Embarking on your journey in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is an exhilarating experience filled with growth and discovery. However, like any martial art, it comes with its own set of challenges and common pitfalls that beginners often encounter. Understanding these pitfalls and how to navigate them can significantly enhance your learning curve and enjoyment of the sport. Today, we at Champion Jiu Jitsu would like to discuss the common mistakes beginners mistakes many BJJ novices make and how you can steer clear of them.
Over-Reliance on Physical Strength
A prevalent error among BJJ novices is depending too much on physical attributes such as strength or flexibility to execute techniques. While these can provide initial advantages, they are no substitute for proper technique. Many new practitioners, especially those with athletic backgrounds, tend to muscle their way through submissions or rely on flexibility to escape tough positions. However, this approach only works to a certain extent. As you progress and face more skilled opponents, technique becomes paramount. The key is to prioritize learning correct technique from the outset.
Neglecting the Guard Game
Another common mistake beginners make is neglecting their guard skills in favor of focusing solely on passing and achieving dominant positions, which can be particularly challenging for those with wrestling backgrounds. Consider this: if you constantly concentrate on passing guard, what happens when you inevitably find yourself on your back? Without a solid guard game, you’ll struggle to defend effectively. It’s crucial to dedicate ample time to developing your guard skills alongside your passing and top game. Practice guard retention techniques, work on sweeps and basic submissions from guard positions, and experiment with different types of guards to discover what suits you best.
Focus on Mastering a Few Guard Passes
While it’s essential to emphasize guard play, it’s equally important not to neglect passing altogether. Instead of fixating on flashy passes seen in higher belts, concentrate on mastering 2-3 fundamental passes. Proficiency in these basic techniques will serve you well as you progress through belt levels. Effective guard passing involves employing proper technique and body positioning to neutralize your opponent’s defenses and create opportunities. Start by mastering foundational passes like the toreando, double under, and over under. Emphasize maintaining good posture, centering your weight, and controlling your opponent’s hips. Repeat these drills until they become second nature.
Learn to Remain Calm in Unfavorable Positions
Whether trapped in side control, mount, or back control, maintaining composure and having a strong escape strategy can mean the difference between survival and submission. Escaping unfavorable positions isn’t about sheer strength; it’s about leveraging technique and leverage to create space and escape opportunities. Focus on fundamental escapes like the upa and elbow escape. Remember those hip escape drills? They form the foundation of most escapes. And remember, tapping out in practice is a learning experience, not a failure.
Staying Relaxed During Sparring Sessions
One of the biggest challenges for BJJ beginners is learning to remain calm and composed during sparring sessions. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the intensity, especially against more experienced opponents. However, tensing up and holding your breath only drains your energy and increases the likelihood of mistakes. Observing higher belts during their rolls reveals that they maintain composure even during fast-paced exchanges. While this ability improves with experience, actively working on staying calm during sparring sessions will undoubtedly enhance your overall performance.
How Many Times a Week Should a Beginner Do BJJ?
We have found that training two to three times per week strikes a balance between practice and recovery. It allows beginners to gradually build up their physical conditioning and BJJ techniques without overtaxing the body.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Mixed Martial Arts in Chesterfield, Michigan (Just Minutes from New Baltimore, Anchor Bay, New Haven, Fair Haven, Marine City, Algonac, Harsens Island, Clay Twp, Casco, Macomb and Richmond, MI)
Ultimately, by avoiding these common mistakes and focusing on fundamental techniques and composure, beginners can lay a solid foundation for their Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey. Call or come by Champion Jiu Jitsu to begin your training today!
