of shape or not knowing a single technique. Most gyms welcome beginners. Your first class—whether it’s drilling a basic shrimp movement or learning a guard pass—starts building muscle memory and confidence. Each step on the mat is progress.

•  Fitness: Get off the couch. A 10-minute walk, a few push-ups, or bodyweight squats at home count. You don’t need a gym membership or a personal trainer to begin. Small actions compound, turning a walk into a jog, then a structured workout. Momentum grows with consistency.

•  Combat Marksmanship: Start with dry firing at home (ensuring your firearm is unloaded and in a safe environment). Practice your grip, stance, and trigger control without ammo. This builds fundamentals without the cost or complexity of range time. A simple dry-fire routine is enough to kickstart progress.

Why Starting Works

Taking that first step—whether it’s walking into a dojo, lacing up training shoes, or picking up an unloaded firearm—creates a spark. Small actions build momentum, turning hesitation into habit. A single BJJ class can lead to a weekly routine. A short walk can inspire a fitness goal. A dry-fire session can boost confidence for live-fire training. Each action proves you’re capable, silencing the voice of doubt.

Takeaway: Do It Now

Don’t let the vastness of Combatives/BJJ, Fitness, or Marksmanship intimidate you. You don’t need to master everything—or anything—on day one. Just start. Step onto the mat, take a walk, or dry-fire for five minutes. These small acts of courage lay the foundation for growth. As the saying goes, “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.”

Ready to begin? Find a local gym, step outside, or clear a safe space for practice. The journey to mastery starts with one move—make it today.