8 Tips To Progress At BJJ Faster

Everyone that starts BJJ training always has the same question. How can I get good at BJJ faster?

The short answer is hard work, but for those beginners reading let’s elaborate a little further.

In this article, we will outline 8 tips on how to progress at BJJ faster. 

These 8 tips below are the key if you’re looking to know how to get good at BJJ faster. Carefully read through all of these tips and put them into practice in order to really progress at Jiu-Jitsu.

How long does it take to get good at Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

This is a hard question to answer because there isn’t a specific time frame on when you’ll get good. Some people can get good within a year and for others, it could take several years.

Even then, black belts that practice Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu will always feel like their games are lacking. BJJ is a martial art where you’ll constantly go through highs and lows between feeling like you’re good or awful.

Just know that nothing happens overnight and it takes time to get good at Brazilain Jiu-Jitsu.

Train BJJ regularly

There is no way around how to get good at BJJ other than that you must train regularly. Training constantly is the primary thing you must do in order to get good at Jiu-Jitsu.

To progress faster at BJJ, you must make regular training an important part of your routine. Training anywhere from 2-5 days a week will keep you gradually progressing through the ranks in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Keeping in between this range is a place to be if you want to get better at BJJ.

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Listen to your BJJ instructor

On top of constant training, you must also leave your ego at the door and listen to your instructor. Your instructor has dedicated their life to BJJ and has worked hard to be the best they can be.

They have more experience than you and know BJJ on a level you can’t even grasp yet. So the best thing you can do is pay attention and listen to everything that your instructor says.

Once you listen and allow yourself to be taught then you will start progressing at the martial art.

Work on your strength and conditioning

how to get better at bjj

You don’t just get good from what you do on the mat, but also what you do off of it. That’s why many grapplers improve their games by dedicating some of their time to doing strength and conditioning.

Doing strength and conditioning is something that separates BJJ competitors from hobbyists. Taking time to improve your cardio or strength will have a huge impact on your BJJ game.

Types of strength and conditioning you can do to improve at Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu include:

  • Running
  • Weight Lifting
  • HIIT Training
  • Circuit Training
  • Crossfit Training

Mixing in these types of training will have numerous positive impacts on your BJJ. But remember, your strength and conditioning will also improve from regular BJJ training.

Improve your flexibility

Good flexibility is another important aspect of how to get good at BJJ faster. You could even argue that it’s more important than doing strength and conditioning.

In BJJ, your body is forced into positions that it may not be accustomed to being in. When you’re not flexible, this can lead to severe injuries if you’re not careful.

So to avoid injury, be sure to dedicate time each week to improve your flexibility. Take at least 5-15 minutes a day to go through a stretching routine. Focus primarily on dynamic stretches and yoga poses that improve your flexibility and strengthen your joints.

If you remember to stretch every day, then you decrease the chances of injury from not being flexible.

Focus on your nutrition

Unless you’re a teenager that can eat anything you want without any consequences, you must focus on your nutrition. All of the top BJJ athletes took their abilities to the next level once they realized the importance of their nutrition.

We won’t promote any specific type of diet but will give you two important tips to remember. Drink a lot of water and have a balanced diet that consists of natural foods.

Your body is only as good as what you put in it. If you decide to make your nutrition a priority, then you’ll see big improvements in your BJJ.

Focus on your recovery

What’s arguably more important than your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training is your recovery. Rest and recovery is something a lot of people forget to make a priority.

Going as hard as you can all the time may sound like a good idea, but it isn’t sustainable. Sooner or later, your body will break down if you don’t optimise your recovery. You’ll be stuck in an endless cycle of burning yourself out and building yourself back up.

That’s why you need to focus on your recovery. Aim to get 6-8 hours of sleep a night and listen to your body. If you’re feeling sore or injured, take a day or two off and train when you feel better.

By doing this you’ll be able to train better and more consistently.

Leave your ego at the door

progress faster at bjj

This was mentioned earlier in the article, but we’ll expand on it. If you want to get good at Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu you must leave your ego at the door.

BJJ is a martial art that will humble you. Especially if you don’t put your ego aside when you start training.

You’re going to lose a lot and if you have an ego, then you probably won’t last long. Teammates won’t want to train with you and your instructor won’t want to teach you. 

That’s why you need to stay humble and have no ego in order to get better at Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Don’t quit BJJ

Probably the best tip you can get for how to get better at Jiu-Jitsu is simple. Just don’t quit.

Don’t be consumed with how long it will take you to progress at BJJ. The important thing is that you enjoy the journey and never quit.

Most of the veteran black blacks will tell you the same thing. The fighters that make it to black belt aren’t all the best. They are the ones that didn’t quit.

Getting better at Brazilain Jiu-Jitsu is all about training consistently and never quitting.

How To Get Good At BJJ Faster

If you want to know how to get good at BJJ faster, these tips will help you on your journey. They may not seem like anything profound, but the best tips are always the most simple ones.

Remember to train consistently, listen to your instructor, build your strength, rest, and leave your ego at the door.

Also, the last and most important thing to remember to get better is to enjoy the process and have fun. If you’re not having fun, then you’ll eventually stop training altogether.

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Gareth Davies

I'm a martial arts competitor and enthusiast. Over the last 15 years, I have trained and competed in several martial arts. I live in Manchester U.K working as a strength & conditioning coach when I'm not travelling and exploring martial arts around the world.
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