4 Simple Tips to make the most of each BJJ class 1. Focus on using technique over strength. Especially early on as you are developing your techniques and grappling skills, it is easy to fall back to strength to try and make a move work. When we are training with a smaller or weaker opponent this can become even more enticing. Try your best to stay focused and use technique rather than strength. As you get more proficient with the technique, your strength will be an added advantage but will not be the underlying cause of success. 2. Understand you will not win every time you roll. This is a normal part of squashing our egos and getting better at Jiu Jitsu. As you begin to try new moves or new positions, you will fail and loose regularly. This is needed to develop your new position, sweep, or attack and learn what works and what doesn’t. Don’t bail on it because you aren’t successful at first, keep training and developing your skill set. 3. Try to set different goals each time you roll. As stated above, you won’t win every match. Setting goals like “I want to hit a butterfly sweep today” or “I want to escape side control” is a great way to focus your training on things you know you need to work on. Accomplishing these goals during a roll, regardless of if you get submitted or passed is a great way to improve your Jiu Jitsu and see as you succeed with one move, where you need to improve or work next to chain it all together. Using a journal to keep track is also a great way to help set goals and track your progress. 4. Ask for feedback after your Roll. It is always a great idea to ask for feedback after your roll, especially if you are rolling with a higher belt. Ask them why the pass you tried did or didn’t work, ask them why the submission wasn’t successful. Ask if you pressure was sufficient or where you could have done better. Let the ego go, admit where you weren’t successful and ask for some feedback to help your game improve.
