Common Jiu Jitsu Mistakes (and how to avoid them)

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Brazilian Jiu Jitsu can be very overwhelming for new students. It's essential to guide beginners on their BJJ journey and help them avoid common pitfalls. In this post we will explore some of the most frequent mistakes beginners make when training Jiu Jitsu and provide valuable insights on how to correct them.

Mistake #1: Neglecting the Basics

One of the most prevalent mistakes beginners make is neglecting the fundamentals of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. In their eagerness to learn flashy techniques, they often skip over the basics like posture, balance, and positioning.

How to Avoid It:

1. Embrace the Fundamentals: Prioritize learning fundamental positions such as the guard, mount, side control, and back control. These are the building blocks of BJJ, and a strong foundation will lead to long-term success.

2. Consistent Drilling: Repetition is the key to ingraining essential movements into muscle memory. Drill drill drill drill drill and then drill some more.

3. Seek Guidance: Beginners should seek guidance from experienced instructors. A skilled mentor can provide personalized feedback and ensure they are on the right track.

Mistake #2: Neglecting Defense

Beginners often focus too much on offensive techniques and overlook the importance of defense. This can lead to frequent submissions and frustration.

How to Avoid It:

1. Prioritize Defense: Defense is equally as important as offense in BJJ. Beginners should focus on improving their escapes and survival skills during sparring sessions.

2. Position Over Submission: Maintaining a good position should take precedence over going for submissions. A solid position offers control and sets the stage for a successful attack.

3. Study Your Rolls: After each sparring session you should analyze your rolls. What submissions were you caught in? How could you have defended better? Learning from mistakes is a crucial aspect of growth.

Mistake #3: Overcommitting to Techniques

Beginners often become fixated on a particular technique and attempt it repeatedly, even when it's not working. This can lead to predictability and vulnerability.

How to Avoid It:

1. Expand Your Arsenal: It’s important to have a diverse skill set. Explore a wide range of techniques, both in terms of submissions and positions.

2. Flow Rolling: Introducing flow rolling, where the focus is on movement and transitions rather than submitting your partner, helps beginners become more adaptable and less fixated on one technique.

3. Listen to Feedback: Listen to feedback from training partners and instructors. If a technique isn't working, it's essential to be open to constructive criticism and willing to adapt.

Mistake #4: Neglecting Strength and Conditioning

While technique is paramount in BJJ, physical conditioning is often underestimated by beginners. Neglecting strength and conditioning can hinder their progress.

How to Avoid It:

1. Incorporate Strength Training: Beginners should incorporate strength training in their routine. Building functional strength can improve their overall performance and injury resistance.

2. Cardiovascular Fitness: Cardiovascular fitness is incredibly important in Jiu Jitsu. BJJ can be physically demanding, and having good endurance can give beginners a significant edge.

3. Balance Is Key: While strength training and cardio are important, it’s important to strike a balance. Too much focus on strength training at the expense of technique can be counterproductive.

Mistake #5: Sparring Too Aggressively

Beginners often approach sparring with excessive aggression, trying to "win" every roll. This can lead to injury and hinder skill development.

How to Avoid It:

1. Roll with Control: Sparring is not about winning but about learning. Sparring should be controlled and technical rather than recklessly aggressive.

2. Match Intensity: If your partner is going light, you should do the same, and vice versa.

3. Tap Early: It is important to tap when caught in a submission. Pride should never come before safety, and tapping early prevents unnecessary injuries.

Mistake #6: Neglecting Mindfulness and Strategy

Some beginners focus solely on physical aspects and neglect the mental aspects of BJJ, such as strategy and mindfulness.

How to Avoid It:

1. Mental Preparation: Develop a mental game plan before rolling. What positions do you want to work on? What strategies will you employ?

2. Mindfulness Training: Introduce mindfulness and visualization exercises. These practices can help with focus, relaxation, and mental clarity during training.

3. Study Matches: Watch high-level BJJ matches. Analyzing the strategies and techniques used by professionals can provide valuable insights.

Conclusion:

In Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, mistakes are an inevitable part of the learning process. However, by identifying and addressing common mistakes early on, beginners can accelerate their progress and enjoy a more rewarding journey in the sport. Remember, the road to mastery in BJJ is paved with patience, dedication, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

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