Beginning Jiu Jitsu: Learn Fast!

Everyone who wants to learn jiu jitsu knows how vital it is to learn quickly. If you've been taking classes for any length of time, you'll quickly find a deep need to get better faster. You probably already know a few moves like a sweep or a submission, but it is hard to get better because you can't use these moves on other people in your class. You may roll for hours and hours, but you just aren't getting better fast enough.

I have the answer, and it is NOT learning some new super slick flying submission or intergalactic guard that no one in your jiu jitsu class will be ready for. To really get better you need to train with a purpose.

As you've undoubtedly heard before, if you do not make a plan you will not succeed. You have to develop a plan, PUT YOUR PLAN IN WRITING, and do something each day towards make your plan happen. You should not deviate from your plan until your reach your goal. And you MUST WRITE YOUR PLAN DOWN! Trust me on this.

A lot of people training in jiu jitsu just want to have a great guard or have great submissions. These are admirable goals, but you must break everything down to the details. Your goal should be "Land a bump sweep on every rolling partner" or "Be able to hold side control for 15 seconds on anyone". You will be able to measure your success and take actions toward meeting the goals. If you make smaller, reachable goals you will be more likely to meet your ultimate goals faster.

It's time to mentally enter the BJJ arena. Make a plan, any plan, and train hard! Start every class reminding yourself of your personal goal and make it happen. You are not going to be better instantaneously, and patience will still be required, however you will get there! After you attain a few of your smaller goals, you will recognize your success and you will ask yourself why you didn't start doing this sooner.