This is a very common question that Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners ask of me. Very few people can train all day every day; mostly in part because responsibilities of work and family usually start to monopolize our time for leisure activities like BJJ. Oddly enough, even those of us fortunate to train two or three times daily often feel the same way! Competitive BJJ practitioners too have their time to train limited by energy, training partners, injury, and ability to recover between sessions. So we all face this dilemma together; each of wish we had more time to train. So, what can I do away from the academy to improve my BJJ? Here are some solid tips on how to grow your BJJ skills even when you can’t make it to class!
1) Get yourself some study material! Jiu-jitsu is different now than it was 15, 20, 50 years ago. We live in the age of information; knowledge is at your fingertips! Acquire a good book (I always suggest Jiu-jitsu University by Saulo Riberio) and study a one or two moves nightly before bed. While looking at the technique, visualize yourself in the photographs; it is you performing the moves. This study-visualization strategy is surprising effective in translating the technique from the book to your brain and on to the mat. Of course, you can substitute a book for a good DVD or online study library; just remember to employ the same learning methodology of study-visualize.
2) Keep A Training Journal! This was something that nearly every bjj practitioner utilized ‘back in the day’. When you have limited mat time available for training you will often lose the details of the lesson taught at class. Perhaps two weeks has passed since you were last on the mat and you find yourself in half-guard. You know you were just taught a sick sweep from this very spot the last time you attended class but you just can’t remember what it was! Keeping a jiu-jitsu diary is a great way for you to remember the details of technique and the strategies behind them. Take note after each class and include your journal in your study time you have already set aside for your other study material. Even better, study material directly related to your jiu-jitsu journal! The overlap of information will imprint faster upon the brain.
3) Stay Mobile! When away from the mats for a few consecutive days, weeks, or months the body can begin to ‘forget’ some of the movements needed to perform jiu-jitsu. Make time in your day to work on your bjj biomechanics. Find an area to shrimp, bridge, stand up in base, etc. There are many solo drills that we utilize every day in class that you can do at home or at the gym as part of your daily workout.
4) Eat healthy! Just because you are off the mats doesn’t mean you get to eat like a slob. On days you are training you eat right and hydrate properly, right? Well do that every day! Proper nutrition will make it easier for you to stay mobile and staying mobile will make it easier for you when you return to the mats!
About the Author:
Jeff Reese, Gracie Jiu-jitsu black belt, has had the honor of learning from two generations of Gracie family members including Royce, Royler, Rodrigo, Rolker, Ralek, Rener, and Ryron; he teaches at Gracie NEPA in Scranton, PA
