Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art composed of innumerable techniques and a vast collection of information. Often, people don’t know where to start when it comes to taking it all in and expanding their skills. Even more experienced BJJ practitioners can hit walls in their development and not know where to turn. As this may be the case for you, here’s how to get the most out of your Jiu-Jitsu class.
Roll from a Weak Position
It usually isn’t someone’s first choice to start rolling from a weak position. It can be uncomfortable and seem disheartening because you can (and will) become submitted much more readily. But regularly doing so can boost your growth remarkably. By challenging yourself to spar from difficult positions, you will reinforce the parts of your defense that you are most lacking in. As you strengthen your defense, future opponents will find it harder and harder to overcome you because you’re used tight spots and regaining the upper hand from them.
Practice with Less Skilled People
Of course, your defense isn’t the only aspect of your game that you should focus on. You won’t best others by just protecting yourself; you need well-practiced offensive abilities too. While it may seem counterintuitive to the last point, rolling with less skilled people often can help you to develop the new techniques that you are yet unfamiliar with. In a sparring session with someone at your level or greater, your focus will be more on surviving the bout than experimenting. On the other hand, the baseline ease that you get from less-skilled practitioners will allow you space to try movements that don’t yet come as naturally to you. You can repeat techniques in high volumes and adjust to them, then put them to use against more difficult opponents as you prepare for competitions.
Maintain Your Focus
A primary determiner of your progression in BJJ is your mindset. To gain the most from each class, you should come in focused and ready to learn. Simply showing up is not going to be enough. Set some goals you want to reach—both short and long term. With a clear destination in mind, you’ll feel motivated to work that much harder to get there. You should also try and ask questions to your instructor. Coming up with a question itself forces you to pay attention to what you are being taught, and having it answered furthers your advancement on top of that.
With that said, it is still vital that you find a class that creates the right environment for you to learn from. If you’re considering joining Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes in Portland, contact Northwest Fighting Arts today.