Ten Ways to Accelerate your Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a challenging sport that makes demands on the mind and body in varying degrees and at different times during your practice. If you are new to the sport you may find yourself frustrated with the complexity of the techniques, or you might feel that you have hit a plateau that you can’t seem to be able to break through. This may seem overwhelming, but these challenges are also opportunities for growth.

While the performance and action takes place on the mat, there is a great deal of preparation that takes place entirely outside of the gym.

1. Intention– The first step in the pursuit of any worthwhile endeavor is simply showing up. Develop an intentional practice for yourself that puts you in the gym as often as possible, and in a good physical and mental state that can help you succeed. 
2. Goals– What is your goal in your practice of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu? Are you interested in belt ranks? Do you wish to use BJJ as a background in Mixed Martial Arts? Are you looking for a viable self-defense method, or are you interested in a physical training regimen for fitness? Each of these are viable goals. Focus on your goals.

3. Tenacity– Don’t quit. It’s as simple as that. It’s easy to become frustrated with the initial stages of training. You may not see any development in your skills. You may find people in your gym in the higher belt ranks who only show up to the gym sporadically and still dominate their rolls. Those people were once in your place and got to where they are through dedication and training. Trust yourself. Keep going. 

4. Reflection– “When you lose, don’t lose the lesson.” Every opportunity to “roll” with a training partner is a unique circumstance. No two are exactly alike. And you will likely lose more than you win in the early stages of your training. Keep in mind what techniques worked for you and against you. Internalize those lessons.

5. Recovery– Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is physically demanding. There will be the occasional injury that may demand a rest and recovery period. Allow your body to heal when necessary. Continuing to train with an injury can result in additional injury and result in more lost training time or a permanent disability. 

On The Mat

6. Conditioning– Conditioning is key to your success and enjoyment in BJJ. A lack of conditioning will reveal itself quickly and lead to frustration if not injury. Prepare your body. Strength training and cardio will work wonders.

7. Master the Basics– It is impossible to build on a weak foundation. BJJ is built on a system of techniques that allow you to move your opponent. Mastering the basic techniques will allow you to develop others. 

8. Develop a Good Defense– It is impossible to position yourself for a submission if you are consistently being submitted. Develop a system of strong defensive techniques that will keep you going on the mat. 

9. Slow Your Roll– Develop muscle memory by practicing techniques at slower speeds to instill proper application. A technique applied at half-speed is still a good technique. A fast mistake is still a mistake. 

10. Train With a Variety of Partners– Roll with a variety of partners to broaden your experience. Being submitted by higher belts may be frustrating, but you learn how those submissions work. Rolling with lower belts allows you to apply new techniques as well as provides them with learning opportunities. 

These simple steps will help you with training In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Come begin your journey with the experienced staff at Breakaway Jiu-Jitsu in Newport News, VA. Please contact us today at (757) 223-0373. Breakaway Jiu-Jitsu in Newport News.