Planning Your Future in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
by Jeremy Trahan
What is your Brazilian Jiu Jitsu game going to look like next month? next year? or five years from now? Well, that strongly depends on whether or not you plan, and how you plan.
Today we plan for retirement, for our kid's college and future, for our career and just about every other important aspect of life. Planning has proven it's worth in these areas, or else we wouldn't waste our time doing it. So why not take this remarkable thing called "planning" and apply it toward our Jiu Jitsu games? If you're not already doing it, then you're missing out. Here are the top ways we can plan your future success in BJJ.
What Do You Want To Accomplish
What are your goals in BJJ for one month, one year, 5 years, etc.? Write those goals out before you do anything else, as these are the outline for your plan. They will determine the steps that you take. If you don't know the point of the plan, then it's not going to be very good.
The 'Why' Is Just As Important As The 'How'
Why do you want to get better? What's the point? That is the first thing you need to figure out. The "why" is what will keep you going in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu when things get tough, or when you get bored. Make a list of why you want to improve your game. What will it give you? What will happen if you don't improve? These are the things that move us.
Filling in Your Weak Points
You're only as strong as your weakest link, so figure out what that is and strengthen it. That weakness may be a particular position, like closed guard, or passing the guard. It may also be cardio and conditioning. If you can't last more than two minutes of rolling, then who cares about the rest. Make a list of your weaknesses, put them in order and start with the one that's holding you back the most. Develop the habit of making a "not to-do" list. Figure out what you've been doing wrong, write it all down and determine to break these habits ASAP.
Make Your Game Complet
Pick a few techniques for each position. Start by breaking your game down into different situations, like passing, and escaping side mount. Pick a few types of techniques for each position and make those your bread and butter. Once you master those techniques, you should have a pretty respectable game. Once mastered, add your fun techniques, but always keep your foundation techniques. Practice, drill and use them while rolling.
Example: From closed guard, pick three submissions, three reversals, and three pass preventions. From top side mount, pick three submissions and three transitions into other positions. Once you've really mastered these techniques, add to them. But not until these moves are strong, and feeling natural to you. Also, pick moves that are 'basic'. Nothing too fancy. These techniques must be put together to build a strong foundation. This is YOUR Brazilian Jiu Jitsu foundation.
Proper Mindset
Your mind must be in the right place in order to succeed at anything. Developing good habits of mind is essential for rapid success. When you're away from the mat, make a practice of visualizing yourself pulling off a perfect technique. See yourself doing it against someone who would be a real challenge.
You need to have a clear purpose in mind for each and every training session. What is today's purpose? Perhaps it's to improve your triangle game, to be calmer and more technical, or maybe to tap the best guy in class. Having a reason for each training will help improve your game in whatever area you chose. Purpose is power.
Commit to the Move, Commit to Your Goal
Make a commitment to training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Once you've planned out your training for the next 3 months, make the decision to follow that plan. Figure out what excuses you'll make for not following through, and write down why they're full of crap. Then there are no excuses, only action.
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