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Common Mistakes Beginners Make in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and How to Avoid Them

Embarking on a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey can be exhilarating and challenging, but also very rewarding. As a beginner, it’s natural to make mistakes along the way, but by recognising and addressing these missteps early on, they can become an incredible opportunities for growth and improvement.

ICC is more than just a Karate centre – Earlwood locals, and practitioners in suburbs throughout in Western Sydney turn to us for multiple martial art styles under one roof. With a focus on fun, inclusivity, humility and respect, we are here to help beginners become the best martial artists they can be.

With any new pursuit, there are some common mistakes beginners often make. Here’s the most common ones made in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and some helpful tips on how to avoid them.

Over-Reliance on Strength

Many beginners, especially those with a background in strength training or other sports, tend to rely heavily on their physical strength to muscle through techniques and submissions. While strength can be an asset, over-reliance on it can impede the development of proper technique and efficiency, and lead to injury and fatigue.

Focus on Technique – Remember that BJJ is about leverage and technique, not brute force. Pay attention to your instructor’s guidance and practice techniques with precision and control.

Use Strength Sparingly – Use your strength only when necessary and focus on the mechanics of each move. This will help you understand the underlying principles of BJJ and apply them effectively.

Roll with Different Partners – Train with partners of varying sizes and skill levels to learn how to adapt your techniques to different situations without relying on strength.

Neglecting Fundamentals

Eager to learn flashy submissions and advanced techniques, beginners often overlook the importance of mastering the fundamental positions and movements in BJJ.

Master the Basics – Spend ample time drilling fundamental positions such as guard, side control, mount, and back control. These positions form the foundation of your BJJ game.

Focus on Basic Movements – Practice basic movements like shrimping, bridging, and hip escapes regularly. These movements are crucial for effective defence and transitions.

Revisit Fundamentals – Regularly review and refine your understanding of basic techniques, even as you advance in your training. Solid fundamentals will support your progress in more complex techniques.

Poor Breathing and Posture

Beginners often have poor posture and hold their breath or breathe erratically during training and sparring, leading to rapid fatigue and decreased performance.

Practice Controlled Breathing – Focus on maintaining steady, deep breaths throughout your training sessions. Controlled breathing helps you stay calm and conserve energy.

Build Cardio Endurance – Incorporate cardiovascular exercises such as running, swimming, or cycling into your fitness routine to improve your overall stamina.

Maintaining Good Posture and Balance – this will help you breathe better and avoid getting swept or submitted.

Pace Yourself – Avoid going all out at the beginning of a sparring session. Instead, pace yourself and manage your energy to last the entire round.

Ignoring Defence

Beginners often prioritise learning offensive techniques like submissions and sweeps while neglecting defensive skills. This can leave them vulnerable during sparring sessions.

Emphasize Defence – Spend time learning and practicing defensive techniques such as escapes, guard retention, and counters. A strong defence is crucial for surviving and advancing in BJJ.

Stay Calm Under Pressure – When you find yourself in a bad position, stay calm and think about your defensive options. Panicking will only worsen the situation.

Learn from Mistakes – If you get caught in a submission or lose position, analyse what went wrong and learn from it. Understanding your mistakes will help you improve your defence.

Lack of Consistency

Inconsistent training is a common pitfall for beginners. Irregular attendance and long breaks between sessions can significantly slow down your progress.

Set a Schedule – Establish a regular training schedule and stick to it. Consistency is key to improving your skills and building muscle memory.

Stay Committed – Treat your BJJ training as a priority and make time for it, even when life gets busy. Regular practice is essential for continuous improvement.

Track Your Progress – Keep a training journal to track your techniques, drills, and sparring experiences. Reviewing your progress can keep you motivated and focused on your goals.

Some other mistakes beginners often make:

• Not drilling enough – Practice makes perfect, and drilling is crucial in BJJ. Beginners should spend plenty of time drilling fundamental techniques to build muscle memory and improve their technique.
• Not tapping early – It’s important to tap early when caught in a submission to avoid injury. Beginners may resist tapping out and end up getting injured, which can set them back in their training.

By being aware of these common mistakes and taking proactive steps to avoid them, you can accelerate your progress and enjoy a more fulfilling training experience. Remember, BJJ is a marathon, not a sprint. Embrace the process and think of every stumble as a chance to rise stronger. Don’t be discouraged by the initial challenges – they are the stepping stones to mastering a martial art. With dedication, patience, and an open mindset, you can overcome the common pitfalls that many beginners face.

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