5 Tips for Getting Better at Jiu Jitsu: Advice from North Burnaby BJJ

Hey guys, it's Instructor Phillip from North Burnaby Brazilian Jiu Jitsu! I'm super passionate about Jiu Jitsu and always looking for ways to improve my skills on the mats. Whether you're a seasoned competitor or just starting out, I've got some tips to help you get better at Jiu Jitsu.

Tip #1: Train Regularly

If you want to get better at Jiu Jitsu, you gotta put in the work. Try to make it to as many classes as possible and don't be shy about asking your instructors for feedback. The more you train, the faster you'll see results.

Tip #2: Focus on the Basics

At North Burnaby BJJ, we believe that mastering the basics is crucial for success in Jiu Jitsu. Focus on getting your fundamentals down pat before moving onto more complex techniques. A solid foundation will help you build a strong game and make it easier to learn new moves later on.

Tip #3: Take Notes

I've found that taking notes is super helpful when learning new techniques. Write down the steps involved in a move to help you remember it later. It's also a good idea to review your notes before class to refresh your memory and help you get the most out of your training.

Tip #4: Drill, Drill, Drill

Repetition is key when it comes to improving your Jiu Jitsu skills. Don't be afraid to ask a training partner to drill with you outside of class, or spend a few extra minutes working on a technique after class. The more you drill, the more confident you'll be when it comes time to use the move in a live roll.

Tip #5: Have Fun!

Jiu Jitsu can be tough, but it should also be fun! I believe that having a positive attitude is essential for success on the mats. Don't be too hard on yourself if you don't get a technique right away, and don't forget to enjoy the process of learning and growing as a martial artist.

So there you have it, five tips to help you get better at Jiu Jitsu. Whether you're a current student or thinking about joining the North Burnaby Jiu Jitsu Team, I hope this advice helps you on your Jiu Jitsu journey. See you on the mats!

3 Reason Why You Should Try BJJ

Hi Everyone, here are three reasons on why you should try BJJ!

  1. Improved Physical Fitness: BJJ is a workout that builds strength, flexibility, endurance, and balance. It’s an intense workout that will definitely help you get into shape!

  2. Mental and Emotional Benefits: Jiu Jitsu can help out with reducing stress, enhance concentration, and provides a sense of community and belonging.

  3. Self-Defense: BJJ is a highly effective form of self-defense. We teach both standing and ground techniques, giving you the skills you need to protect yourself in a potentially dangerous situation. Practicing BJJ will also increase your confidence, which is a valuable tool in a self-defense scenario.

If you are looking to improve your fitness or just looking for something new to do. Give us a call to book your free trial class today!

New Years means new years resolutions

Two popular resolutions without a doubt have to be: Learn something new and get into shape. There is no better way to accomplish both of those by starting to train in a Jiu Jitsu program.

A lot of people who don't practice have the idea that a BJJ gym is comprised by a bunch of "meatheads" that just want o beat people up but that couldn't be further from the truth. After you start you will be surprised and shocked to realize the average practitioner is simply a normal unimposing person just like yourself. The second thing you will be surprised about is how much of a sense of community and family there is amongst the members. The nice thing about that is that all these people become your informal support group to keep you focused on your new years resolutions!

 

BJJ as a Beginner

What to expect... In the mind of a beginner, starting something new let alone a martial art, is an intimidating thing. The key to success is accepting that you know nothing at the beginning and forgetting everything you think you know right at the start. Your instructor and team mates are there to help you. At any good school, they will support you and show you how to get started. Even though a lot of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practice is based on sparring, the likelihood of getting injured from it is very low.

Why is it like this? The Jiu Jitsu and martial arts culture is very zen for starters, everyone is a beginner and is also still learning. If you are in a school where on your first day your teammates are trying to show you how good they are, you are in the wrong place. At the end of class you should always feel as though you have learned something or have improved on  a skill you already have.

Your first day will likely be comprised of learning basic positions and drilling a few simple techniques. If you are in a situation where you are "rolling" for the first time, the session should be based on holding a certain basic position until you are comfortable to move on.

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Tapping out...  This is something everyone does and for good reason. Jiu Jitsu isn't like striking martial arts where there isn't the opportunity to tap out - its completely safe. When things are too much and you hit your limit, you tap and start over. Tapping out should never be associated with "giving up", rather tapping out is starting over. In fact, its a great opportunity to ask questions and find out what you did to get yourself in the position to tap. When you are learning, tapping out is a necessity. If you are not tapping, you are not learning.