Jiu-Jitsu’s training benefits are well documented. But it’s also well documented that training is long and arduous, and skills are difficult to develop. But it doesn’t have to be that way! Here are some tips to get the most from your BJJ training!

Lifestyle is important

Jiu-Jitsu is incredible fitness and an amazing workout for your mind. But you will never out-train an unhealthy lifestyle. Focus on sleep for recovery, and focus on eating a healthy, balanced diet to avoid injury and keep your body primed for training. Reduce consumption of processed foods and focus on whole, fresh foods instead. Develop an understanding of your personal nutritional needs and use that to change the sources of fuel you consume.

Also, supplementation is a great way to maximize your fitness and minimize injury. If nothing else, a basic complex of B vitamins, Vitamin D, Vitamin K, and other vitamins will help keep your heart, mind, and body healthy. 

Take responsibility for your learning

This is a big one, and no single change will have a greater effect on the speed at which you progress. Study jiu-jitsu outside of the gym, whether watching matches or researching techniques via instructionals. Don’t just stop at the “how” with techniques, work to understand the “why,” which makes techniques interchangeable. This will make your jiu-jitsu more adaptable and personalized.

And, most importantly, focus on skill acquisition while rolling. Value the development of specific, targeted skillsets over winning or getting the tap. By zeroing in on your weaknesses and developing movement patterns and strategies that will fix them, you can become much more effective on the mats much faster.

Show up as often as possible

There is no replacement for mat time. Simply put, the more time you put into your BJJ training, the more benefit you’re going to get out. That means not only getting better at BJJ faster, but also reaping more of the benefits such as stress relief, self-control, strategic mindset, and better sleep. Many people find that training three to five times a week gets the best results, depending very simply on their schedule and availability.

But the more you train, the better you get, both on and off the mats. So be dedicated to your training schedule, and do not schedule other activities during your training time.

Get involved in your academy’s community

Perhaps the best benefit of BJJ training is the friends and network you will develop on the mats. Need a plumber? There’s probably one training with you. Looking for an attorney? Same thing. Develop and take advantage of the relationships that your community affords to you, and have a keen sense of giving back to that community. Stay and clean the mats after class. Spend time after training to chat with your friends.

Many a connection has been made and many a problem has been solved via mat chats after training. Lean on your brothers and sisters and they will lean on you in return. Through that process, you will develop a support network like no other, and that network will keep you training on the hard days!

Getting started with BJJ training

Ready to get started with your BJJ training? If you’re in the Chattanooga, Tennessee area, come check out our academy, Lógica Jiu-Jitsu. We are beginner-focused, the friendliest place you’ll ever walk into, and our professional instructors care about your growth, on and off the mats. Download our starter kit below to learn more about our academy, pricing, schedule, and community!