The Best Way to Learn Jiu Jitsu: Propel Your Skill Development
When I’m coaching, whether a group or private instruction, it’s always with an asterisk attached to it. The asterisk is a demarcation that the information I am sharing is the absolute best knowledge I have available to me at that time.
I like to think of having the information I’m sharing written down in a nice soft pencil, rather than permanently etched in stone.
The reason is simple really. The best way to learn jiu jitsu is to understand there is no concrete answer to “solve” jiu jitsu.
Having an “aha” moment on a particular movement, guard, submission, technique, whatever it may be isn’t you winning a race, or solving a finite puzzle. It’s simply the next level of your development. Trust me when I say there will be many more “aha” moments to come and many more after that.
The Best Way to Learn Jiu Jitsu
The more I coach, and the more students I help, the more I understand that the way I am teaching or understanding something right now is not THE way. There is always a better way, a more concise way, a clearer metaphor, or a different perspective that guides you down a new path onto the next “aha”.
The best way to learn jiu jitsu is critical thinking. Critical thinking is one of the best tools you have in your toolbox as a jiu jitsu student.
Learning to cast a judicious eye over everything you do in jiu jitsu is key to rapid skill development. Critically break down each and everything you do, casting an eye over the smallest details and the results you’re getting from each partner and roll you engage in.
Ask yourself time and time again “Is this the most effective and efficient way I can be doing this?”, “Is this the best option for this scenario right now”, “Am I in the correct positioning here?”, “are the mechanics of this right, or can they be improved?”
Thinking in this manner, you’ll quickly see the best way to learn jiu jitsu.
Switching Mindsets
From here on out, I challenge you to approach your training with a new mindset – “this is the best I have right now, but I will research, develop, learn, practice, and refine.”
There is a slight negative element to this mindset. You’re casting a little doubt over your own skillset, but that is not a bad thing. It’s a way of constantly, repeatedly, raising the bar for your progress. There is no limit to the level you can attain as long as you write your answers in pencil, rather than permanently etching them in stone.
Anyway, quick one today, but an important one, nonetheless. The best way to learn jiu jitsu is right there for the taking. Switch your mindset and give it a go. Let me know your thoughts - email here, or even on Instagram (give me a follow too!). I love hearing from you guys, so let me know if there is anything you would like to cover, or if you would like to work with me.