Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is often described as “human chess” for its strategic depth and technical complexity. While time on the mat is invaluable, true mastery requires more than just showing up to class. Watching and studying BJJ outside of your regular training sessions can profoundly enhance your understanding and execution of the art.
Here’s why supplementing your mat time with off-the-mat study is a game-changer for your development in BJJ.
Reinforces What You’ve Learned
BJJ classes are packed with techniques, drills, and rolling sessions, and it’s easy to forget details as you move from one lesson to the next. Watching instructional videos, competition footage, or breakdowns of techniques allows you to revisit and reinforce concepts you’ve already learned.
This repetition helps you retain techniques more effectively and develop a deeper understanding of their nuances.
Speeds Up Your Learning Curve
One of the best ways to learn is by observing. When you watch high-level practitioners execute techniques, you gain insights into timing, positioning, and transitions that might take years to grasp solely through practice.
For example, observing how a competitor sets up a guard pass or defends a submission gives you ideas to try in your next session. Over time, these small additions to your knowledge accelerate your progress.
Introduces New Perspectives and Styles
Every BJJ practitioner has a unique style, influenced by their body type, preferences, and experiences. Watching different grapplers—whether it’s a lanky guard player, a heavy top-game specialist, or a submission hunter—broadens your perspective and exposes you to diverse strategies.
By studying various styles, you can experiment and discover what works best for you, ultimately making your game more versatile and adaptable.
Improves Your Problem-Solving Skills
In BJJ, you’re constantly faced with problems to solve, whether it’s escaping a bad position or setting up a submission. Watching BJJ matches or instructional content teaches you how others approach similar challenges.
For instance, if you struggle to escape side control, watching experts break down escapes can give you new tools and strategies to implement in your rolls.
Helps You Understand the “Why” Behind Techniques
In class, you’re often focused on the “how” of techniques—how to execute a sweep, how to apply a choke. Studying BJJ outside of class helps you explore the “why.” Why does this grip matter? Why does this setup lead to success?
Understanding the underlying principles of BJJ deepens your comprehension and allows you to apply techniques more effectively and creatively.
Provides Mental Reps When You Can’t Train
Whether you’re nursing an injury, traveling, or unable to attend class for any reason, studying BJJ keeps you mentally engaged with the art. Watching matches or reviewing techniques in your downtime helps you stay connected and ensures you’re still making progress, even when you’re off the mat.
Sharpens Your Ability to Analyze
Breaking down matches or techniques sharpens your analytical skills. You’ll start to notice patterns, common mistakes, and subtle details that elevate a move from good to great.
This analytical mindset translates directly to your rolls. You’ll begin to recognize opportunities and anticipate your opponent’s movements more effectively.
Develop Your Game Plan
Watching BJJ outside of class isn’t just about learning individual techniques—it’s about building your overall game. Studying how top practitioners string together sequences helps you develop your strategies and systems.
For example, if you’re a guard player, watching a competitor like Bernardo Faria can inspire you to refine your sweeps, transitions, and submissions into a cohesive game plan.
Tips for Studying BJJ Effectively Outside of Class
If you’re ready to enhance your BJJ journey by studying outside of class, here are some tips to get started:
- Watch Purposefully: Don’t just passively watch matches or videos. Focus on specific techniques, positions, or strategies you want to improve.
- Take Notes: Jot down key details, concepts, or “aha” moments you can revisit later.
- Revisit and Drill: Take what you’ve learned from studying and try it out during open mats or sparring sessions.
- Diversify Your Resources: Explore instructionals, competition footage, and breakdowns to get a well-rounded perspective.
- Ask Questions: Share what you’ve learned with your coach or training partners and get their input.
Balance On- and Off-Mat Learning
While studying BJJ outside of class is invaluable, it’s not a substitute for time on the mat. The combination of hands-on practice and off-the-mat study creates a powerful synergy that accelerates your growth.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a lifelong journey of learning, adapting, and evolving. By studying BJJ outside of class, you take an active role in your development, enhancing your understanding and skills at a faster pace.
So, grab your notebook, queue up some matches or instructional videos, and start exploring. The more you invest in studying BJJ, the more rewarding your time on the mat will become.
Keep learning, keep rolling, and watch your game flourish. 🥋