Learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) can be a challenging and rewarding experience, but it’s often overwhelming for beginners. To make the journey easier, this article shares 11 tips to help you learn BJJ faster. From choosing the right instructors, to treating your gear as armor, to avoiding common mistakes, these tips will help you get the most out of your BJJ training. Read on for a comprehensive guide on how to leanr Brazilian jiu jitsu faster.
1. Focus on easy techniques
Not all BJJ techniques will work for beginners, so it’s important to focus on those that are most effective and easiest to learn. You can read some examples of techniques that do and don’t work on beginners in my article:
– How To Get Your Blue Belt Faster Than Everyone Else.
If you’re new to BJJ you might find it hard to judge which techniques will be easy and effective. A good rule of thumb is to focus on ‘the basics’. Also you can follow these general principles:
- Don’t invert if you don’t have to.
- Try to stay on top.
- The simplest moves are usually the strongest.
- If everybody else is doing it, it’s probably important.
- Stick to the 5 best submissions and ignore all others.
If you need more than a few guiding principles, check out Blue Belt in 1 Day. In that course I explain exactly which techniques are easy and effective at the beginner level, so you can learn Brazilian jiu jitsu much faster than everyone else.
Blue Belt in 1 Day
2. Choose Which Instructors to Follow
One of the keys to success in learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is choosing the right instructors to follow. With so many instructors and styles out there, it can be tempting to try to learn from many different sources. However, this can lead to confusion and make it harder to make progress.
Instead, it’s better to choose 1 or 2 instructors to follow and focus on their techniques and strategies. This way, you’ll be able to develop a more complete understanding of BJJ and avoid mixing up different systems.
Some of the top instructors to consider include Craig Jones, Gordon Ryan, Lachlan Giles, and John Danaher. Each of these instructors has a wealth of knowledge and experience that they share, and they can help you take your BJJ training to the next level.
If you want to explore their materials, be sure to check out my guides on:
- Craig Jones’ 10 best instructionals
- A guide to John Danaher’s best instructionals
- Gordon Ryan’s top 5 best instructionals
- Lachlan Giles’ Submeta reviewed
Also read: The 7 Best BJJ Instructors: Choose wisely who to learn from
3. Track Your Progress
One of the best ways to stay motivated in brazilian jiu jitsu is to track your progress, so you don’t start feeling like you’re not getting better.
One way to stay motivated is to track your progress by keeping a BJJ journal or a notebook. Write down the techniques you learn in each class, and make note of your successes and areas for improvement.
The checklists with all BJJ techniques in Blue Belt in 1 Day can also be a useful tool for tracking your progress. Review the checklists regularly and check off which techniques you know and which ones you can hit in sparring. This will help you stay focused and motivated, and make sure you are making steady progress towards your goals.
4. Avoid injuries at all cost
Avoiding injuries is the single most impactful factor on your progress in BJJ. An injury can set you back for weeks, months, or even longer, and can be frustrating and demotivating.
To avoid injury, it’s important to start your journey slow and avoid overtraining. You should also focus on using proper technique, rather than strength and explosivity. Additionally, be careful when rolling with bigger people, or when doing takedowns. These can put a lot of stress on your joints and muscles, and increase your risk of injury.
5. Choose Techniques that Fit Together in a Game Plan
If you want to learn Brazilian jiu jitsu fast, it’s important to choose techniques that fit together in a cohesive game plan. A game plan is essentially a strategy for how you will approach a roll or a match. It’s about knowing which techniques you want to focus on, and how you want to transition from one technique to another.
Having a game plan will help you stay focused and confident on the mat. It will also help you make the most of your training, as you’ll be able to focus on techniques that complement each other and build upon each other.
If you’re just starting out, you may find it helpful to take a look at the “Impossible to Forget Game Plan for Beginners” in my course Blue Belt in 1 Day. This course provides a ready made game plan, and will help you get started on the right foot.
Remember that your game plan is not set in stone, and can change as you grow and improve in BJJ. So be flexible, and always be open to new techniques and strategies.
