Get Better at Jiu Jitsu Faster
Are you putting in more hours of training, asking all the questions and really focusing on drilling but can’t get pass that barrier?
Here are some tips and tricks to get better and Jiu Jitsu faster and in a more organized way!
Try a BJJ Journal
Learning a technique is relative to the amount of times you drill it and actually hit it when rolling live!
We are all humans and forget about really good techniques and ideas we don’t practice often, this is where journaling comes in handy.
Journaling the techniques you learn in a weekly basis, will help you remember and retake, on an easier fashion, old techniques or habits that maybe you have been neglecting and are useful.
BJJ Maps
BJJ Mapping is a great way to help you visualize techniques and link them together.
Start by choosing your favorite position in Jiu Jitsu, then extend branches to different submissions and scenarios.
Imagine you are actually fighting, how would you submit or get out of that scenario? how would you sweep there? how would you pass or defend?
Here an example from Jeff Glover’s Half Guard DVD:
BJJ Maps are a great way to think about your overall game and visualize gaps
Go to as many Open Mats as you can
We explained before the benefits of cross-training, however if cross-training is a no, no in your gym, try getting as much open mat time in other Jiu Jitsu academies as possible.
This is the closest to competing you will have and it will help you improve and change your game to fight different styles, body types and belts.
Also, a great way to connect and learn from other people! There is always something new to learn!
Organize your data and schedule
It sounds overly dramatic to schedule time to read, watch videos or just go back and review old techniques right? But trust me, it actually helps, A LOT!
By having a designated time to go through your learning material, you guarantee to have Jiu Jitsu in mind and a technique fresh and ready to go when you get to class that day or the next day.
I usually take 15-20 min before class (usually during my commute) to review my journal and/or review videos on my Youtube/Facebook list of techniques I want to try or drill
This has been helping me to improve my concentration in class, ask better questions and just get my brain ready for class
It is basically like studying for your class, everyday! Stay prepared!
Flow Roll
When you flow roll (a term for rolling light and usually without subs) you give your brain enough time and power to think about the next step.
Remember that Jiu Jitsu is like a chess match! You need to think 3 or more steps ahead your opponent (another reason why mapping is useful)
Flow roll and actively think about what is next?
Dead Zones
Grab a partner you trust and start in a terrible position, try to escape as fast as you can, attack or tap, here some suggestions for positions to start in:
- Mount
- Back Take
- Arm Bar
- Triangle
- Ashi Garami
- Side Control
Concentrate in your technique and time, this will help you in tournaments if time is running up and you are behind on points! Hail Mary.
