22 Jan Top 10 Common Mistakes Beginners Make in BJJ (and How to Avoid Them)
1. Not Focusing on Fundamentals
Mistake:
Many beginners get excited about learning flashy techniques and submissions, often neglecting the fundamental positions and movements that form the foundation of BJJ.
How to Avoid It:
Focus on mastering basic techniques like guard, mount, side control, and escapes. A solid foundation will make it easier to learn more advanced moves in the future. Consistently drilling the basics will also improve your understanding of BJJ and help you flow naturally in sparring.
2. Using Too Much Strength
Mistake:
Beginners often rely on brute strength to win battles on the mat, rather than using technique and leverage. This can lead to exhaustion, inefficient movements, and poor positioning.
How to Avoid It:
Instead of muscling through techniques, focus on leveraging your body. BJJ is all about using technique and positioning to control your opponent, not raw power. Train to be efficient with your movements and learn to use your opponent’s energy to your advantage.
3. Neglecting Proper Breathing
Mistake:
Holding your breath during rolling or drills is a common mistake, especially when you’re under pressure or in a bad position.
How to Avoid It:
Learn to breathe steadily even when you’re exerting yourself. Proper breathing helps you maintain energy and stay calm during tough moments. Practice breathing techniques during drills and sparring so that it becomes second nature.
4. Focusing Too Much on Winning
Mistake:
Many beginners come to BJJ with a competitive mindset, constantly focusing on winning during sparring sessions, which can lead to frustration if they don’t succeed.
How to Avoid It:
Shift your focus from winning to learning and improving. Sparring is an opportunity to test techniques and experiment with new movements. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes or tap out. Each roll, win or lose, is a chance to learn.
5. Not Tapping Early Enough
Mistake:
Some beginners try to “tough it out” and refuse to tap when caught in a submission, either out of pride or the fear of losing.
How to Avoid It:
Tap early when you feel a submission is locked in. It’s important to recognize when you’re caught and tap before injury occurs. Tapping isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of smart training. Remember, tapping is part of the learning process.
6. Ignoring the Importance of Positional Control
Mistake:
New practitioners often chase submissions too quickly without first securing a dominant position, leading to poor control and easy escapes by their opponents.
How to Avoid It:
Before going for submissions, secure a dominant position such as mount or side control. Once you have control, you’ll have a better chance of successfully applying submissions. Focus on maintaining control and working from strong positions rather than rushing for submissions.
7. Not Asking for Feedback
Mistake:
Beginners often don’t seek feedback from more experienced practitioners, which can slow down their progress and leave them unaware of key mistakes they’re making.
How to Avoid It:
Be proactive about seeking feedback from instructors and training partners. Ask them specific questions like, “How could I have escaped better from that position?” or “Was I using the right grip on that submission?” Feedback is invaluable for growth in BJJ.
8. Underestimating the Importance of Drilling
Mistake:
While rolling (sparring) is an important part of BJJ, some beginners neglect repetition of techniques during drilling, which is where muscle memory is built.
How to Avoid It:
Make drilling a regular part of your training routine. Repetition is key to internalizing techniques so that they come naturally during sparring. Practice slowly and with intention, focusing on the details of each movement.
9. Forgetting to Protect Your Neck and Limbs
Mistake:
In the heat of the moment, beginners can sometimes forget to protect vital areas like their neck, arms, and legs, making them susceptible to submissions.
How to Avoid It:
Always be mindful of your body position. Defend your neck and limbs by keeping your posture strong, avoiding “giving up” submissions, and maintaining awareness of potential threats. Make it a habit to keep your elbows tight and your neck protected during sparring.
10. Comparing Yourself to Others
Mistake:
It’s easy to get discouraged when you see other practitioners progressing faster or performing advanced techniques. Comparing your progress to others can lead to frustration.
How to Avoid It:
Focus on your own journey. BJJ is a personal skill that requires time and consistent effort. Celebrate your own improvements, no matter how small, and don’t rush the process. Everyone progresses at their own pace, and your unique journey will be shaped by your dedication.
Conclusion: Avoid These Mistakes to Improve Faster in BJJ
Making mistakes in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is part of the learning process, but being aware of common errors and how to avoid them can accelerate your progress. Focus on mastering the fundamentals, using proper technique over strength, and embracing each loss as an opportunity to grow. With patience, consistency, and the right mindset, you’ll avoid these common pitfalls and become a more skilled and confident practitioner.
