When you start doing something, it’s quite natural that you want to be better at it, right? It can be a sport, learning a new language, playing an instrument, etc. So it’s not surprising that when you start training BJJ you want to get better and better in it. However, when the first enthusiasm subsides, you start to lose motivation. You no longer see the point in what you do, being good at BJJ begins to move away from you. That’s why below you can find some things that will help you to just keep going and improve your jiu-jitsu game.
Motivation
You can say without motivation you can’t achieve anything. It is the thing that keeps you going, turns your thoughts into actions. Without it you would not go to training, you would not practice jiu-jitsu at all, and you wouldn’t even be close to being good at BJJ. However, if you still practicing, but you just doubt your skills, it doesn’t mean you have no motivation. It rather means being a little lost. That’s why below you will find clear signposts on how to not lose this motivation and be good at BJJ.
What do you need to be good at BJJ?
The things you find below are no secrets. They are rather obvious and common-sense recommendations that we simply forget about. Despite their simplicity, however, they are a guarantee of becoming better at Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Check them all!
Good training frequency
Practise makes perfect. It’s that simple. When you do more of something, there is no option for you not to get better at it. That’s why if you want to get better at jiu-jitsu you need good training frequency. The time you spend on the mat is priceless. Thanks to that you consolidate your knowledge of techniques and patterns of movements. Having the right amount of training will improve your BJJ game, add sharpness to transitions, and build your fighting instincts. If you don’t know how often you should train jiu-jitsu, check the best training frequency here.
Goals and plans
Doing something and not seeing any point at it can be really hard. By going to training without a reason, some game plan, etc. you only stoping your development. If you want to be good at BJJ you must set yourself goals and create a plan to achieve them. It doesn’t have to be something big right away. It can be polishing some techniques, refining the position, etc. You just have to decide something and implement it consistently.
Proper care of your body
Your body is a tool with which you can practice Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. If you want to be better and better at BJJ you just need to take care of your body. When your body is weakened, wracked, etc. you can’t be good at jiu-jitsu. Your body won’t allow it. That’s why if being good at BJJ is your goal, work on your conditioning, strengthening the body and avoid injuries and skin diseases. Your body is your temple, show it respect.
Right attitude
If you have a well-prepared body, you train hard and still see no progress your mindset might be the problem. The right attitude is very important in developing your BJJ skills. The point mentioned above about goals and plans is important here but not only it. It’s also about having a good attitude, want to learn, be open. For this, you should listen to your trainer, practice carefully what he shows, and behave thoughtfully during rolls. Instead of fighting for your life, be more focused on trying your techniques and seeking to employ a technical solution in each position. Don’t let your ego rule you, it is good to forget about it and e.g. tap when needed. Treat it all as a part of the learning process, analyze why for example you lost and growth from it.
Perseverance
This point connects to the previous one. Only here it is about more long-term thinking and attitude. If you want to be good at BJJ you just have to persevere. You need to keep training despite crises and lack of motivation. Because just like the saying goes: the black belt is a white belt that never gave up. This obviously doesn’t mean to never take breaks etc. But just remember that having a break should be for treating an injury or burn out, not a 5-year BJJ break because of laziness. You can’t be good at jiu-jitsu if you avoid training it.
Thinking about BJJ outside the mat
To be good at BJJ you need to think about it also outside the mat. Here helpful is watching instructional videos, competition footage, etc. It is good to focus on one thing, like a specific technique you want to improve. To do so, for example, research how the top competitors do it and examine their game. This constant connection whit BJJ will help you to grow. Studying instructional videos will expand your jiu-jitsu game and will translate into your getting better in this sport.
In conclusion
Things that you need to be good at BJJ are neither magical nor secretive. They are rather simple and thanks to them really anyone who just wants can become good at Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. You just need to train regularly and wisely, stay healthy and in shape, have a learning attitude. That’s all you need to get better at jiu-jitsu. It’s that simple.
