Here’s a thought: You are in a Jiu Jitsu match. Even though you give your best effort on the mat, your opponent does it better. Grapples, holds, movements – everything. You get upstaged and, as a result, lose the bout.
The takeaway from the above scenario is that you want to improve in Jiu Jitsu. Whether you’re learning MMA or practicing self defense, you want to take your skills to the next level. And reading this blog will help you do just that.
We have compiled 10 great tips on how to get better at Jiu Jitsu faster. From setting goals to bringing variety to your training, here is how you can accelerate your Jiu Jitsu progress.
1. Long-term Objectives Are Crucial
One mistake that many students make is not setting goals. Here’s a simple truth: You can’t make progress without having something to work towards. This is why you should have clear goals for the long run if you want to quickly improve your Jiu Jitsu. If you want to learn MMA, practice different types of submissions and holds, like full mounts. For physical fitness, work on your conditioning. This will help you focus your training on a specific aim and grow.
2. Routine Training Is the Way to Go
Ever heard that old saying – practice makes perfect? Sure you have! This is true in Jiu Jitsu as well.
You see, all experts agree that the best way to get better is to train, train, and train. Consistent practice will help you improve your reflexes and build muscle memory. This will help you get better and faster on the mat.
While a regular training regimen matters greatly, make sure you also have a healthy routine. You will get burned out if you put too much stress on yourself and lose all the progress you’ve made.
3. Strong Basics Help You Outshine Your Opponents
Don’t jump to advanced moves right away! Before you can run, you need to know how to walk. Learn the basics first and spend enough time to get good at them. When you feel confident about the fundamentals, and they feel like second nature, move on to more complex techniques. You will be able to make remarkable progress and leave your opponents in awe.
4. Drill Your Way to Perfection
We all know that when you want to master a new technique, you practice it over and over again. Well, that is exactly what drilling is. Repeating the same process helps develop muscle memory, which makes you better on the mat. By practicing (or drilling) the moves you learn, they will look and feel more natural. This will help you edge out your opponents in sparring sessions and bouts.
5. Different Training Partners Can Help You Grow
We know how asking peers to train with you can be a daunting task, especially if you are new in the gym. But it can help you grow your skills, and that is exactly what you want to do, right? Therefore, don’t be afraid to interact with others in the gym. Communicating with different members can help you improve your abilities. And here’s how: Different training partners will have unique sets of skills and body types. When you train with them, you get to experience and learn new techniques. This will help you get better at a faster rate.
Ask different partners to spar with you. You might even be surprised to find how helpful other like-minded individuals can be!
6. Train in Other Martial Arts Forms
Why stop at just working with different partners? Try training in other martial arts forms as well. This is another great way to improve your skills. Wrestling, judo, and Muay Thai are all excellent options that can help you get better faster. These disciplines can teach you new ways to attack and defend yourself. This could make the difference between you and your opponent.
7. Analyzing Yourself Helps You Get Better
Did you know that your phone can help you get better at Jiu Jitsu? It’s true! And no, we are not talking about watching tutorials and videos online.
Instead, here is what we suggest you do: Record your sparring and training sessions so you can rewatch them later. This will help you figure out your strengths and weaknesses. You’ll get a better idea of your skills and become aware of any gaps in your methods. Get a tripod that can hold your phone, and you’re all set to record your sessions.
8. Work on Your Weaknesses
This should be common knowledge, yet many students mess up at this step. You see, one of the basic requirements of getting better is to overcome your weaknesses. If you’re struggling with grappling, work on that part of your game more. Put yourself in bad positions on the mat and try to get out of them. This will let you work on your weaknesses and grow your skills.
Another thing you can do is ask your coaches and partners for help. They are there to help you, and what they have to say can guide your improvement.
9. Going to Workshops and Seminars Can be Eye-opening
You would be wrong to think that Jiu Jitsu training is confined to gym walls. In fact, going to seminars and workshops is another way to improve your skills. Top instructors and experts often hold these events for students, both new and old. You should try to join them and brush up on the basics. You can also learn about new techniques and changes in the sport. Getting together and training with people who share your interests can help you learn new things and get better at what you already know.
10. Recovery Time Can Accelerate Improvement
Rest and recovery matter just as much as daily workouts. All the top athletes in the world suggest doing this, and they follow it themselves. Taking breaks from training will help your muscles heal. You’ll have more energy, which will keep you from getting hurt or burned out. This can help keep you motivated to reach the goals you set on the first day. As a result, you will be able to improve faster.
How Long Does It Take to Get Good at Jiu Jitsu?
It really depends on how far you’re willing to go. You see, there are different levels in Jiu Jitsu. Each level has its own belt, such as white, blue, purple, brown, and black. It might take eight to ten years to achieve the black belt. However, factors like training frequency and quality can affect the rate of improvement.
We reckon it is better to focus on improving your own skills than looking at how other people are doing.
Final Thoughts on How to Get Better at Jiu Jitsu Faster
Now that you have reached the end, we hope this blog has been eye-opening for you. These 10 tips can help you move forward faster. You should make goals that you can reach and do a lot of training. Try to work out a few times a week, at the very least. Make sure your training is aligned with your goals, work on the basics, and practice new moves and techniques. Working with different people and disciplines can also help you get better. Record your sessions, work on your weaknesses, and attend workshops. It is an ongoing process, and you should take care to avoid getting hurt or burned out. Slowly but surely, you will get better at Jiu Jitsu and reach the level you want to be at.
At 10th Planet Poway, we offer great Jiu Jitsu lessons in both group and one-on-one sessions. Our award-winning and experienced instructors will help you reach your goals, whether they are to learn self-defense, get stronger, or become more physically fit.
Get in touch with us today and get started on reaching your Jiu Jitsu goals!
