How to learn BJJ faster
Train often, focus on one position at a time, and think about each class after it ends. Staying safe also matters, because an injury stops all learning.
Train often and stay healthy
The biggest thing is time on the mat. Two or three classes every week, for months, is better than a lot of training for a short time. An injury stops you for weeks, so stay safe. Read how to avoid injuries in BJJ.
Eight habits that help
- Pick one position to work on for a month, like escaping mount.
- Drill the move from class slowly and many times.
- Ask your coach or a higher belt one question each class.
- Write two or three notes after each class: what you learned and where you got stuck.
- Ask for positional sparring: start in one position with one goal.
- Roll with many different partners, not just one.
- Roll at a calm pace, so you can think and try new moves.
- Sleep well and rest on your days off.
Things that slow you down
- Rolling at full strength every round. You get tired and stop thinking.
- Learning a new fancy move every day and never practising it.
- Avoiding positions you are bad at.
- Never tapping, and getting hurt.
Learning off the mat
Short study helps too. Read about the move you learned in class, and watch higher belts roll. Follow a plan, like the beginner curriculum, so you learn things in a good order.
Kim gets stuck under mount in every roll. For one month, she asks partners to start some rounds in mount. She practises the same two escapes. By the end of the month, she escapes mount in most rolls.
How many times a week should a beginner train BJJ?
Most coaches suggest two or three classes a week. That gives time to learn and to rest.
Do I need to lift weights for BJJ?
It can help, but it is not required. Many coaches say technique and time on the mat come first.
Should I watch BJJ videos?
Short videos can help, but practise on the mat first. Focus on moves your coach teaches.
Which habit helps you learn BJJ faster?
Train it on the Path
The Before you roll unit turns this into short lessons: you see a position and pick the best move.