Do I need to be flexible to start BJJ?

BJJ naturally improves flexibility because so many positions involve hip opening, hamstring stretching, and shoulder mobility. The shrimping motion alone opens up the hips significantly when practiced regularly. Some advanced techniques like rubber guard or certain inversions require above-average flexibility, but there are always alternative techniques available for less flexible practitioners. Adding a basic stretching routine after training can accelerate your flexibility gains. Yoga and BJJ complement each other very well, and many grapplers incorporate yoga into their training regimen. Do not let a lack of flexibility deter you from starting. Some of the most successful grapplers in history have been relatively inflexible and built their games around techniques that suit their bodies.