6. Treat Your Gear Like a Knight
One underrated tip to learn BJJ faster is to treat your gear like it’s your armor. Just like the knights of old, you want to develop a relationship with your gear that’s deeper than just a simple piece of equipment.
To build this relationship you want to get high quality gear and spend time maintaining it properly. I’m talking about folding it exactly right, and maybe storing it in its own closet. And definitely take time to straighten your jacket and tie your gi belt properly during training.
I’m not sure why, but if you treat your gear with reverence and respect, you’ll start to treat your BJJ training the same way. By doing so, you’ll not only be able to learn BJJ faster, but you’ll also develop a deeper connection to the sport and a stronger determination to succeed.
Also read: 12 Best BJJ Gi Brands & Companies | Premium & Budget
7. Take Advantage of These Training Resources
One of the keys to success in learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is taking advantage of training resources. There are a wealth of resources available to help you learn and grow as a BJJ practitioner, and it’s important to know what resources are available to you.
Did I already mention my course? That’s what I recommend as your first paid training resource to skyrocket your progress as a beginner.
I also have a list of the best training resources for BJJ, including video instructionals, audio courses and coaching software. So be sure to take advantage of these resources to help you reach your goals and make the most of your BJJ training.
8. Make friends to do extra training with
Doing some extra drills with a friendly training partner is the best way to learn BJJ faster. But finding a training partner that you can do extra training with can be challenging, especially when you’re just starting out. But don’t be discouraged! The key is to put yourself out there and talk to people. Ask if they’d like to do some extra drills with you before or after class, or on open mat.
When choosing a training partner, look for someone who is at a similar level as you, who has a similar training style and schedule, and who you get along with. A good training partner should be supportive, positive, and help you achieve your goals.
Keep in mind that training with a partner is a two-way street. Make sure to communicate openly with your partner about your goals, preferences, and expectations. And always be respectful of your partner’s time and energy.
9. Find the Right Gym or Training Facility
When it comes to learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), finding the right gym or training facility is key. The right gym should provide a safe and supportive environment where you can learn, grow, and make progress. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a gym:
- Location: Look for a gym that is convenient for you, close to your home or work, and easy to get to.
- Instructor qualifications: Make sure the instructors have the appropriate qualifications to teach BJJ. You may also want to research their background, competition experience, and reputation.
- Class schedule: Check the gym’s class schedule to see if it fits your schedule and lifestyle. Look for a gym that offers a variety of class times and levels, so you can train at the time that works best for you.
- Training environment: Observe a class or two at the gym to see what the training environment is like. Is it friendly and supportive? Do the instructors provide constructive feedback and help you correct your techniques?
- Community: Join a gym that has a strong community of friendly and supportive students. A good BJJ community will provide a supportive network for you to learn and grow with, both on and off the mats.
- Goal alignment: Find a gym that aligns with your training goals. Do you want to learn BJJ for self defense, competition, fitness or MMA? Do you prefer no gi grappling or gi training? Is it important that you also practice takedowns, or do you want to focus on developing a slick guard? Every BJJ school has its own focus, so find the one that lets you learn Brazilian jiu jitsu in the way that you want to.
10. Set Realistic Goals for Your BJJ Journey
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a complex and challenging martial art that takes time and dedication to master. It’s important to set realistic goals for your BJJ journey to help you stay motivated and focused.
Keep in mind that it typically takes two years or more to earn a blue belt in BJJ. It may also take some time before you are able to submit your training partners in sparring. The journey is long, but the rewards are worth it.
Focus on setting short-term goals that will help you make steady progress. For example, you might aim to learn one new technique per week, or to attend a certain number of classes per month. Celebrate your small victories along the way, and stay focused on the bigger picture.
11. The most important factor in learning BJJ
The single most important thing in learning BJJ is to keep having fun. That’s what will keep you motivated and coming back to training day after day. It will also help you stay positive, even when you face setbacks and challenges. And, most importantly, it will help you develop a love for the sport that will keep you training for years to come.
Remember, a black belt is just a white belt who never quit. So, stay focused, stay motivated, and most importantly, have fun as you learn BJJ and reach for your goals. By keeping a positive attitude and enjoying the journey, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a skilled BJJ practitioner and achieving your dreams.
