How to practice BJJ

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art that focuses on grappling and ground fighting. It is known for its effectiveness in self-defense situations and has become a popular sport in recent years. If you’re looking to learn BJJ, it is important to find a reputable academy and experienced instructors who can guide you through the proper techniques and practices.

The best way to practice is by attending BJJ glasses (check out our post on what a BJJ class is like). Here are some tips to make sure you get the best out of your class:

Source: Core Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy

Find a good academy: The first step in practicing BJJ is to find a good school/academy where you can easily attend regular classes. Look for an academy that has a proven track record and offers a variety of classes for different skill levels. It can be helpful to check Google reviews/testimonials or even ask around in your local community. If you are curious about expenses, check out this article on how much BJJ classes cost.

Start with the basics: BJJ has a complex set of techniques and movements, so it is important to start with the basics and gradually build your knowledge and skill over time. Your instructors should provide you with a solid foundation in the fundamental techniques and principles of BJJ, such as proper grappling and ground fighting techniques.
- Note: Some gyms allow sparring (or “rolling” as it’s known) for beginners, some do not – don’t worry too much about this at first. Focus on getting confident with some basics, and soon you’ll be ready to roll.
Train regularly: To progress in BJJ, it is important to train regularly and consistently. This will not only help you develop your skills and techniques, but also improve your physical fitness and mental discipline. Try to attend class at least twice a week, and supplement your training with additional conditioning and strength-building exercises where possible.

Be patient: Learning BJJ takes time and patience. It is a complex martial art with a wide range of techniques and principles, so don’t expect to become an expert overnight. You will get tapped out and feel defeated a lot in the first few months – this is normal! Focus on mastering the basics and gradually build your knowledge and skill over time.
Stay motivated: Learning a new martial art can be physically and mentally challenging, so it is important to stay motivated and committed to your training. Set small goals for yourself and track your progress. For example if you get tapped out on average 3 times every round, your next goal will be 2 times, then once… baby steps!
Learn from your mistakes: BJJ is a martial art that involves a lot of trial and error, and it is inevitable that you will make mistakes along the way. Instead of getting frustrated or discouraged, use these mistakes as opportunities to learn and grow. Analyze what went wrong and what you could have done differently, and use this information to improve your technique and strategy in future training sessions.

Stay focused: It is important to stay focused and present during your training sessions. Classes can be a very social situation, which is a good thing and theres nothing wrong with making friends. But make an effort to be focused and engaged with your instructors when training, so you can get the best out of your time on the mat.
Have fun: Above all, remember to enjoy the journey and have fun! It is a rewarding martial art that can improve your physical fitness, mental discipline, and overall well-being. So embrace the challenges and the ups and downs. Pretty soon you’ll be getting promoted and mastering the art.

Amateur BJJ competition – Source: Flickr

Conclusion

Practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu effectively requires a combination of dedication, patience, and persistence. By finding a good academy, starting with the basics, and training regularly, you can develop the skills and knowledge necessary to become a proficient practitioner. No matter your size or athletic abilities, with the right attitude and consistent training habits you can build the skills necessary to be a high level grappler.

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Brian

My name is Brian and I'm a purple belt in BJJ. I train at GFTeam in Burnaby, Canada. My mission with this site is to inspire, educate and learn together with grappling enthusiasts around the world.