BJJ Training – Making the Right Choice for Your Rolling Partner

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu isn’t a solo sport. There are certain drills that can increase your individual strength and endurance, but for true experience and growth, you are going to need a variety of BJJ training partners. If you are looking for the ideal training partner, it’s important to first discover what it takes to be a good training partner yourself. 

What Makes a Good BJJ Training Partner?

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is an “up close and personal” sport, so it’s necessary to establish a couple of ground rules: These all carry a lot of weight, so the order is purely arbitrary. 

First, Communication. It’s crucial in your BJJ career that you understand the importance of clear communication while practicing BJJ partner drills. 

Second (and some may consider this the “first”) Hygiene. You will get dirty and sweaty during training. You can bet that your uniform (gi or rashguard and shorts) will definitely get “funky” if not washed regularly. And keeping your fingernails and toenails clean and trimmed will go a long way to find others in your school who want to roll with you. Don’t be the person who gets the unfortunate reputation of being unclean in class.

Third- Respect. Respect the other students in your school regardless of belt levels. A higher belt crushing the spirit out of a beginner during BJJ partner drills might do something for a fragile ego, but the other student isn’t learning anything. A lower ranked student who isn’t paying attention to a higher belt during drills and exercises is missing a learning opportunity, and not giving credit to a student who is sharing their hard-earned knowledge. Everyone remembers the jitters they experience when they first step onto the mat. Be welcoming to new students, and share information freely. Jiu Jitsu training in Newport News is an inclusive environment where all levels of students are welcome to sharpen their skills.

Fourth- Self Control. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a combat sport. It’s natural to have your adrenaline going while trying to submit your training partner. But channeling that aggressive instinct is one of the primary objectives of BJJ. Find your moment, execute your technique. It’s a training class, not the Thunderdome.

Learn to be gracious in victory or defeat.

Eyes on the Prize

In the heat of a sparring session it’s often easy to forget that the point of training is learning. You may have a feisty lower belt who needs to learn to behave, or you may have a higher belt that you want to impress with a technique you’ve just learned, but keep in mind that this is a learning opportunity for everyone. Developing trust and respect among your training partners permits a much freer exchange of information. 

Tap Early, Tap Often?

Just like in life, “you can’t win ‘em all”. You won’t win every match, and you won’t win every roll in training. The act of “tapping out” is an essential aspect of sport Jiu Jitsu in Newport News, and also a crucial training tool. “Tapping” while being submitted in a choke or a submission is a signal to your opponent that the bout is over. Trying to muscle your way out of a submission, and failure to tap in a timely manner can lead to unnecessary injury. Tapping too soon can reinforce a lazily applied technique. This is another instance where communication is crucial. Be able to both explain and ask how a technique or guard worked or didn’t work. Talk to your rolling partners and instructors, and use the tap as a learning experience.

A good Brazilian Jiu Jitsu school will be invested in your success, and will guide you through your training. For Jiu Jitsu training in Newport News, begin your journey with Breakaway Jiu Jitsu (757) 223-0373.