When you are just getting started in Jiu Jitsu, you need an experienced trainer, a good partner, and a calm mind to learn the art. A trainer and a calm mind aside, why do you need a good partner? Because, as a beginner, you can not learn this high altitude martial art alone. The right partner can help you learn faster and improve your skills more effectively. It should not be nerve-wracking to choose a partner in Jiu Jitsu class, but if you need help, we are here with this informative piece. Learn from our article and find your perfect partner for the training mat.
Understanding Jiu Jitsu Partnership
In Jiu Jitsu, there are several drills that you need an opponent to practice with. An opponent may not be a player you have to defeat and win the game. Rather, it means an instructor or flexible defending partner. A good training partner who can challenge your strengths, capabilities, skills, and moves. This becomes a transactional partnership when you and your partner are equally experienced and have similar skill sets. Definitely, having a too-strong and experienced partner may break your confidence and increase the chances of getting injured or displaced joint in a grapple. If you choose a partner with lesser skill sets, you are not going to learn the real deal in this sport, which is overcoming yourself.
5 Ways to Choose a Partner in Jiu Jitsu Class
Firstly, don’t hesitate to approach a player when choosing a partner in Jiu Jitsu. You are in a learning session, and asking for help is nothing but a part of this process. Secondly, the technique you just showed to your trainer is not new. There are few players who already have learned the move. Asking for help from them has nothing wrong with it.
You may think about a refusal; what happens next if the player refuses to pair with? It’s nothing. Take it with ease and look for another partner to practice with. Here are some ways to help you select a partner for Jiu Jitsu classes.
1. Size
Try to choose a partner with a size that relates to your own. It will help you to practice moves that involve rolling, lifting, or putting the partner down to the ground.
Then again, choosing a partner who is much bigger than you will give you a correct idea of your strengths and weaknesses.
You should also welcome the invitation to pair with any player who seems weaker than you. Choosing someone smaller will give you size advantages in practice sessions. Additionally, if the partner has better skill sets, it is always possible to learn new techniques from him.
2. Skill Level
There are many different types of expertise, belts, fitness levels, and learning abilities in this sport. Jiu Jitsu has five belts: white, blue, purple, brown, and black. If you are a white belt, asking for help from higher belts will help you explore what you have to be good at to achieve the same level of expertise. As the skill level grows, you may approach more skilled players. There is no certain hierarchy rule in Jiu Jitsu. Any player can teach you a specific move or skill when you are open to learning and put yourself aside to observe the expertise.
3. Asking Before the Class Starts
Everyone, especially the senior players, has regular partners in practice. If you ask to practice a move together in the middle of the practice session, it may not work for you. Discuss your interest in practicing together before the class starts. It will help you to be considered by the players who already have plans to practice with another player. You may do stretching near the person you want to practice with and share some chit-chat. This way, while warming up, you can form a new bond with your partner.
4. Standing Next or Close to the Person
This is the best way to express your interest in a training partner, even without a word. The fighter you find as an ideal mate to learn from is just a human like you. We humans like attention, and the desire for attention becomes even more intense when we demonstrate our skills. When the player is practicing his skills, stand quietly next to him. Observe the way he is enjoying his game for several days. Maybe a week or longer. It will help you in two ways: firstly, your brain will note down the new moves, and secondly, you will be able to understand the level of expertise of the player. Never pass a comment, as it often backfires by expressing an aggressive attitude.
Additionally, when you keep watching a player for a long time, there is a high chance that your trainer will help you get a chance with that player. Here, one caution is needed when you have chosen a partner of the opposite gender; standing or watching for too long may express some negative interest. Always remember that observation never teaches you, but it enables the opportunity to learn. As fast as you get noticed more than twice, ask for a partnership with respect and a proactive mindset; you may say, “It would be very helpful if I could pair up with you for a couple of practice sessions.” You must remain humble even with a refusal and shouldn’t be reacting or trying to dominate in any way.
5. Asking the Coach if He Can Help You Choose a Training Partner
When you are training under a coach, it’s obvious that they will know your level of expertise, skill sets, and strength. Even if it seems easy to you to get a partner, discuss it with your coach before approaching anyone. He is the mentor, surely he can suggest the best. On many occasions, the trainer pairs up players, evaluating the features of the players.
If you don’t find a partner, don’t get frustrated and don’t start judging any player. Somebody is there who started practicing before you, and some are there who just joined the classes. So, it is normal to have different skill levels. If you find it really difficult to pair with for reasons like hygiene, punctuality, and anger issues, inform your coach. Still, maintain a level of personal respect. We all have limitations, and coaches are there to help us overcome them. Have confidence in your coach; he can help you meet every expectation of learning your game.
What Happens During Non-Class Times?
We all know that training mats need more time than regular class time. During class time, the trainer shows you new techniques, moves, and practice methods. To master them, you have to invest more time and energy even after the classes. Inviting your partner to practice after classes or on a mutually decided schedule will increase the chance of learning and mastering new techniques together.
It often feels a little bit awkward to ask somebody for extra time; however, if you think more openly, it will become easier. First of all, ask yourself if you really want to work on your skills with extra time after classes. If the answer is yes, then don’t hesitate to ask your chosen teammate to partner up.
Partners with lower belts are better to ask for extra time. As you may have some mastered moves and skills, you can share them with them. This will help you practice and your partner learn new things. Respect for each other is the main thing when asking for somebody’s personal time. Everyone would be happy to help as long as they find your personality warm and respectful to them.
Conclusion
Any sport needs submission to the trainer and practice to get better. Mutual respect for your trainer, teammate, or partners will help you learn new things and build a strong base of skills. In Jiu Jitsu, as a martial art, you must find someone to practice with to know your strengths and weaknesses. Follow the instructions of your trainer and remember the things to consider we have discussed above. If you are looking for a place to master Jiu Jitsu, 10th Planet Poway can help you achieve your Jiu Jitsu goals.
We offer world-class Jiu Jitsu training for all levels of players. Whether you have goals of pursuing a full-time Jiu-Jitsu career, getting in shape again, or maybe learning something new, 10th Planet Poway is for everyone. Call us at (858)-848-6444 today to schedule a trial class today!
