I want to share some thoughts on how you can take charge of your own progress in Jiu-Jitsu. While showing up consistently is crucial, how you approach each training session can dramatically impact your development.
1. Set Clear Goals for Every Session
Don’t just show up and “wing it.” Make your training purposeful:
- Choose specific positions to focus on that occur frequently in your rolls:
- Working on guard passing? Pick one style of pass to emphasize today
- Playing guard? Focus on a particular set of grips or a sequence
- Start each session by thinking: “What do I want to improve today?”
- Keep a training journal to track your focus areas and progress. I had a training journal for the first four years of my training, I’d log what happened in practice, what we worked on, and any notes about sparring. I never went back and read it, but the reflection process helped me develop a deeper understanding of jiu-jitsu.
2. Embrace “Losing” Positions
One of the biggest barriers to progress is being afraid to fail. Remember:
- The training room is your laboratory – this is where you experiment and learn
- Don’t be afraid to test the limits of techniques and positions
- Getting swept or passed can teach you more than successfully defending
- Understanding how and why you lose positions will ultimately make them stronger
3. Maximize Your Mat Time
Every minute on the mat is an opportunity to learn. Don’t waste time in unproductive positions:
- Pinning someone for extended periods? That time could be spent learning something new
- Stuck in a stalemate? Create movement and explore opportunities, even if it means you get caught in a submission or lose the position
- Aim to experience as much Jiu-Jitsu as possible in each round
- Remember: More exchanges = more learning opportunities
4. Adapt Your Training to Your Partner
Different partners offer different learning opportunities. Make the most of each pairing:
Rolling with someone smaller?
- Don’t just rely on pressure and pins
- Focus on movement and technical precision
- Challenge yourself to maintain control without using weight
Rolling with less experienced partners?
- This is your chance to explore and experiment
- Try new techniques you’re not comfortable with
- Put yourself in challenging positions deliberately
- Help them learn while testing your own limits
Rolling with more experienced partners?
- Focus on defensive techniques and escapes
- Pay attention to how they control you
- Use these rounds to identify gaps in your game
- Don’t shy away from their strengths – engage with them directly
Rolling with someone known for a particular technique?
- Put yourself in positions where they can use their specialty
- Learn from experiencing their expertise firsthand
- Remember: getting caught in their game is a learning opportunity
- Understanding how the best execute their techniques is invaluable
5. Create Learning Opportunities
Be proactive in your development:
- Don’t wait for positions to happen – create situations you want to work on
- Deliberately place yourself in uncomfortable positions
- Ask questions when something works against you
- Share your focus with your training partners – they might help you work on it
6. Practice to Improve, Not to “Win” Practice
Remember why you’re here:
- Training isn’t about winning rounds – it’s about becoming a better practitioner
- Every round is a learning opportunity, not a competition
- Focus on growth rather than “victories” in training
- Ask yourself: “Did I learn something?” rather than “Did I win?”
- Remember that the person who learns the most is the real winner of any training session
Remember, the quality of your training matters as much as the quantity. Every round is an opportunity to learn, but only if you approach it with purpose and an open mind. Don’t fall into the trap of “winning” training sessions – focus instead on expanding your knowledge and skills.
The best BJJ practitioners aren’t just the ones who train the most – they’re the ones who train with purpose and make the most of every opportunity to learn.
Let’s make every round count!
– Kabir