Jiu-Jitsu Training Advice I Wish I Had Heard As A Beginner

Breathe.

It’s the easiest thing and the hardest thing. Being new to training, or anything for that matter, is stressful physically and psychologically. You’ll be told to relax or be patient or some variation of this. Take that time to focus on your breath.

Whenever you can replace an abstract concept with an actionable one, such as focusing on your breath when you’re told to relax, it is a good thing.

So if you want to relax, focus on your breath.

If you want to attack, focus on your defense first.

If you want to win, first figure out how not to lose.

Learn how to maintain motivation and direction while not being too emotionally invested in the outcome. Even at the height of competition or fighting, recognize you have work ahead of you and go to it.

The more present you can be in the moment, not excessively stressed about the future or regretful to the past, the more focused and ultimately successful you will be.